Costa Rica is known as one of the happiest countries in the world, a fact that has been widely publicized and even adopted by the national tourism board (ICT)  in an effort to attract even more visitors to our nation. This happiness has been attributed to our commitment to environmental protection, and it is inferred from self-reporting among Ticos; but when it comes to more personal matters of optimism, satisfaction and hope among women, Ticas rank far behind the women of Brazil in happiness.

A study published last month by the Getulio Vargas Foundation based on data collected by respected polling firm Gallup, Brazilian women are the happiest in the world, followed by Danish women. In Latin America, the country that came the closest to Brazil is Argentina, ranked 23^rd among 158 countries. The lovely Ticas follow in 24^th place.

If Costa Rica considered herself the happiest place on Earth just a few years ago, what has happened to the opinion of our women since then? Brazilian economists have the answer.

Economic Growth

“Does money bring happiness? We can’t ignore that fact”, explained economist Marcelo Neri at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro. With this statement, Neri made reference to the enormous economic growth experienced by Brazil in the last decade. Brazil’s GDP may not have risen much in 2011 -less than 3 percent, but considering the sheer industrial output of the South American giant, one can imagine there is a lot of money to go around.

Personal income for Brazilian women rose 120 percent between 2003 and 2011, while the income of Brazilian men rose by 95 percent.

Poverty rates have tumbled in Brazil, a staggering 7.9 percent in 2011 alone. And in terms of education, Brazilian women are taking the lead. In 1992, women in Brazil averaged just 5 years of education, while in 2009 that average jumped to 7.4 percent -even higher than their male counterparts.

“If the future belongs to those who are educated, then the future in Brazil belongs to women”, stated Neri. He added that “Brazil is developing social policies that give preference to women. Perhaps that’s why they are happier.”

A sample of the comments made by Brazilian women who were surveyed in the study reveal that their employment and financial status played a significant factor in their satisfaction. Journalist Sonia Toledo stated:

“My daughter’s healthy and I’m working. I’m on the right track in relation to the job market, and thus I’m able to relax and drink a beer every now and then.”

Here’s chef Suzana Flores:

“What am I missing? Funding sources to improve my business and pocket money for expansion and cultural growth. We still need better salaries, and we need men to value our work and who we are.”

Happier Without Men

According to an article written by Fabiana Frayssinet and published in Periodistas in Espanol, the absence of a male romantic partner does not impinge upon the happiness of Brazilian women. According to the study cited above, there is a global trend that indicates single women are generally happier and more hopeful than those who are married.

Once again, money comes into play. It just so happens that single, widowed, divorce, and separated Brazilian women enjoy per capita income that is on average 30 percent higher than their married counterparts.

Source: Periodistas En Espanol