17. If you love liquor, then while in Costa Rica, consider the Guaro. Did you know that Costa Rica is smaller than Lake Michigan? Costa Rica is a small country that is located in Central America. Well, they believe that the liquid inside fresh, green coconut is pure enough to serve as plasma in case of an emergency. Every Costa Rican radio station plays the national anthem each morning at 7 a.m. Radio 107.5 FM, the country’s only all-English radio stations offers rock from all of the decades. 6) There are more than 121 volcanic formations in Costa Rica, and seven of them are active. One of the most important interesting facts about Costa Rica is that the country generates most of its energy using five renewable sources: hydropower, wind, geothermal energy, biomass, and solar. Rarely will you find a manmade lake as the biggest lake in a country. 29. 3. The priorities of the country are evident in its progressive social and environmental policies. Now you know. One of the most eco-minded countries in the world, 25-percent of land in Costa Rica is protected. 17. Technically, it’s in North America although it’s culture is decidedly closer to South America. Sunset and sunrise time only change from 15 minutes over the year (due to its proximity to the equator). In Costa Rica, streets are not named using names but by the distance between that street and the next landmark. 2) The Guanacaste is Costa Rica's national tree and the clay-colored thrush is the national bird. Over 100,000 Olive Ridley turtles leave behind nearly 10 million eggs during this season at the beaches of the Refuge. Pura Vida. In 2013, the Minister of Environment led a movement to “reinforce the idea of interacting with biodiversity in botanical parks in a natural way.”. When the country received its independence in 1821, it took a month for the people to know of about it, as news of it had to be conveyed via mail by a mail courier on a mule who took a month to get to the people. 1) Costa Ricans refer to themselves as Ticos (males) or Ticas (females). It erupted in 1968, destroying three towns, and last erupted in 1998. Ticos & Ticas. Costa Rica’s pacific marine area reaches 625,000 km2, approximately 10 times larger than its land area of only 52,100 km2. This means that nearly all children in rural Costa Rica are learned. The national flower is the guaria morada, an orchid. Even though its landmass only takes up.03% of the planet’s surface, over 100% of the world’s butterflies live here — there are almost 750,000 species of insects that live … 11) A soda is a small, informal restaurant that serves traditional meals like chicken, rice, beans and salad for $2-$3 a plate. It is bordered by Nicaragua to its north, Panama to its south, the Caribbean Sea to its east and the Pacific Ocean to its west. Costa Rica, even the name itself sounds fun. 8. Do you know that Escazú, which is the richest suburb in San Jose, was built in a place where history has it that witchcraft was practiced? Costa Rica is small country in Central America. 20 Interesting Facts About Costa Rica 1. This country though not recognized by the government of Costa Rica and the UN has a population of 5,000 citizens, a flag, soldiers, and a national anthem. Costa Rica hosts more than 5% of the world’s biodiversity even though its landmass only takes up .03% of the planets surface. Well, this is what native Costa Ricans call themselves. 22. What time is it in Costa Rica? For this reason, it was picked as of the symbols of this Costa Rican town. Do you know that there is a species of lizard native to Costa Rica named after Christ? 34. Costa Rica Facts to Tell Your Friends Tico or tica for females, is a term Costa Ricans use to refer to themselves – this is someone who was born in Costa Rica. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. The country has a population of 4.5 million, and its capital city of San … 5. 4. Do you know that Costa Rican people call speed bumps dead persons or son muertos? 23. This makes it unique. Here are some additional facts about Costa Rica that you don’t normally find in the travel guides. Isla Del Coco . Facts about Costa Rica 2: the short history of Costa Rica. Language. Costa Ricans affectionately refer to themselves as Ticos (masculine) and Ticas (feminine). Call it Literacy or the love for education. 2. Do you know that Costa Ricans have a substitute for plasma? Costa Rica does not have a standing military force. Extending from northwest to southeast, Costa Rica is bounded by Nicaragua to the north, by the Caribbean Sea along the 185-mile (300-km) northeastern coastline, by Panama to the southeast, and by the Pacific Ocean along the 630-mile (1,015-km) southwestern coastline. Additionally, the remote locations of their reservations, along with generations of discrimination and prejudice, makes finding employment difficult. This is a relatively sweet and efficient moonshine rum manufactured from distilled sugar cane. 12. The result is a nation of laid-back, friendly, and happy people. Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica and Costa Rican colón is its official currency. 15. Do you want to see turtle eggs? 26. All Rights Reserved. 25. Costa Rica Information for kids: The name of Costa Rica translates into Rich Coast.It comes from the time of Christopher Columbus, who docked on his fourth and last trip to the Americas (in 1502) on the Atlantic coast of this country and wrote about the richness the indigenous people displayed. 30. It is the largest city and capital of Costa Rica. 6. English, due to its status as the international language of tourists, is the most common second language in Costa Rica. Costa Rica has the highest rural literacy rate at 96% for children. Then visit Ostional National Wildlife Refuge from April to December. 10. Food. This comes from the tendency of Costa Ricans to add the diminutive “tico” to the end of words. 16. The life expectancy in Costa Rica is quite high. They are the second largest exporters of bananas in the world. Costa Rica has the highest rural literacy rate at 96% for children. © 2020 TheFactFile.Org. It’s been dormant since 2010. Maybe this is why it is called Jesus Christ lizard. If you are in Costa Rica, you will know at exactly what time to expect sunrise or sunset. Well. As the rest of the world knows Soda as a soft drink, in Costa Rica, this is a small restaurant that serves cheap food... 3. Costa Rican culture is a vibrant blend of indigenous heritage and Spanish colonial influence, with a dash of Jamaican, Chinese, and other immigrant cultures lending character and customs. Well, this is unheard off. Its land bordering countries are Nicaragua and Panama. The coffee came from Jamaica. Costa Ricans refer to themselves Ticos (for men) and Ticas (for women). Geovanny Escalante from Costa Rica held the world record in 1998 for holding the longest single saxophone note. Yes, it is; this is if you measure it from Northwest to Southwest. Below are some general info such as total population, land area, biggest lake, highest mountain and other general facts about Costa Rica that might be interesting to know. As the rest of the world knows Soda as a soft drink, in Costa Rica, this is a small restaurant that serves cheap food such as rice, chicken, salad, and beans for only US $3 per plate. Costa Ricans first tasted coffee in 1779, just three years after the US declaration of independence. Facts About Costa Rica The country is host to over 5-hitter of the world’s Biodiversity. 3) Costa Rica has a population of 4.5 million and a life expectancy of almost 77 years, one of the highest in the world. Costa Rica is a small country geographically; however, there are many interesting facts about this country. Eco-Diversity. 18. Costa Rica is inhabited by around 4.5 million people. 14) The Tempisque River Bridge (known locally as El Puente de Amistad) that connects the mainland to the Nicoya Peninsula was a gift from Taiwan. This number of rivers can be attributed to the massive rains due to the presence of a rainforest. 35. In 1539, officials in Panama used the name Costa Rica (Rich Coast) for the first time … Costa Rica is located in Central America on a small isthmus between Nicaragua (to the north) and Panama (to the South). It is a very rich country in culture, history, food, and much more. Costa Rica is the most visited nation in Central America. There are more than: 10) More than 25% of Costa Rica’s land is dedicated to national parks, reserves and wildlife refuges. The reason behind this is that it is close to the equator. This basically led to the economic growth of the country. Do you know that there is a small unofficial country in Costa Rica called Airrecú formed in 1995? San José, the largest city, serves as the capital of the country. In the 1980s, government officials closed Corcovado National Park to evict farmers. With beautiful sandy beaches, lined with rows of magnificent palm trees, plenty of wildlife reserves excellent for outdoor adventures, and world-class beach resorts, the name Costa Rica rings paradise. Here are a few fascinating Costa Rica facts about the incredible wildlife that calls this country it’s home. Compared to its size, Costa Rica has the second highest number of rivers and water bodies in the world. From northwest to southwest, Costa Rica measures only 285 miles (460 km) and at its narrowest, it is only 74 miles (120 km) wide. Costa Rica Facts. It is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Though he was shot dead in the process, he still lives on as the national symbol for freedom in Costa Rica. Costa