Fascinating Facts about Costa Rica

Costa Rica is often referred to as the Switzerland of Central America due to its peaceful and neutral stance in international conflicts.

Costa Rica is home to more than 5% of the world’s biodiversity, despite covering only 0.03% of the Earth’s surface.

The country abolished its army in 1949 and redirected those funds towards education and healthcare.

Costa Rica is known for its progressive environmental policies, including being one of the few countries in the world to have set the goal of being carbon neutral by 2050.

The country has a unique currency named the Costa Rican colon, which features notable historical figures and landscapes on its banknotes.

Costa Rica is famous for its stunning beaches, with over 800 miles of coastline along the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

The country has over 121 volcanic formations, seven of which are active.

Costa Rica is one of the world’s leading producers of sustainable palm oil, which has minimal impact on the environment.

The national symbol of Costa Rica is the yiguirro, a bird known for its melodious song.

The country provides free healthcare and education to its citizens, with a literacy rate of 97.8%.

Costa Rica is a popular destination for eco-tourism, with numerous national parks and protected areas.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa Rica is home to more than 3,000 species of plants and animals.

The country’s official language is Spanish, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Fascinating Facts about Costa Rica part 2

Costa Rica is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity.

The country has a high life expectancy of 79 years, thanks to its emphasis on healthcare and a healthy lifestyle.

Costa Rica has a thriving coffee industry, with some of the world’s best coffee beans being produced there.

The Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica is home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, including endangered species like jaguars and scarlet macaws.

The country has a progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights and was one of the first in Central America to legalize same-sex relationships.

Costa Rica has been a pioneer in sustainable tourism, receiving the maximum rating of five leaves from the Certification for Sustainable Tourism program.

The country has a high level of gender equality and is often ranked as one of the most gender-neutral countries in the world.

Costa Rica is a mecca for adventure sports enthusiasts, offering opportunities for zip-lining, white-water rafting, and surfing.

The Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica is one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world.

The country is famous for its vibrant festivals, such as the Fiestas de Zapote and the Palmares Festival.

Costa Rica is home to numerous butterfly farms, where visitors can observe the enchanting insects up close.

The land in Costa Rica is legally protected, with approximately 25% of the country’s area designated as national parks and reserves.

The country has a thriving jazz scene and hosts an annual international jazz festival in the capital city, San Jose.

Costa Rica is one of the world’s largest exporters of pineapples and bananas.

The country has a strong commitment to renewable energy, with nearly 98% of its electricity coming from renewable sources.

Costa Rica has a strong sense of community and is known for its concept of pura vida, which means the pure life or living life to the fullest.

The Tapanti National Park in Costa Rica is an important habitat for the endangered resplendent quetzal.

The country has a rich indigenous heritage, with eight indigenous groups still residing within its borders.

Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica is a nesting ground for endangered sea turtles, including the green turtle and the leatherback turtle.

Costa Rica has a strong commitment to conservation, evidenced by its national goal to conserve 25% of its land as protected areas.

The country boasts a stable democracy, with a tradition of peaceful transitions of power.

Costa Rica is known for its exquisite handcrafted art, especially in pottery and woodwork.

The national dish of Costa Rica is gallo pinto, a delicious combination of rice and beans.

The country has a high standard of living and is often considered one of the happiest countries in the world.

Costa Rica is a popular retirement destination for people from around the world, attracted by its natural beauty and quality of life.

The country is home to the Poas Volcano, which has one of the largest active craters in the world.

Costa Rica has a rich literary tradition, with notable authors such as Carmen Naranjo and Carlos Luis Fallas.

The country has a strong focus on sustainable agriculture, promoting organic farming practices and the use of renewable resources.

Costa Rica has a thriving music scene, with genres such as salsa, calypso, and reggae influencing its unique musical identity.

The country has a vibrant wildlife rehabilitation center, where injured animals are nursed back to health and released into the wild.

Costa Rica is a popular destination for birdwatchers, with over 900 bird species found within its borders.

The country is known for its commitment to peace and serves as the headquarters for several international peace organizations.