Every year a constantly expanding network of editors, correspondents and contributors around the world, of the famous travel magazine International Living provides the information, the recommendations on the ground and creates an index of the best countries to retire.
This year 2021 the first place has been achieved by Costa Rica, with a score of 85.2% surpassing countries such as Italy, Peru, Spain, France, Mexico or Panama.
The highest score obtained by Costa Rica is in the health care category with 97%, followed by Entertainment and Development tied with 92%, Benefits with 88%, followed by Visas / Residency with 86% and cost of living with 84%. The climate as well as Governance reach a score of 80%, Opportunity with 79% and finally accommodation with 74%.
Costa Rica strategically located between North and South America, is a country that manages to attract many visitors all year round mainly for its natural beauty, tropical climate, better cost of living, friendly locals, many options in real estate and first world medical care at excellent prices.
Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948 and invests that budget in education and health. That is why it manages to have a lot of peace in the midst of political and civil unrest in its neighboring countries.
Twenty-five percent of its territory is protected land through national parks and wildlife refuges, which is why Costa Rica is famous as a great defender of the environment worldwide.
Costa Rica offers a lifestyle with many physical and recreational activities that help improve the physical and mental state of its inhabitants such as golf, horseback riding, sport fishing, surfing, yoga and walks through the forests.
There is no doubt that living in a healthy environment benefits us, and Costa Rica offers abundant healthy options of vegetables, fruits, organic eggs, seafood of all kinds and grass-fed meats all year round.
The country offers a place for every taste as it has different climatic zones with varied microclimates, many people enjoy the eternal spring in the central valley, the landscape and the jungles of the Caribbean, others in the warm and dry waters of the Pacific Ocean.
COVID has hit the whole world, especially the economy and health systems, Costa Rica has not been the exception. Still, the country offers a resilient population, progressive vision, and natural beauty to enjoy as we move into a post-pandemic world.