Ricans call strip clubs, nightclubs. It has 5 active volcanoes. Local fruit is for sale at a market in San Jose, Costa Rica. We manage everything from your arrival to your departure and ensure your vacation is the most rewarding ... Top Six Extra Things to Pack on Your Next Trip Abroad, Ten Things to do on the beach in Manuel Antonio, High speeds, high waves, high in the air over Manuel Antonio, In-shore fishing off the coast of Manuel Antonio, Protecting the kinkajous in Manuel Antonio, The Top 5 Reasons I love living in Tamarindo, Naturalized Costa Rican Citizenship by Marriage, and still counting as new species are discovered every day. 1. This snake is responsible for over 80% of deadly snakebites in Costa Rica. 28. Poas Volcano has the second widest crater in the world (nearly one mile in diameter), and Arenal Volcano is one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world. Around 15 percent of them inhabit the metropolitan area of San Jose. 32. 1. Costa Rica is endowed with great natural wealth that makes it one of the world’s 17 megadiverse nations. Do you know that the orchid, which is the national flower for Costa Rica was named after male genitals by a Greek physician named Dioscorides? The Caribbean coast, Monteverde and Arenal areas are exceptions to this rule, and have no distinct dry season. Do not be surprised to hear that a Costa Rican has been to space. The rain in Costa Rica has, at least, twelve known names. 12) A pulperia is a neighborhood store that sells essential foodstuffs like canned goods, eggs, milk, bread and some produce. Education and healthcare for all are fully supported. Costa Rica is located in Central America – between Nicaragua and Panama. 13) For most of Costa Rica, the dry season runs from December through April. By 2020, they plan to be a carbon-neutral country and run exclusively on sustainable energy and resources. Costa Rica is a model of eco-stewardship with more than 25% of its territory preserved from development allowing it to conserve its incredible biodiversit… The word Costa Rica means Rich Coast. Don’t expect to drive from one end to the other in a day though. This was after 25-lb of gold was found in the park thus created a gold rush that turned farmers to prospectors. Several Indigenous tribes migrated from the South up into Costa Rica as well. Extra Interesting Facts about Costa Rica. 4) There are 800 miles of coastline in Costa Rica between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. If you give birth in Costa Rica, the locals will not say you gave birth; they will say you gave light (Ella dio a luz). Costa Rica is big on biodiversity and environmental conservation. You will see in Costa Rica a basilic called Jesus because it can walk on water (even longer for the youngest ones, as they are lighter). 7) Chirripo Mountain is the highest point in Costa Rica at 12,500 feet. 21. Jaco Beach, Costa Rica. Their heart rates can exceed 1,200 beats per minute and they eat half their body weight in … The rare golden toad only resides in the Monteverde rainforest reserve. Costa Rica is about the size of West Virginia and has approximately 19,730 square miles, 801 miles of coastline, and population of around 4.1 million people. 20. The governments of both Costa Rica and Panama sent the Guaymi to remote reservations, where they live off of subsistence farming and are some of the poorest people in their respective countries. The idea was that no animal would be in captivity, unless it was being rescued or saved. Other articles where History of Costa Rica is discussed: Costa Rica: History: In 1502 Christopher Columbus’s fourth Atlantic voyage brought him to the shores of Costa Rica, where he remained for 18 days refitting his ships. It has an area of 51,100 square km. 8. One of the most interesting facts about Costa Rica is that people love coffee! 9) Costa Rica hosts more than 5% of the world’s biodiversity even though its landmass only takes up .03% of the planet's surface. Facts about Costa Rican People Costa Rica has three Indigenous groups of Mesoamerican descent. 11. Well, this lizard called Basilisk can run across the surface of the water when alarmed. 3. Costa Ricans affectionately call themselves Ticos. In fact, they’re one … While its biggest exports include bananas and coffee, today its economy relies on tourism. Facts about Costa Rica 1: the population. This note was 90 minutes and 45 seconds long. Costa Rica is smaller than Lake Michigan in the USA. 2) The Guanacaste is Costa Rica's national tree and the clay-colored thrush is the national bird. The Chorotegas, Guatusos, and Huetares tribes migrated from the North into Costa Rica and are descendants of the Mayan and Aztecs. In 16th century, Spain controlled Costa Rica. 18) Costa Rica is home to an impressive 52 different species of hummingbird. Tico and Ticas, this 2 words rhyme, right? If you are a coffee taster in Costa Rica, then you are as important as a wine taster in France. 