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There’s no denying Costa Rica is a dream destination. From stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife to golden beaches and friendly locals, there’s seemingly no end to the awe-inspiring experiences this country has to offer.
With over three million tourists annually, Costa Rica is easily among the most visited countries in Central America. Its countless attractions and activities make it a must-see holiday location for aspiring and seasoned travelers alike. However, there’s much more to Costa Rica than meets the eye.
Read on to discover some tantalizing tidbits about this breathtaking coastal oasis. And, if this article arouses your sense of wanderlust, here are five more things to know about Costa Rica before visiting this glorious country.

1. Costa Rica Was a Spanish Colony
When learning about Costa Rican history, one of the first things you need to know is the country’s colonial past. At the start of the 16th century, Christopher Columbus ‘discovered’ Costa Rica during one of his voyages.
However, colonizers were met with various obstacles, including the resistance of indigenous people and challenges accessing Costa Rica along the Caribbean coast. As a result, Spain only established their first official Costa Rican settlement just after the mid-16th century.
Costa Ricans remained under Spanish colonial rule until 1821, when the Spanish lost the Mexican War of Independence. Like many other Central American countries, Costa Rica subsequently declared independence from Spain.

2. The Name “Costa Rica” Was a Mistake … Or Was It?
One of the most interesting facts about Costa Rica is its name. Christopher Columbus supposedly named Costa Rica (directly translated to “rich coast”) based on the assumption that the country was rich in gold and other precious resources. However, as it turns out, this was not the case.
Spain soon discovered the region of Costa Rica had little to no precious metals or minerals. This hindered typical Spanish exploitation and forced colonizers to resort to agricultural-based sources of wealth.
This was a far more intensive and time-consuming way for Spanish rulers to make money, and, as a result, they remained fairly disinterested in Costa Rica.
Some historians say Costa Rica’s lack of mineral wealth means Columbus made an error when naming the country. However, this may not be entirely true. Whatever the region lacked in gold, it made up for with its incredible landscapes and diverse range of flora and fauna.
Costa Rica was (and still is) one of the most breathtaking examples of natural beauty. So, while the name “rich coast” may have been slightly inaccurate in terms of exploitable wealth, it was spot on regarding Costa Rica’s awe-inspiring scenery and wildlife.
3. The Costa Rican Government Has Enjoyed Political Stability Since the Mid-20th Century
Costa Rica is famously known for its long history of democracy and as having one of the most stable governments in Latin America. However, this doesn’t mean the country didn’t endure its fair share of political troubles in the early years of independence.
In 1948, a brief civil war broke out when civilians began protesting the contemporary government’s attempts to annul election results. While this was a dark period in Costa Rican history, it did have several positive outcomes.
The revolutionary leader, José Figueres Ferrer, implemented various reforms that are still in place today. Most notably, these included women’s right to vote, legislative racial equality, and the dissolution of a national standing army.
In 1949, Figueres transferred political power back to the initial president-elect, Otilio Ulate, who upheld the country’s newfound progressive values.
Subsequently, Costa Rica had its first democratic presidential elections in 1953, and the country has maintained political peace and stability ever since.

4. Costa Rica Is Home to More Languages Than You’d Expect
Although it’s a small country, Costa Rica is home to several languages. Locals predominantly speak the official language of Spanish. However, this vibrant nation is also home to other tongues, including English and several indigenous languages.
Some of the best-known native dialects are Cabécar, Bribri, Boruca, Guaymí, and Maléku (just to name a few). All of these fall under the category of Chibchan languages — a linguistic family found in Central and South America.
Costa Rica’s indigenous communities only constitute between 1% and 2% of the total population. Despite this, native languages continue to be spoken and serve an important role in keeping the country’s pre-colonial roots alive.
5. Costa Rican Locals are Called “Ticos” and “Ticas”
It’s not uncommon to hear Costa Ricans refer to themselves as “ticos” and “ticas” (for males and females, respectively). These friendly terms stem from Costa Rica’s unique way of speaking Spanish.
In formal Spanish, people generally use the diminutives “ito” and “ita” to describe something small. However, Spanish-speaking Costa Ricans will usually use the suffixes “tico” or “tica” instead.
Over the years, this special linguistic variation came to play an essential part in Costa Rican identity.
Not only did it represent their distinctive way of speaking, but it also highlighted their tendency to use diminutives in everyday language.
Costa Ricans are exceptionally friendly people and, as such, often add diminutives onto words to showcase a sense of warmth and light-heartedness.
Nowadays, Costa Ricans affectionately refer to themselves as “ticos” and “ticas.” These warm-hearted nicknames are used to emphasize and celebrate their cultural and linguistic identity in the most Costa Rican way possible.

