Colombia offers the best of both worlds—the good and the bad. The land once infamously placed on the map by a man named Pablo Escobar also happens to be regarded as one of the world's happiest places.
Colombians found plenty of reasons to be happy about in their lives. They enjoy plenty of year-round festivities, liberate themselves to the tune of the salsa dance and developed a sense of indifference to the series of misfortunes and wars in the country. Biologist Oscar Gilde of the Colombian Highlands tour company told BBC News that the people have considered misfortunes that have not touched them directly as reasons to "feel grateful, satisfied, optimistic, lucky."
The predominantly Catholic nation has a peaceful co-existence with its Muslim migrants despite the terrorism that's taken the rest of the world in storm. The current government led by President Juan Miguel Santos signed a peace agreement with the country's oldest and largest left-wing rebels FARC. Even Escobar's Medellin has seen a turnaround in the recent times.
A local named Carolina Ramirez pointed out that crime still remains to crop up and that "invisible walls" still exist but she's optimistic that the country has already been through the worst of war, drugs and prostitution. She said, "There's more opportunity for young people to study and work and construct a life now."
This South American country wracked with half a century of civil war, incessant violence and a depressed economy clinched the title of the world's happiest country in 2012, as revealed by a poll conducted by WIN/Gallup International Association. According to Huffington Post, the "Global Barometer of Hope and Happiness" studied 54 countries and asked the citizens to gauge their level of happiness in life.
The Colombians came up even doubly happy than any other people in the world. They also revealed to be optimistic about their economy and to share some of the most upbeat personalities in the world.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
