Volunteer in These Happiest Countries in the World

Don’t we all want to live in our own happy place? See it for yourself how happiness is embodied around the world when you take a step out and immerse yourself in the cultures you might not know of! Take a step to build a global community by volunteering abroad in these happiest countries in the world with United Planet.

1. Costa Rica

Costa Rica homes a great and broad range of species in the world. Ranking first on the happiest countries’ list by the Happy Planet Index report, The Costa Ricans have a higher well-being than the those in the USA and UK. Also, fun fact: Did you know that in 2015, the country produced 99% of its electricity from renewable resources? Take a peek at how they’re achieving it with United Planet’s short- and long-term projects. You can volunteer for environmental and sustainability as well as children and education, global health, and community development.

MORE INFO: Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica

Ashlee Butler testimonial on her short-term quest to Costa Rica

“I enjoyed getting to know and help the surrounding community in Montezuma, as well as gaining new experiences that allowed me to make lasting relationships and knowledge about wildlife.” – Ashlee Butler, short-term quest

READ MORE: Bryan Bernal Saving Sea Turtles in Costa Rica

2. Mexico

United Planet in Mexico on a children and education program

Mexico is ranked the second happiest place on the HPI list. It’s stated that their well-being is higher than the U.S. in spite of its economy being almost five times smaller. The country has put environmental sustainability front and center, working towards incorporating long-term climate goals into its national legislation — being the second country to do so — to conserve and protect its forest and rich biodiversity. You can choose to volunteer in environment, education, social work, mental health, and community development projects for mid- to long-term quests.

MORE INFO: Volunteer Abroad in Mexico

3. Vietnam

A farm by the lake in Ninh Bình, Vietnam. Photo by Ruslan Bardash

Vietnam is a country that’s filled with scrumptious food and decadent coffee but is also donned with breath-taking landscapes and a diverse culture to unravel. According to the HPI report, Vietnam was ranked 5th because of its low ecological footprint that can be considered as environmentally sustainable. Besides that, the Vietnamese also have an outstanding average life expectancy — 17 years longer than Gambia that has a similar sized economy. You can volunteer with a myriad of organizations that United Planet is working with in children and education or community development projects.

MORE INFO: Volunteer Abroad in Vietnam

4. Ecuador

Cegép Heritage College in Ecuador for group volunteer 2019

Last but not least on the happiest countries list, Ecuador was ranked 10th place as it has done better than most countries with similar GDP levels. To give you a rough idea, the countries’ life expectancy is 11 years longer than Namibia (having roughly the same GDP per capita). Volunteer in Ecuador and revel in some magnificent views of volcanoes and explore the wondrous treasures buried deep in the rainforests. United Planet has short- and long-term projects focusing on environmental sustainability, children and education, and global health.

MORE INFO: Volunteer Abroad in Ecuador

“I have grown so much in confidence thanks to the other wonderful volunteers, and the experiences that I have been through. I feel much more comfortable navigating new surroundings than ever before. Even just needing to be at a location at a certain time every day has helped me feel more prepared for other responsibilities that the future will hold.” – Diane Jean Parman on a long-term quest to Ecuador

 READ MORE: Group Volunteer in Ecuador on a Global Health Quest