Nicholas D. Krist of the New York Times claims that Costa Rica is one of the happiest places in the world because it has abolished its army and spends that money instead on education. He might be right, but first there would have to be some indication that it is indeed one of the best places to live and that its education system is in fact good (not just expensive). That doesn't look like happening any time soon:

• Legatum Prosperity Index: 32/104
• Average Life Satisfaction Ranking: 19/104
• Per Capita GDP Ranking: 53/104
• WEF Global Competitiveness Index: 55/133
• UN Human Development Index: 50/179
• Heritage/WSJ Economic Freedom Index: 46/178
• TI Corruption Perceptions Index: 47/180
• Vision of Humanity Global Peace Index: 29/144