Nicaragua: "A Sad Stack of Statistics"

Nicaragua is no longer a functioning democracy. It is one of the region's poorest countries. Corruption is among the worst in the region. Violence against women is a growing problem. A never to be built canal has contributed to social unrest.

But at the end of the day, the people are happier than they used to be.

So how can Nicaragua be happy?

"I find happiness in my actions," says Fabiola Tercero, a philologist who lives in Managua, Nicaragua's noisy and largely ugly capital. The city is plagued by poor public transportation and choking traffic. There is a shortage of sidewalks and there are no lanes for bicycles.

Tercero, 30, participates in a group initiative aimed at making Nicaragua's capital more pleasant. Over Facebook, Tercero invites others to join her group in Managua's parks for social activities that include outdoor exercise and eating healthy food.

"If you ask me if I am happy, there's more than one answer," Tercero says. "I am not happy about the abuse and violence women face. I am not happy about the corruption of our authorities," she continues. "I am not happy about poverty."

Yet Fabiola Tercero views the future of the country optimistically. "I think today there are more opportunities," she says. "That more parks are being built or restored is something very positive."

"We have to focus on the positive things life has to offer," suggests the young city woman. "Happiness is relative," she says. And despite the country's problems, she is relatively happy.