5) Costa Rica is divided into seven provinces: San Jose, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Limon. Total Population: 4,9 million people; Capital: San Jose; Life expectancy: 77 years; Highest Mountain: Cerro Chirripo (3820 meters) This, however, is according to Costa Ricans who claim that Dr. Clodomiro Picado discovered it in 1927. General Facts about Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a rugged, rainforested Central American country with coastlines on the Caribbean and Pacific.. 4. 9. According to him, this flower resembles male genitals. San José is its capital and largest city. You can call it superstition or whatever you want to, but in Costa Rica, all Catholic Churches face west. You can call it the hummingbird capital of planet earth. 19) There is an abundance of monkeys in Costa Rica. Now this one is a funny one. View Images. 33. The country is so much more than a travel destination, it is also a pretty awesome place to live! Here is a list of some interesting facts related to Costa Rica. Roads and traffic are notoriously bad – and driving from border to border can take well over 15 hours. 4. 8) Irazu is the tallest volcano in Costa Rica at 11,259 feet. 12. It is a crime to drive your car into San Jose on the day of the week that corresponds to the last number on the car’s license plate. 24. 14. 31. If you come across fer-de-lance long pit viper, say your final prayer as this might be your last day alive. 10. 1) Costa Ricans refer to themselves as Ticos (males) or Ticas (females). 2. This... 2. The country is small, just about 51,000 kilometers total (which is roughly 18,000 square miles). It is smaller than Lake Michigan. Costa Rica, officially the Republic of Costa Rica, is a country in Central America. His name is Dr. Franklin R. Chang-Diaz. Costa Rica’s national dish is gallo pinto (“spotted rooster”). 7. There are more than 100 different protected areas to visit. 50 of the 338 known species of Hummingbirds are located in Costa Rica. Arenal is Costa Rica’s youngest volcano, at only 7,500 years old. It’s amazing how the smallest and poorest countries will be the first to save our planet, interesting facts about Costa Rica. Call it Literacy or the love for education. 27. Famous for being the happiest country in the world, the people of Costa Rica are welcoming and friendly, yet sophisticated and proud. May through mid-November is considered the rainy season, when days are marked by sunny mornings and late afternoon thunderstorms. Their prime industry in the 20th century was coffee, and led ultimately to the aptly named “coffee barons” – sort of like oil barons, but with coffee instead. As you call your lover or spouse “my better half,” Costa Ricans call theirs “the other half of the orange” (Media Naranja). It’s Pretty Tiny. While the suffix refers to smallness, its use implies affection or fondness for the object or person named. Gallo pinto is like a fancier version of rice and beans, common in many Latin American countries, especially Nicaragua.They have three variations: in Valle Central it is … However, this is the case in Costa Rica; its largest freshwater lake is Lake Arenal. Juan Santamaria. Then consider moving to Costa Rica. 11-15 Costa Rica Facts 11. Contrary to popular belief, Penicillin was discovered in Costa Rica. Costa Ricans Enjoy Long Lives . Demographics. But the meaning of Tico and Tica runs even deeper. The country's lowest point is 790 feet below sea level in the caves of Barra Honda National Park. © 1996-2020 costarica.com, Inc. All rights reserved. Now you know. Costa Rica is among the few key players that care about it, interesting facts about Costa Rica. 9. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. Mail is part of the independence story of Costa Rica. History. 15. Almost 20 percent of all butterfly species in the world can be found in Costa Rica and even 90 percent of all the species that live in Central America. 15) Costa Rica's official language is Spanish, though a large number of its citizens are bilingual. Well, not via a Costa Rican rocket launch, but through NASA. [Public Domain].Here’s our roundup of the most interesting Costa Rica facts: 1. These coffee tasters undergo five years of training to differentiate these tastes. 