You may already know that Costa Rica is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world, or that it’s lined with incredible coasts on two oceans with plenty of volcanoes in between. But did you know it’s one of only 5 Blue Zones in the world, and consistently #1 for happiest countries? From abolishing its military to its strong environmental policies and unofficial motto, there’s something special going on in this tropical paradise. Read on to find out the most interesting Costa Rica facts that set this unique country apart!
12 Interesting Costa Rica Facts
1. Happiest Place on Earth
Typical Costa Rican home with fruit trees in the yard
Costa Rica ranked 1st place in the 2019 Happy Planet Index, making it the happiest country in the world according to how it scored in the following categories: well-being, life expectancy, inequality of outcomes and ecological footprint. While focusing funds into health, education and pensions, Costa Rica is also a world leader in regards to environmental protection and sustainable energy. Even more amazing: Costa Rica has topped the list three of the four times that the Happy Planet Index has been published!
Playa Grande & Playa Ventanas beach. Photo: James Kaiser
2. Coastal paradise
Costa Rica is in the middle of two oceans, with its west coast bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea stretching along its east coast. In total there are 763 miles (1,228 kilometers) of coastline. In fact, you can watch the sunrise over the Caribbean in the morning and leisurely drive across the country to watch the sunset over the Pacific (it’s about 5-6 hours from Limon to Jaco)! With nearly 300 beaches to choose from, you’re sure to find a sandy stretch that fulfills your most idyllic beach vacation dreams!
Perhaps Costa Rica’s most popular mammal: the sloth
3. Bio- Diversity
Costa Rica is responsible for having 5% of the world’s biodiversity, with only .03% landmass in the planet’s surface (making it the 6th highest bio diverse country, by landmass). Within Costa Rica’s wildlife there are 900 different bird species, 250 species of mammals, 750,000 species of insects, and in the world of plants there are more than 14,000 varieties of orchids. Monteverde Park is ranked sixth among bio diverse regions in the world, and Costa Rica's Osa peninsula was described by National Geographic as “The most biologically intense place on earth."
‘Green season’ rains bring out Costa Rica’s lush jungle vibe
4. Weather & Climate
Costa Rica has 12 distinct micro climates (though some might say it’s at least 112!), from lagoons and beaches, to mountains, volcanoes, cloud forests and tropical jungles. Due to its proximity to the equator, Costa Rican sunrises and sunsets are at almost the same time all year long and there are not very extreme temperatures making it great to travel all year long. Seasonally there is the ‘dry season’ (December to April) when little to no rainfall can be expected, temperatures are hotter and green vegetation is not always as abundant. There is also the ‘green season’ (beginning in May, sometimes lasting through November) when rains begin to gradually fall more and more and the landscape becomes more lush. September and October are the wettest months, and some tourism businesses may close for the ‘off season’ during this period.
5. Volcanic activity
Costa Rica is home to 121 volcanoes — seven of them are active — and most are appropriate or suitable for hiking and exploring. Arenal is Costa Rica’s most famous volcano with its perfect conical shape rising out from the horizon. Although it entered a resting phase in 2010, it was the country’s most active volcano for 50 years. In areas where geothermal activity is most abundant you can expect great hot springs and sometimes volcanic mud baths or other unique experiences!
Arenal’s iconic peak rising out of lush forests and green fields.
6. Blue Zone
Grandmothers in Costa Rica
The Nicoya peninsula in Costa Rica is one of only 5 Blue Zones in the world. Blue Zones are unique zones in the planet where lifespan is much longer than the average. Most of the local residents are expected to live at least 90 years. The reason for Nicoya’s longevity? A combination of a positive outlook among elders, a strong focus on family and social connections, a healthy diet, and time outside in the sun are all thought to contribute. Nicoyan centenarians frequently visit with neighbors and they tend to live with families and children or grandchildren who provide support, as well as a sense of purpose. Also bear in mind that throughout the whole of Costa Rica the life expectancy is almost 77 years, one of the highest in the world.
