About a week ago I wrote an article about  the 60th anniversary of the abolition of the armed forces in Costa Rica. This unique event occurred on December 1, 1948. Since that day the country’s military bases have become schools.

The abolition of the army has brought numerous benefits to the Costa Rican people. First, universal “cradle to grave” medical care for all Costa Ricans and legal residents with special emphasis on preventative health care and special services for children, women and seniors. Second,  the second highest literacy rate in Latin America and percentage of children attending school. Third, an average life expectancy of over 75 years. Fourth, Costa Rica occupies third place in Latin America in the number of computers per person. Other benefits are  100% natural coverage in telecommunications, drinking water, electricity and social security.

Furthermore, with no army and the most stable government south of the U.S. Costa Rica doesn’t run the risk of military takeovers as in many other Latin American countries. Since Costa Rica is such a small country, voters can participate more directly in the democratic process.  People settle arguments at the ballot box, not on the battlefield. Each vote carries more weight, so politicians are more accessible and have more contact with the people. Costa Ricans approach the presidential elections with such enthusiasm that they celebrate Election Day as if it were a big party or national holiday.  People wearing party colors, honking cars and bands playing Latin music all contribute to the festive atmosphere. For the last presidential election the turnout was about 90 percent— a figure that dwarfs the United States,’ meager 50-percent turnout.

Costa Rica has no enemies or terrorism.

What other country in the world has all of the attributes mentioned above?  This is why Costa Rica is the world’s number one retirement haven.