Once again, for 2019 Panama ranks among the happiest countries in the world on the happiness index (Gallup). In fact, it ranks 2nd in happiness for 2019, beaten to first place by Paraguay. The other countries where people are happiest are Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Belize, Chile, Denmark, Guatemala, Austria and Mexico.
The five questions asked to “measure” happiness are:
- Did you:
- feel well-rested yesterday?
- smile or laugh a lot yesterday?
- learn or do something interesting yesterday?
- experience the following feelings during a lot of the day yesterday? How about enjoyment?
- Were you treated with respect all day yesterday?
But does that mean YOU will find happiness in Panama
That depends.
What are you looking for when you move to Panama?
If you retire to Panama, getting away from harsh winters in the Northern hemisphere might be your priority. Consider whether or not you want to live all year round in Panama, or simply be “a snow bird”. Additionally, how tied is your happiness to spending time with your family and friends “back home” or internationally? How easy will it be for you to travel back and forth to your home country?
If you establish a business in Panama, this also limits how often and for how long you can leave the country – depending on the nature of your business. Do you want live in Panama, tied to running a business locally?
Does the heat & humidity affect your wellbeing?
While Panama has hot, dry summers – the rest of the year the tropical weather brings humidity. Will living in constant humidity and rainforest conditions affect your happiness and wellbeing?
Are you willing to living indoors with air-conditioning during the hottest part of the day? Can you envision yourself sweating with the humid heat? How important is it to be outdoors?
Consider also the effect of the mosquitos (no – not as big as the mosquitos in Florida, Texas or Louisiana), chitra (no-see-ems), and other insects. How do you feel about snakes and other creepy-crawlies?
Internet, TV channels and other first world amenities
Another aspect tied to happiness is your attachment to certain first world amenities. Before you decide to move to Panama “for sure” – make sure you know the available amenities you consider important. Which amenities are essential to you? Where will you find them? Can you live without all of them if you have to choose?
Are you completely comfortable living in a country where Spanish is the principal language and you might not find fluent English staff for everything you need?
Whether or not you will find happiness in Panama depends on you. Mastering your expectations – conscious and subconscious – and bringing them all into your awareness.