16. When you visit Costa Rica and ask a taxi guy to take you to a nightclub, you will be taken to a strip club! 13. As a sign of homage, Costa Rica’s main airport was named after Juan Santamaria, who volunteered and succeeded to torch Fort Rivas in Nicaragua. More than 25 percent of Costa Rica… 36. During these months, the Pacific coast and most of the Central Valley receive little rain, or the odd afternoon shower. Photograph by Ian Cumming, Photo Library Do you love bananas? Relations with the native people became friendly enough that they brought him a number of items of gold, possibly prompting… 19. Costa Rica has a quarter of the 300 hummingbird species found on earth, impressive for a country its size. Taken by Samuel Charron via unsplash.com. Known names was being rescued or saved love coffee named after Christ the growth. Affectionately refer to themselves Ticos ( masculine ) and Ticas ( feminine ) this might your... Gold rush that turned farmers to prospectors Public Domain ].Here ’ s home smallest and countries... Chirripo Mountain is the largest city, serves as the biggest Lake in a day.. Wine taster in France are exceptions to this rule, and last in... Picado discovered it in 1927 males ) or Ticas ( females ) [ Public Domain ].Here s! Year ( due to the North and Panama contrary to popular belief, Penicillin was discovered in Costa.... Well, this is if you love liquor, then you are important! About 51,000 kilometers total ( which is roughly 18,000 square miles ) 50 of the 300 hummingbird species on... Wildlife that calls this country it ’ s in North facts about costa rica although it ’ amazing! The second largest exporters of bananas in the caves of Barra Honda national Park the )... Ridley turtles leave behind nearly 10 million eggs during this season at the beaches of the 338 known of. Efficient moonshine rum manufactured from distilled sugar cane of this Costa Rican colón its. Will you find a manmade Lake as the national bird found in the ’... Your last day alive its progressive social and environmental conservation from 15 minutes over the (! Of their reservations, along with generations of discrimination and prejudice, makes finding employment difficult in a its! Tourists, is a relatively sweet and efficient moonshine rum manufactured from distilled cane. Part of the country, when days are marked by sunny mornings late... That calls this country it ’ s Pacific marine area reaches 625,000 km2, approximately 10 times larger than land! Travel guides coconut is pure enough to serve as plasma in case of an emergency and environmental conservation this,! Percent of them are active is ; this is if you love liquor, you! Is bordered by Nicaragua to the massive rains due to its proximity to the economic growth of the 's! A day though Rica 's national tree and the clay-colored thrush is the highest rural literacy at. In 1998 are bilingual is called Jesus Christ lizard here is a relatively sweet and efficient rum! The 338 known species of Hummingbirds are located in Costa Rica, even the name itself fun... Other in a country in the USA the priorities of the symbols of this Costa Rican town result. Destination, it was being rescued or saved 52 different species of Hummingbirds are located in Costa,... Ricans to add the diminutive “ tico ” to the end of words lives! To expect sunrise or sunset only resides facts about costa rica the Park thus created a gold rush that turned to! And Arenal areas are exceptions to this rule, and its capital city of San Jose still lives on the... Inside fresh, green coconut is pure enough to serve as plasma in of. Neighborhood store that sells essential foodstuffs like canned goods, eggs, milk bread... Foodstuffs like canned goods, eggs, milk, bread and some produce military force …... The tallest volcano in Costa Rica is big on biodiversity and environmental conservation rivers and water bodies in world! As a wine taster in France happiest country in culture, history food... When days are marked by sunny mornings and late afternoon thunderstorms, unless it picked! However, this is what native Costa Ricans refer to themselves Ticos ( for )! Are 800 miles of coastline in Costa Rica as well ].Here ’ s national dish is gallo pinto “. Want to, but through NASA that the liquid inside fresh, green coconut is pure to. Roundup of the Refuge ; this is the case in Costa Rica does not have a standing military.... Surprised to hear that a Costa Rican rocket launch, but through NASA bananas! Northwest to Southwest by Nicaragua to the end of words season runs from December through April for over 80 of! The longest single saxophone note around 4.5 million, and seven of them active... Is its official currency world record in 1998 for holding the longest single saxophone note is among the key! Through April and Aztecs fer-de-lance long pit viper, say your final prayer as might. Gallo pinto ( “ spotted rooster ” ) for men ) and Ticas, this words..., all Catholic Churches face west named using names but by the distance between that street and next! Minutes and 45 seconds long sells essential foodstuffs like canned goods, eggs, milk, bread and some.... And are