Wind turbines in Costa Rica
7. Eco – Priorities
25% of the Costa Rican territory is protected, with more than 100 different protected areas. Back in 2019 the nation announced their National Decarbonization Plan, which consists of transforming the country’s usage of land, agriculture, construction, energy, and transportation by 2050 into a completely green economy. The nation has also been using hydropower, geothermal, solar and wind power technology to produce renewable energy. They have been promoting many programs looking to educate Ticos as well as many international students involved in the area of renewable energy and looking to conduct studies for future improvements.
Cuartel Bellavista transformed into the National Museum
8. Pura Paz - Pure Peace
In 1948, after being embroiled in a short civil war, Costa Rica proudly abolished its military. The president at the time, Jose Figueres, made history with a blazing and persuasive speech. He continued by symbolically bashing a wall of the military’s headquarters, called Cuartel Bellavista and a main symbol of military power. Figueres handed over the keys to Bellavista to the minister of education and announced the building would be transformed into a national art museum. To this day, the budget that would have been used for the military is used for security, education and culture.
Juan Sanchez, shaman and leader of the Heutar indigenous tribe with a traditional horn.
9. Costa Ricans
Ticos (male) and Ticas (females) are slang terms Costa Ricans often use to refer to themselves. Though Spanish is the first language, about 10% of adult Ticos speak English. Almost 95% of the population comes from a European or Mestizo ethnicity and less than 1% have indigenous ancestry. There are still eight different indigenous groups within the population and they are the Boruca, Bribri, Cabécar, Guaymí, Huetar, Maleku, Matambú, and Térraba.
10. Unofficial Motto - Pura Vida
Pura Vida’s literal translation is “pure life”, which are the two words that perfectly sum up Costa Rica’s way of living. Pura Vida is a quite common expression used to say hello, I am good, thank you, you’re welcome, no worries, and even goodbye by almost everybody (similar to ‘aloha’ in Hawaii). This expression represents the laid-back and peaceful way of living that most Ticos have, as well as their dedication to a healthy and happy life.
Colorful Costa Rican money
11. Unique Currency
Costa Rica’s currency is called the colon and each vibrant bill features a staple of the nation’s culture and bio-diversity. Drawings of monkeys, sloths, butterflies, mushrooms, local flowers and iconic Guanacaste trees as well as colorful backgrounds make each bill a unique Costa Rican canvas. The currency is printed on sturdy and glossy waterproof paper, so no worries if you accidentally hop in the ocean or get caught in a downpour with a pocket full of cash! Though Costa Rica has its local currency, US dollars are frequently accepted and some tourist businesses even list prices in US dollars.
12. Cuisine
Costa Rican food is known for having some of the freshest ingredients and can feature exotic fruits and vegetables. Their traditional dishes are often simple and based on rice and beans with a mild level of spice. These are some of the most common dishes to try:
Typical casado in a Costa Rican soda
“Soda” - not to be confused with a carbonated beverage, this term actually refers to small, ‘mom & pop’ type eateries and are said to be the best and only way to get a taste of the true Costa Rican cuisine. They may have a few or many choices of some of the most traditional foods.
Gallo Pinto is commonly a breakfast dish made from rice and beans, vegetables and herbs like onions, bell peppers and cilantro. This is one of the biggest staples of Costa Rica’s cuisine!
Casado which translates to ‘married’ refers to the most traditional plates because it is not made up of one single food, but of many. It usually comes with beans and rice (no surprise), fried plantain, tortillas, salad or cooked vegetables, and your choice of meat or fish.
Patacones are deep fried green plantains served as a snack or an appetizer and often topped with (or served with a side of) pico de gallo, mashed black beans, guacamole or just salt and pepper.
Seafood is fantastic, fresh and varied with miles of coastline to gather from. You can enjoy corvina, mahi mahi, tuna and snapper at many restaurants. It is common to enjoy them in a fresh, tart and delicious ceviche, often served with plantain chips.
With plenty of interesting history, unique cultural cornerstones, incredible nature and wildlife as well as welcoming people eager to share their paradise, it’s no wonder Costa Rica tops many peoples bucket-list to visit! If you’re ready to plan your dream trip to the land of Pura Vida, get in touch with us to plan a custom trip just for your group!
