Interesting facts about Costa Rica
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Costa Rica represents only about 0.03% of the Earth’s surface but features approximately 5% of the world’s biodiversity.
- There are more butterfly species in Costa Rica than on the whole African Continent, that is to say, 12,000 different species.
- A quarter of Costa Rica’s land area is protected.
- The crater of Poás Volcano is one of the largest in the world.
- Costa Rica’s national flower is the Guarianthe skinneri, a beautiful purple orchid.
- Costa Rica was the first country in the world to abolish its army, which it did in 1948.
- Costa Rica is a Republic and has been regarded as one of the oldest and most stable democracies since 1949.
- Costa Rica is called the “Switzerland of Central America”, not only because of its mountainous landscape, but also because of its relative prosperity and the political neutrality which it declared in 1983 – similar to Switzerland (1815).
- Costa Ricans call themselves Ticos for men or a mixed group, and Ticas for women.
- Costa Rica’s currency, the colón, was named after Christopher Columbus, who arrived on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast in 1502 (his name in Spanish is Cristobal Colón).
- Costa Rica has one of the highest literacy rates of Latin America.
- The former prison in the centre of San José is now the Children’s Museum (Museo de los Niños).
Its nature, infrastructure and excellent services
“Natural paradise”, “Garden of Eden between the Pacific and the Atlantic”, “Tropical garden between two oceans” – this is how Costa Rica often is described in articles, travel guides, and travel reports. We are sure you will see that the authors of these descriptions did not exaggerate.
Costa Rica is full of colours, shapes, flora and fauna. The country’s rich ecosystems owe their diversity to the nation's tropical location, varying topography, climbing altitudes, and the two oceans. Nature spectacles include the nesting of different sea turtles on both coasts, while whales and dolphins raise their young ones in the warm, calm waters.
In addition, there is the fun-loving, open-minded, and hospitable population who will enrich your stay.
Costa Rica has an excellent tourism infrastructure and range of services, from five-star resorts to exclusive luxury boutique hotels, the ultimate in luxury transportation, multilingual guides, venues for themed events, and gourmet cuisine. Using our extensive experience, we create incentive and luxury travel programmes that are tailor-made according to your needs and will assure you breathtaking experiences you will never forget.
Its excellent air connections
Being in the centre of the Americas, Costa Rica can be reached by many air connections from both north and south. Panama City and various U.S. hubs are the most used, but other countries could offer the best flight connection for your travel plans. Recently, several European airlines have included direct connections to their flight plans, offering an even more comfortable journey to Costa Rica.
It is a peaceful country
Costa Rica has not had an army since 1948, nor has it been involved in any international military or political conflicts. That means that 8 out of 10 Costa Ricans have never seen a soldier in person in their lives.
Instead of having a military, Costa Rica has focused on creating outstanding health care standards, exceptional educational opportunities, leading environmental policies, and excellent social programmes. The Global Peace Index reports Costa Rica as being one of the few countries in the world completely free of conflict.
Hence, the popular Costa Rican phrase of Pura Vida! – meaning literally “Pure Life!” or more succinctly, “We love life!” – has real meaning to Costa Ricans!