6. Costa Rica Plays a Major Role in the World’s Biodiversity
When it comes to Costa Rica facts, your knowledge would be lacking if you didn’t learn about the country’s breathtaking natural beauty.
Despite only occupying 19,700 square miles (smaller than West Virginia), Costa Rica is home to almost six percent of the world’s biodiversity. This includes a whopping 500,000 different species of plants and animals. So it’s safe to say Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers.
Since the mid-20th century, Costa Rica has been a popular ecotourism destination. And staying true to this status, the country has several varied landscapes for visitors to experience.
Besides the numerous idyllic beaches along the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, tourists can also explore forests, mountains, and even some active volcanoes.
For example, the Central Valley region (home to the capital city of San José) is surrounded by a series of mountains and volcanoes, including the Poas Volcano. Despite being an active volcano, it’s still safe for tourists to visit this site and admire some volcanic beauty up close.

7. Over 25% of Costa Rica’s Land is Protected for Conservation
When it comes to environmental preservation, Costa Rica takes things very seriously. The country is dedicated to protecting and preserving its eco-diversity and is well on its way to becoming the first carbon-neutral country in the world.
There are nearly 500 national parks that protect and maintain the country’s biodiversity. By exploring these areas, visitors can fully immerse themselves in Costa Rican nature.
With so many nature reserves, it can be difficult for visitors to decide where to go. However, an excellent place to start is Corcovado National Park.
Not only does this spot offer picturesque vistas and awe-inspiring waterfalls, but it’s also famously known for its many unique hiking trails like Los Patos and El Tigre.
Another place tourists should add to their itinerary is the Manuel Antonio National Park. It’s filled with an abundance of wildlife and is an ideal place to try to glimpse some sloths. These adorable creatures replaced the white-tailed deer as Costa Rica’s national animal in 2021.

8. Costa Rica Has Warm Weather Throughout the Year
If you’re looking for good weather, Costa Rica knows how to deliver. As it’s located close to the equator, this Central American country enjoys a tropical climate year-round. Average temperatures fall somewhere between 70°F and 90 °F (21°C and 32 °C).
This pleasant weather is just one of the reasons why so many couples opt for a once-in-a-lifetime Costa Rica honeymoon. This romantic destination is the perfect place for couples to explore together.
However, keep in mind that temperatures do fluctuate in different regions as a result of factors like elevation and rainfall. This may impact your choice when you book your accommodation in Costa Rica.
Generally speaking, Costa Rica’s dry season is from December to April, while its wet season is from May to November. However, the east coast experiences more consistent rainfall than the west coast.

9. Costa Ricans Have a Unique Outlook on Life
When it comes to lifestyle, the Costa Rican outlook has one of the best views. The country has a laid-back culture that emphasizes the importance of joy and relaxation in everyday life.
This happy-go-lucky attitude is encompassed within the commonly-used phrase “pura vida” (meaning pure life).
Locals use “pura vida” in a variety of circumstances, including as a greeting, a response to someone asking how they are, or a way to dispel negativity.
In fact, this expression is so much a part of the fabric of Costa Rican society citizens and foreigners alike have come to regard it as the country’s unofficial motto.
With such a positive perspective on life, it’s no wonder Costa Rica placed 23rd on the latest World Happiness Report — which makes them the happiest Latin American country. If you’re looking for stress-free living, the Tico nation is the place to be.

10. National Pride Is a Big Deal in Costa Rica
Considering Costa Rica’s history of independence struggles, it makes sense the country and its citizens would have a great deal of national pride. Even something as simple as the Costa Rican flag has a multitude of cultural meanings behind it.
In 1848, First Lady Pacífica Fernández Oreamuno suggested a design for a new flag, the colors of which (blue, white, and red) are the same today. Each color represents several key Costa Rican values, such as opportunity, joy, peace, independence, and generosity.
The national anthem is another important part of every country’s sense of identity. One of the best fun facts about Costa Rica is the origins of its anthem lyrics.
In the early 20th century, there was a nationwide contest in which citizens could submit the lyrics they wanted to represent their country.
The politician and poet José María Zeledón Brenes won this contest, and his lyrics have remained part of the national anthem ever since.
11. The National Anthem is Played on the Radio Every Morning
Did you know the nation wakes up to its anthem every morning? Yup! Most major radio stations play the national anthem each morning at 7 am.

