Panama

Is this how you picture Panama?

The other day, in a class, we discussed Americans perception of people outside our country.  There are many folks who refuse to travel abroad and therefore have a somewhat skewed opinion of what life is all about outside the US of A.

In a few weeks Dave and I are going to Panama.  Neither of us has seen the Panama Canal, the eighth wonder of the world.  We're excited.

Meanwhile, a global poll came out recently on how people feel about their lives.  It's based on five facets:

• Sense of Purpose
• Social Connections
• Community
• Finances
• Physical Vigor

Or is this how you picture Panama?

Panama ranked Number One over all.  Countries in the Americas and Northern Europe rank highest, and those in sub-Saharan Africa rank lowest.  And just 1% of people in conflict-torn Syria and Afghanistan were found to be thriving.  

Here is how the USA ranked:

• 15th for social well-being
• 18th for sense of purpose
• 21st for financial well-being
• 25th for both physical well-being and community

What does this poll say to me?  Maybe we can learn something from our neighbors.  By the way, Costa Rica ranked second highest.  We're going there as well.  

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