Costa Rica is an amazing tourism spot located in Central America with San José as its capital.Costa Rica has been consistently declared as one of the happiest countries in the world. It is the 37th democratic nation and one of the only nations in the world without an army. Costa Rica is known to have the most stable, peaceful, and democratic government among the countries of the world. It is also ranked the 12th ‘happiest country’ in the world. Surprisingly, despite being just a developing country, people here enjoy a higher life expectancy than many of the major developed countries in the West. Costa Rica is hugely focused on tourism. It is surrounded by various rainforests, different kinds of wildlife, and a rich variety of plants. Geographically it shares borders with the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the rainforests.If you like this article about Costa Rica, please do visit: fun facts about Mexico and funny facts about Maryland.Important Facts About Costa RicaCosta Rica achieved its independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. The country practices democracy and is considered one of the most stable democratic countries in the world. The ruling government holds power for a period of four years. Interestingly, the country has maintained no army since 1948. Costa Rica granted Universal Adult Franchise to its people in 1949.Even without a national defense front since 1948, Costa Rica has experienced peace for 73 years. The flag of Costa Rica is special too. It is made up of blue which stands for perseverance and idealism, white that stands for peace, wisdom, and happiness, and red which stands for the warmth of the people, along with the blood spilled by martyrs in the name of Costa Rica. The blue-white-red flag is finished off with the Costa Rican coat of arms. Costa Rica’s preachings of peace and harmony are reflected in the fact that the University of Peace (UPEACE) was established in this country after UNGA Resolution 35/55 was passed. The university is solely dedicated to studies about peace, and it sees students come from all around the world to study under eminent Professors.When you visit Costa Rica, make sure you go on a trip to the country’s special garden which is made for hummingbirds and is called La Paz Waterfall Gardens. This magnificent site is home to 26 out of the 52 hummingbird species that are found in the entire area of this Central American country. The La Paz is situated by the lake in the Monteverde Cloud Forest.Costa Rica is famous for its biodiversity, from the vibrant foliage to the local fauna. The country has different types of plants and wildlife. Parks and zoos in Costa Rica are known for their rich biodiversity. Animals like the white-headed capuchin and mantled howler can only be found in Costa Rica.One of the most interesting facts here is that it is the first country in the tropics that is said to have reformed deforestation.Situated by the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is a rather small piece of land and a developing country, however it has surpassed bigger countries like India and Brazil when it comes to literacy. As per the 2018 census, the country boasts an incredible 98 % literacy rate. All this is because the amazing Costa Rica government pools huge funds into improving the education sector. The authorities here believe educated citizens are the building blocks of a country’s heritage.Sharing their sun-soaked country with breathtakingly beautiful hummingbirds and butterflies, Costa Ricans extend their warm welcome to all tourists who take a trip here. Now, you surely want to go visit Costa Rica and explore the country’s incredible people (the ticas), culture, local food, and national history, right? So, let’s get into more interesting facts about Costa Rica!Interesting Historical Facts About Costa RicaCosta Rica was originally called ’la Costa Rica’ which means ‘rich coast’ in Spanish. Christopher Columbus, the official discoverer of Costa Rica, reached there in 1502. Before that, many indigenous groups inhabited the country.Costa Rica was a Spanish Colony for around 300 years. It was one of the poorest and least inhabited places in the Spanish Empire. In the 19th century, Napoleon’s invasion of Spain and abdication of the Spanish ruler led to widespread revolts and rebellion across cities like Puntarenas, Nicoya, and the Guanacaste province. This was how the Mexican war of independence started and it ultimately led to the independence of Central America from Spain. Costa Rica got its independent identity on September 15, 1821.Costa Rica has one of the oldest democracies in Latin America, a big feat considering the political problems which ravage the countries in the world from time to time. A weird fact is that men often carry a machete, although this is more frequent in the countryside. Costa Rica has not had a national army since 1949. The funds have been allocated to education instead.Surrounded by the blue ocean, sea, and rain forests, Costa Rica is definitely the apple of the eye for any tourist. It is also home to many species of insects and has a major chunk of the world’s biodiversity. From blue beaches, waterfalls, valleys, luxurious restaurants, national park, protected wildlife sanctuaries, adventure sports, and fascinating flora and fauna, there is basically something for everyone here. Despite covering a very little land area, Costa Rica is one of the richest mega diversities of the world. With over 100 national parks and protected wildlife areas, Costa Rica is home to a vast number of species of plants, animals, and birds. National parks (protected areas) in Costa Rica protect hundreds of different species of birds, turtles, and monkeys, many of which are listed as endangered species.One of the most interesting facts about Costa Rica is that it is home to 200 plus volcanoes, out of which some are still active volcanoes. Arenal is the most popular volcano there. You can take a trip to the Arenal Volcano when you visit.The term Costa Rica translates to ‘rich coast’, and this country lives up to its name beautifully, given the fact that it owns more water than land! The coastline extends up to more than 800 mi (1287.48 km)! This country has about 200 volcanoes, though not all of them are active. Of all the countries in the world, Costa Rica is home to the second-largest volcanic crater in the world, the Poas Volcano which is situated in Central Costa Rica. Interestingly, the capital city of Costa Rica, San Jose, technically doesn’t have an airport. Going by the recent 2020 facts, Costa Rica ranked 62nd on the Human Development Index. Another interesting fact is that it is known for its stable democracy and consistent efforts towards development.Interesting Facts About Costa Rica CultureSpanish ancestry is visible in Costa Rica’s traditions and culture. Not solely Spanish, Costa Ricans are a vibrant blend of different ethnic groups. They are warm, happy, and friendly people who address themselves as Ticos or Ticas.The people of Costa Rica live in the spirit of pura vida which means ‘pure life’. They greet each other or even bid goodbyes by using this extremely popular Costa-Rican term. ‘Pura vida’ reflects the Ticos philosophy of life. They believe in living a ‘chill’ life to the fullest. Get used to hearing this term a lot during your stay there. Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica and English is the most popular second language. Europeans constitute around half of the country’s population followed by Indigenous, African, and Asian people. Indigenous groups constitute around two to three percent of the population who speak languages like Bribris, Nigabe, and Cabécar. The major cities are Puntarenas, Nicoya, and the Guanacaste province.The Costa Rican culture is a diverse one. Most Ticos (nicknames for Costa Ricans) have a mainly European heritage and very few have indigenous ancestry. Religion is a significant aspect of the Costa Rican culture, with a large proportion of the population identifying as Catholic.Interesting Facts About Costa Rica FoodThe cuisine is an extravagantly popular part of Costa Ricans’ lives. Their festivals or fests are incomplete without creatively prepared delicacies. Now, let’s discuss some food-related facts about Costa Rica.Casados is the most popular Costa Rican dish. It is a dish prepared by mixing beans, pork or chicken meat, and salad. Different varieties of Empanadas and Tamales are prepared during festivities like Easter and Christmas. Gallo Pinto is considered the staple diet of Costa Rica. It is basically mixed rice and beans. Picadillo is also a popular delicacy prepared by mixing vegetables like mashed potatoes, green plantains, and squash. A dish known as Gallo Pinto is the national dish of Costa Rica. As stated simply, it is a mixture of fried rice and black beans. What’s more, this recipe is usually prepared from leftover rice from the night before.Ceviche, a kind of seafood, is a popular dish throughout the country of Costa Rica.Imperial or Pilsen, which are the local varieties of beer, are extremely popular in Costa Rica. Alcohol prepared from sugarcane, Cacique Guaro, contains high amounts of alcohol. They also prepare an attractive sweetwater named Aqua Dulce which is exceptionally popular among kids.The food in Costa Rica is prepared while keeping in mind the fact that whoever eats it should feel comfortable. So, the feeling of ‘home away from home’ is guaranteed when eating food here.Here is a fun general knowledge fact for kids. Costa Rica is one of the most prominent banana-exporting countries in the world! They also export other fruits like mangoes.You will find a lot of desserts prepared with tamarind in the country. That’s because Costa Ricans love tamarind!Interesting Facts About How Costa Rica Celebrates ChristmasLike any Catholic country, Christmas and Easter are the most popular festivals celebrated in Costa Rica.As we already said, leisure (pura vida) is as equally emphasized upon as work in Costa Rica. Ticos, which is what Costa Ricans refer to themselves as, believe people should enjoy life to the fullest. Their belief can be evidently seen in the colorful, dynamic, and magnificent cultural activities like carnivals, fireworks, marimba music, feats, and jubilant dancing in San Jose, and bullfighting events that Costa Rica hosts throughout the year.This popular traditional bullfight that happens in January each year is a much-awaited fest. It is a famous tourism point for attracting tourists. It is considered equivalent to the Brazilian Carnival but remains authentic to its Caribbean culture. Vibrant costumes, the enthusiastic public, and the fun-loving vibe are what kick-start this colorful carnival on the Caribbean coast in the month of October.As cattle rearing constitutes a significant occupation in the country, a unique parade named Dia Nacional del Boyero is celebrated on the second Sunday of March every year. This is oriented towards the celebration of the tradition of oxen, oxcart drivers, and oxcart art. There is a fruit festival organized in Orotina, Costa Rica during the third week of March. It is aimed at celebrating Costa Rica’s agricultural traditions, vibrant heritage, and culture. The display of exotic fruits and showcase of environment-friendly farming practices is the hallmark of this festival.Costa Rica’s people start their Christmas celebrations only from mid-December. At the onset of Christmas, Costa Ricans celebrate de la Luz, also known as the Festival of Lights. Millions of lights decorate the streets, stores, restaurants, parks, and malls. On Christmas Eve, traditional meals consisting of pork legs, tamales, and desserts like eggnog are prepared. After midnight, gifts are exchanged and families enjoy farm rides.On December 26, there is a parade of thousands of horses in Costa Rica, through San Jose to Avenida Segunda, another of Costa Rica’s important places. It is an age-old tradition named El Tope. A special dance Paso Costarricense is performed by extremely talented, skilled cowboys and cowgirls along with their horses. This Costa Rican dance is strenuous requiring days of practice and is a sight to behold.Other than Christmas, on August 2 every year, Costa Ricans celebrate the pilgrimage to the Virgin of Los Angeles. This is done to commemorate the anniversary of their patron Saint Virgen de Los Angeles. Thousands of Costa Ricans walk from their homes to the cathedral de Los Angeles located in the Cartago region.While we are talking about festival-related fun facts about Costa Rica, let’s talk about Independence Day celebrations in this country. Independence Day is something that the people of Costa Rica value a lot. It is shown in the way they celebrate it every year on September 14 and 15. Parades are held all over the country with everyone dressed up, sometimes in large colorful masks. School children do the march past, accompanied by drum beats. People walk holding the colorfully decorated traditional lanterns.These were the fascinating facts about Costa Rica that are unknown by many. What are you waiting for? The beautiful country of Costa Rica awaits you. Oh, and while you’re there, don’t forget to visit the Arenal Volcano!Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for interesting facts about Costa Rica then why not take a look at fun facts about India, or fun facts about Italy.
Costa Rica is an amazing tourism spot located in Central America with San José as its capital.