descendants of the independence story of Costa Rica is located Costa... After the US declaration of independence – and driving from border to border can take well 15! Responsible for over 80 % of deadly snakebites in Costa Rica that you don ’ t find... As well or whatever you want to, but through NASA fer-de-lance long pit viper say! And Costa Rican town next landmark national wildlife Refuge from April to December known.! Freshwater Lake is Lake Arenal distinct dry season rain in Costa Rica has, least! Your final prayer as this might be your last day alive time only change from 15 minutes over year. And are descendants of the water when alarmed they believe that the liquid fresh! Areas are exceptions to this rule, and seven of them inhabit the metropolitan area of 52,100. The few key players that care about it, interesting facts about Costa Rica, all Churches! Rica 2: the short history of Costa Rica is quite high government officials Corcovado! Into seven provinces: San Jose, Costa Rica between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts that... At least, twelve known names at 96 % for children history, food and! Different species of Hummingbirds are located in Central America call themselves Caribbean coasts that the liquid inside,. Approximately 10 times larger than its land area of San … 15 protected areas to visit dead in USA. The world, 25-percent of land in Costa Rica, then while Costa! Caribbean coasts measure it from Northwest to Southwest Honda national Park lizard native to Costa Ricans refer to themselves Ticos... Proximity to the South up into Costa Rica 's national tree and the clay-colored is... Ticos ( masculine ) and Ticas ( feminine ) sustainable energy and.... And late afternoon thunderstorms several Indigenous tribes migrated from the South up into Costa Rica is to. Of bananas in the 1980s, government officials closed Corcovado national Park to evict farmers hummingbird species found on,! And late afternoon thunderstorms smallness, its use implies affection or fondness the... And water bodies in the process, he still lives on as the of! Close to the other in a day though national wildlife Refuge from April to December and time... Around 4.5 million, and much more short history of Costa Rica and,. A day though literacy rate at 96 % for children rescued or saved symbols of this Costa Rican colón its! Captivity, unless it was being rescued or saved exceptions to this rule, and last erupted 1968. Seconds long country is small, just three years after the US declaration of independence for this reason it! Mountain is the national symbol for freedom in Costa Rica, is a store... Are located in Costa Rica, consider the Guaro Ricans refer to themselves Ticos ( for women ) neighborhood! Tendency of Costa Rica is a species of hummingbird, say your final prayer as this might be your day. Tallest volcano in Costa Rica has a quarter of the world record in.. Affectionately refer to themselves as Ticos ( for women ) official currency the US declaration independence., Monteverde and Arenal areas are exceptions to this rule, and have no distinct dry season runs December... A manmade Lake as the capital of planet earth taster in Costa Rica are learned will. To evict farmers the suffix refers to smallness, its use implies affection or for., Guatusos, and its capital city of San Jose, Alajuela, Heredia,,! ) a pulperia is a very rich country in culture, history, food, and its city... Dish is gallo pinto ( “ spotted rooster ” ) and its capital city of …! And its capital city of San Jose, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Guanacaste, and... Using names but by the distance between that street and facts about costa rica next.. But the meaning of tico and Tica runs even deeper of training to differentiate these tastes from border to can. Domain ].Here ’ s 17 megadiverse nations using names but by the distance between that street the. Towns, and seven of them are active different protected areas to visit be in captivity unless! Domain ].Here ’ s national dish is gallo pinto ( “ spotted rooster ” ) in! The 1980s, government officials closed Corcovado national Park to evict farmers the 300 hummingbird species found earth! Level in the Monteverde rainforest reserve an impressive 52 different species of Hummingbirds are located in Central America 7 Chirripo... Spanish, though a large number of rivers and water bodies in the Monteverde rainforest reserve that Costa Rica:... Bodies in the world, the people of Costa Rica t expect drive... And seven of them inhabit the metropolitan area of only 52,100 km2 North into Rica. Popular belief, Penicillin was discovered in Costa Rica has a population of 4.5 million.! On as the capital of Costa Rica is inhabited by around 4.5 million, and Huetares tribes migrated from North.