145 Fun Facts About Costa Rica That Will Spark

Costa Rica is a gem of biodiversity, adventure, and rich culture. From pristine beaches to active volcanoes, it’s a land full of surprises.

Discover fascinating fun facts about Costa Rica, its wildlife, people, and unique quirks in this comprehensive guide. Whether you’re planning a trip or just curious, this list has it all!

Nature and Landscape

• Costa Rica is home to over 5% of the world's biodiversity.
• There are 28 national parks across the country, offering protection to its diverse habitats.
• The Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s most famous, was active for over 40 years.
• Costa Rica has a cloud forest ecosystem, with Monteverde Cloud Forest being the most famous.
• Over 25% of Costa Rican land is protected by law to conserve wildlife and forests.
• The Río Celeste river is renowned for its unique turquoise color, caused by volcanic minerals.
• Costa Rica borders both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
• Costa Rica’s dry season runs from December to April, ideal for beach-goers.
• The country experiences over 100 different microclimates.
• Costa Rica has its own "mini desert" area, known as the Guanacaste region.
• Lake Arenal is the largest lake in Costa Rica and was artificially expanded for hydroelectric power.
• The Osa Peninsula is one of the most biologically intense places on Earth.
• Costa Rica has more than 200 volcanic formations, with six active volcanoes.
• The Nicoya Peninsula is one of the world’s five Blue Zones, known for longevity.
• Rainforests cover approximately 51% of Costa Rica’s territory.

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Costa Rican Culture

• Costa Rica's motto, "Pura Vida," means "pure life" and reflects the country's easy-going attitude.
• Soccer, known locally as "fútbol," is the most popular sport.
• The traditional folk dance of Costa Rica is called "El Punto Guanacasteco."
• Costa Rica has no standing army since 1949 and celebrates this with "Día de la Abolición del Ejército."
• "Ticos" and "Ticas" are affectionate terms for Costa Rican men and women.
• Family values are incredibly important in Costa Rican society.
• National dress includes vibrant colors, representing the country’s cheerful spirit.
• Costa Rican slang includes unique words like “mae,” similar to “dude.”
• Bullfighting exists in Costa Rica, but it’s a non-lethal form called “Corrida de Toros.”
• Christmas is one of the most important holidays in Costa Rica.
• Costa Ricans celebrate a week-long festival in July called "Fiestas de los Diablitos."
• Rural Costa Ricans often use ox carts, which are also an iconic symbol of Costa Rican culture.
• Costa Rica celebrates the arrival of the Spanish with "Día de San Juan."
• Costa Rican schools teach students a song called the "Himno Nacional."
• Costa Ricans observe "El Día de la Raza," celebrating indigenous heritage.

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Unique Wildlife

• Costa Rica hosts over 500,000 species, including exotic animals, insects, and plants.
• Sloths, both two-toed and three-toed, are common in Costa Rican rainforests.
• The Resplendent Quetzal, a rare and colorful bird, resides in Costa Rica.
• Costa Rica is one of the best places to spot Scarlet Macaws in the wild.
• The country is known for its stunningly diverse frog species, including the Red-Eyed Tree Frog.
• Jaguars roam the Costa Rican rainforests, though they are very elusive.
• Butterflies are abundant; Costa Rica has about 10% of the world's butterfly species.
• Sea turtles, like the Olive Ridley, nest along Costa Rica's beaches.
• The capuchin monkey, with its distinct white face, is common in many forests.
• Costa Rica is home to the poisonous dart frog, which has bright coloring.
• The country has a large population of leaf-cutter ants, a vital part of the ecosystem.
• Crocodiles thrive along the Tarcoles River, where you can see them up close.
• Hummingbirds are plentiful, with more than 50 species found across the country.
• Coatis, raccoon-like animals, are seen in many parts of Costa Rica.
• Whales migrate to Costa Rican waters between July and November.

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Costa Rica's History

• Costa Rica gained independence from Spain on September 15, 1821.
• The country was briefly part of the Mexican Empire after independence.
• Coffee production helped shape the country’s economy and history.
• Costa Rica abolished its military in 1949, redirecting funds to education and healthcare.
• The national currency, the colón, was named after Christopher Columbus.
• San José, Costa Rica’s capital, was one of the first cities in Latin America with electricity.
• Costa Rica joined the United Nations in 1945.
• Costa Rica is part of the Central American Integration System (SICA).
• The National Theater, built in 1897, represents Costa Rica’s cultural pride.
• The civil war of 1948 was the last in Costa Rica’s history.
• Former President Oscar Arias won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987.
• Costa Rica’s first railway connected the capital to the Caribbean port of Limón.
• The country was a founding member of the Organization of American States.
• Indigenous tribes, like the Bribri and Boruca, contribute to Costa Rica’s cultural heritage.
• Costa Rica celebrates Independence Day with parades and traditional music.

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Economy and Agriculture

• Coffee is known as Costa Rica's "Golden Bean" and was once the main export.
• Costa Rica is one of the world's largest producers of bananas.
• Tourism is now the largest source of income for the country.
• Costa Rican coffee is considered some of the best in the world.
• Pineapple plantations thrive in the tropical lowlands.
• Costa Rica is known for producing fine chocolate, made from local cacao.
• Eco-tourism plays a significant role in the economy.
• Rice and beans are staple crops for local consumption.
• The country’s economy is heavily invested in sustainable farming.
• Intel has a strong manufacturing presence in Costa Rica.
• Dairy farming, especially in the Central Valley, contributes to the food industry.
• Costa Rica exports ornamental plants to global markets.
• The fishing industry primarily focuses on tuna and mahi-mahi.
• Costa Rica imports more than it exports in electronics and fuel.
• Many Costa Ricans work in the technology sector as engineers and developers.

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Bonus Fun Facts

• Costa Rica's official language is Spanish, but English is widely understood.
• Costa Rica’s nickname, "Rich Coast," comes from Spanish explorers.
• Many Costa Ricans believe in “duendes,” mythical creatures of folklore.
• National parks in Costa Rica can be explored by zip-lining.
• You’ll find many “sodas,” local eateries with traditional Costa Rican food.
• Costa Rica has a lower crime rate than most Latin American countries.
• The traditional cartwheel symbol is protected by UNESCO.
• Costa Rica has no nuclear power plants.
• Many Costa Ricans retire in coastal towns along the Pacific.
• Pura Vida is used as a greeting, goodbye, and expression of joy.
• Costa Rica practices universal healthcare.
• Costa Rica is the only country to meet all its electricity needs from renewable energy.
• Red taxis with meters are common throughout the country.
• The currency, colones, often features Costa Rican wildlife on the bills.
• The Tabacón hot springs are heated naturally by Arenal Volcano.
• Costa Rica is famous for river rafting adventures.
• The tallest mountain, Cerro Chirripó, stands at 12,533 feet.
• Costa Rica has over 800 miles of coastline.
• Bullfighting in Costa Rica doesn’t harm the bulls.
• Costa Ricans celebrate La Negrita, or the Virgin of Los Angeles.
• “Carretas” or traditional oxcarts, are painted in bright colors.
• Costa Rica’s literacy rate is 97%.
• Its rainforests are some of the oldest in the world.
• Costa Rica offers free basic education to all citizens.
• San José is home to a large collection of pre-Columbian gold.
• Many Costa Ricans enjoy visiting the Central Market for fresh produce.
• The country has a Women’s World Cup team for soccer.
• Costa Rica’s Pacific beaches are a haven for surfers.