Panama does it again. Gallup surveyed people from every country in the world and measured five key elements of their well-being.
Panama not only came in first, but came in far above any other country…. again. Panamanians were especially “thriving” in the areas of Purpose, Social, Community and Physical well-being.
This may help to explain why so many expats and tourists feel uplifted in Panama. The people are thriving and that is bound to rub off.
Consider Panama for a visit. Or, if you want to feel particularly great, consider Boquete… read last year’s report Is Boquete the World’s Happiest Place?
From the Source: Gallup excerpts on Panama in 2015
“The Gallup-Healthways Global Well-Being Index is an extension of seven years of research and more than 2 million interviews in the U.S. through the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. The Global Well-Being Index is a global barometer of individuals’ perceptions of their well-being and is the largest recent study of its kind. Data collection spanned 145 countries and areas and more than 146,000 interviews in 2014….
At the regional level, the Americas have the highest percentages of residents thriving in three or more elements and lead other regions in purpose, social, community and physical well-being. Latin Americans in particular have higher levels of well-being than any other regional group. Residents of many Latin American countries are among the most likely in the world to report daily positive experiences such as smiling and laughing, feeling enjoyment, and feeling treated with respect each day.
Panama Leads the World in Purpose and Physical Well-Being
For the second year, Panamanians have the highest levels of purpose well-being (60.5% thriving) and physical well-being (52.2% thriving). They also tie with other countries for the top spot in social and community well-being. Factors contributing to this peak level of global well-being may include Panama’s Latin American cultural predisposition that is associated with higher levels of positivity than other regions. Its relative political stability, a strong and growing economy in 2014, and investments in national development may also be contributing factors to higher levels of well-being in Panama.
Panama Again Leads the World in Well-Being
For the second consecutive year, Panama leads the world in well-being, with 53% of residents considered thriving in three or more elements.”
Quotes from this year’s press coverage:
Bloomberg Business:“These 10 Countries Boast the World’s Highest Share of Thriving Citizens<
June 25, 2015, by Flavia Krause-Jackson & Sangwon Yoon
The latest Gallup-Healthways well-being ranking puts Panama — a sliver of land with one of the world’s busiest shipping routes — as the place to be, along with its Central American neighbors. There are half as many Panamanians as New Yorkers, but it seems they are better off even when their gross domestic product per capita is $11,036, a fifth that of the U.S.”
City A.M. London: “Happiest countries in the world? Panama wins – while the UK comes a mere 44th”
June 26, 2015, Emma Haslett
“When it comes to having that inner glow, it turns out Panamanians are way ahead of us in the UK. That’s according to a newly-published analysis of global wellbeing, anyway, which ranked Panama as the happiest country in the world – while the UK comes a mere 44th.”
NPR: U.S. Slips In World Well-Being Rankings; Panama Is No. 1
June 24, 2015, Bill Chappell
“Panama took the top spot for the second straight year in the Gallup-Healthways Country Well-Being report, with Costa Rica second. Switzerland was the top European country, in fourth. At No. 23, the U.S. is one spot behind Israel and one ahead of Canada.
If you’re looking to boost your own well-being, you might want to boost your leisure activities — maybe even take a vacation. As NPR reported in 2009, the benefits can include “lower blood pressure, lower stress hormones and smaller waists.”
Here are some of last year’s report on this well-being phenomenon from Casa Solution:
Related:
Gallup Video on Panama Happiness – Casa Solution
“World’s happiest country: how did Panama overtake Denmark?” – The Guardian – Casa Solution
More Worldwide coverage – Casa Solution
Move over Disneyland – Is Boquete the World’s Happiest Place? – Casa Solution