12. Costa Rica Does Not Have An Army
One fantastic fact about Costa Rica is that its military has been gone for over 75 years, since 1948. Still, they have lived in peace despite civil wars and other conflicts experienced by most neighboring countries.
Costa Rica’s army ceased to exist when President Figueres Ferrer disbanded it on December 1, 1948, after he called together armed forces and won its civil war – one of the bloodiest events in Costa Rica’s history.
The 44-day long civil war was initiated by the rebel party and led by Figueres, who proclaimed that Presidente Otilio Ulate won the elections by committing fraud. One of Figueres’ first acts as the newly elected president of Costa Rica, was to launch a new and demilitarized Costa Rica.
Some believe this action was taken to prevent a military coup against him. Whatever his motives, the nation remains democratic to this day, and its economic growth has been impressive without a standing military to invest in.
But, if you’re wondering who protects the country, in 1996, the armed Police Force was created as the nation’s security forces to patrol the Panamanian and Nicaraguan borders, control operations against drug trafficking, and provide general law enforcement.
There is also an Intelligence and Security Directorate and The United States Coastguard, which is highly active in Costa Rican waters. They are heavily involved in intercepting drug shipments and other illegal trades in this area.

13. Costa Ricans Supposedly Live Longer Than Other People
If you’re lucky enough to call Costa Rica home, you might also have the added bonus of living longer. A series of scientific research into longevity highlighted this country as one of the world’s five “blue zones” — regions in which people have a higher average lifespan than the rest of the world.
While academics have critiqued the blue zones theory over the past two decades, there are some points that hold true. One of these factors is nutrition. There’s no argument that eating a balanced amount of healthy foods can help improve your overall wellness.
A traditional Costa Rican diet is naturally filled with nutrient-rich meals. One of the most well-known options is “gallo pinto” — a mixture of beans and rice. Despite being a typical breakfast food, Costa Ricans enjoy this meal at any time of day.
In fact, gallo pinto is so popular; many people regard it as the country’s national dish. It’s safe to say you haven’t experienced true Costa Rican culture without a taste of this delicious delicacy.

14. There are over 200 Volcanic Formations Across the Country
Costa Rica is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is the region around much of the rim of the Pacific Ocean where many volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.
For this reason, Costa Rica has over 200 volcanic formations that can be traced back over 65 million years. Of these formations, around 100 of them still show signs of activity, but only five are classified as active.

15. The Sloth is the Unofficial Symbol of Costa Rica
The sloth became an unofficial symbol of Costa Rica many years ago.
According to local legislator Yorleny León Marchena, the sloth represents the spirit of the Costa Ricans. Like sloths, Ticos (the local term for Costa Ricans) are known for their peaceful attitude, slow-paced life, and little stress.
In addition, sloths have long been used as the main ambassadors to promote tourism in Costa Rica.

16. The Country is Considered to be Nature’s Playground
Few countries in the world are so stunningly biodiverse and naturally intriguing as costa rica is. Its beaches, mountain ranges, and caves are perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities and thrilling sports.
From surfing to zip-lining to whitewater rafting, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities for thrill-seekers looking to be in nature.
Costa Rica is known to have some of the best surfing waves in the world, and the rainforests are ideal for treetop trekking adventures.
Other countries that can be easily considered Nature’s Playground are Iceland and New Zealand – two other countries with stunning natural biodiversity and high conservation.

17. Costa Rica Has Hundreds of Breathtaking Beaches
In case you need another reason to visit Costa Rica, the country is ideal for spending time at the beach. There are hundreds of beaches along the country’s eastern Caribbean coast and even more along the lengthier Pacific coast on the west.
When it comes to spending time at the beach, tourists in Costa Rica will never feel low on options.
The pleasantly warm Pacific Ocean is ideal for balmy beach days, as the country’s countless golden shorelines lend themselves to various activities. These include lounging under a beach umbrella, working on your tan, or splashing about in the waves.
More adventurous travelers can also try out some water sports and underwater exploration. The depths of the Caribbean Sea make it a particularly popular choice for anyone wanting to try out some diving.
If you find you can’t get enough of these dazzling waters, here are some recommendations for other beautiful Caribbean beaches that might tickle your fancy.


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