Interesting Costa Rica Facts

Interesting Costa Rica Facts.

costa rica factsWhat are 5 interesting facts about Costa Rica? Is a question I get asked a lot and I want to take this article as an opportunity to answer all of these questions concerning interesting facts about the beautiful country of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is the perfect place for tourists and diving fanatics.  Costa Rica is a small country that is located in Central America. 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. The country has a population of 4.5 million, and its capital city of San Jose is home to approximately 300,000 citizens. Costa Rica has a total area of 19,653 square miles (51,100 square kilometers). The official language of the country is Spanish, but Mekatelyu and Bribri are both recognized indigenous languages. The country does not recognize any religion as an official religion, and instead is recognized as a secular state. Costa Rica has a unitary presidential constitutional republic with a President and two Vice Presidents.

Below are more fun facts about Costa Rica that would improve your wealth of knowledge. 

Fun Facts About Costa Rica

  1. Their total nominal GDP is estimated to be $45.1 billion, and their total nominal per capita GDP is $9,672.
  2. Costa Rica is still considered a developing country by the World Bank, and still has many economic downfalls.
  3. The country has a poverty rate of 23% and an 8% unemployment rate.
  4. Costa Rica’s main exports include coffee, bananas, sugar, cattle and cocoa. Their main imports include mining goods, transportation equipment and fuel.
  5. Costa Ricans refer to themselves as Ticos (males) and Ticas (females).
  6. Over 25% of Costa Rica’s land is set aside for national parks and refuges.
  7. Costa Ricans have one of the highest life expectancies in the world. On average, they live until their late 70s.

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  1. The country has a 96% literacy rate. In areas that are poor and very rural, children often can’t afford to go to school, so the country set up a school system that can be listened to over the radio. These children learn all of the same lessons over the radio as kids do who attend school.
  2. Pregnant women are referred to as being ‘con luz’ which translates into ‘with light.
  3. Easter Week is known as Semana Santa in Costa Rica. During this week people visit the beach, relax with their family, attend church and have many religious celebrations.
  4. Due to the large number of tourists from the United States who visit Costa Rica each year, English is raising in popularity. It is now the most common second language spoken in the country.
  5. Art is a thriving part of Costa Rica’s society. They have many museums that tourists frequent, and have many street sculptures that dot the streets of the prominent cities.
  6. Pura Vida is the national saying of Costa Rica, and it translates into pure life. Costa Ricans use the saying to wish someone good will, say goodbye and ask someone how they are doing.
  7. The average salary of a Costa Rican is $6,000 US dollars per year.
  8. Women do not take their husband’s last name when they get married. Instead, the woman uses her maiden name throughout her entire life. Children will take the last name of their fathers.
  9. Milk is sold in a plastic bag, not in a carton.
  10. Almost every Catholic church in the country faces west.
  11. Tourism is the country’s main source of foreign exchange. This position was previously held by the production and sale of bananas.

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  1. One-quarter of Costa Rica’s land is protected.
  2. Costa Rica is the only Central American country that does not have a standing army.
  3. Costa Rica has over 100 volcanic formations, and seven of those are active. Arenal Volcano is one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
  4. Costa Rica has become known for its beautiful beaches. The country has over 800 miles of coastline along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
  5. The average wage for workers in Costa Rica is about $10 per day. While this may seem low, this is actually the highest average wage in Central America.
  6. Less than 1% of the population consists of indigenous natives. 94% of the Costa Rican population is European or mestizo.
  7. Costa Rica is home to about 34,000 different species of insects. The country is also home to about 20,000 different types of spiders.
  8. Like the United States, Costa Rica holds elections for its presidency every four years.
  9. The country is just about the size of Lake Michigan. Despite its small size, 5% of the world’s biodiversity can be found here.
  10. Rice and beans are a big part of the diets of Costa Ricans. Both ingredients are used for a common breakfast food known as gallo pinto.
  11. The country does not recognize any religion as an official religion, and instead is recognized as a secular state.
  12.  Costa Rica utilizes the Costa Rican colon as its currency.
  13.  Its flag is a horizontal flag that is comprised of five stripes; two blue and white stripes border a larger red stripe on the flag. The country’s coat of arms is located on the left side of the flag.

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The above interesting facts about Costa Rica were carefully compiled to share some interesting information you probably never knew or have heard about the beautiful country called Costa Rica, those fun facts about Costa Rica are not all there is to know about Costa Rica, the next section would be dedicated to answering some popular questions with respect to Costa Rica facts.

Costa Rica FAQs

  • What are 5 interesting facts about Costa Rica?

Below are 5 interesting facts about Costa Rica:

  1. ‘Ticos’ and ‘Ticas‘ is what Costa Ricans call themselves.
  2. Costa Rica has no army.
  3. Costa Rica is one of the most eco-friendly countries of the world.
  4. In Costa Rica the sun rises and sets at the same time everyday.
  5. Women of Costa Rica maintain their maiden names throughout their lifetime.
  • What is a fun fact about Costa Rica?

A fun fact about Costa Rica is that the sun rises and sets at the same time every single day of the year. This fact is strange but can be well explained, it is because the country is very close to the Equator.

  • What is Costa Rica best known for?

Costa Rica is best known for its their food production capabilities as well as it’s gourmet coffee beans.

  • What is Costa Rica’s national animal?

Costa Rica’s national animal is the white-tailed deer.

  • Why is Costa Rica so popular?

Costa Rica is popular for many reasons, some of which could be related to it’s very fertile land that makes food production lucrative, asides that, the country is very beautiful place which makes it a perfect destination for visitors.

  • What are 3 interesting facts about Costa Rica?

The following are 3 interesting facts about Costa Rica:

  1. The country’s currency is super beautiful and colorful.
  2. The sun rises and sets at the same time everyday in Costa Rica.
  3. They call themselves Ticos and Ticas.
  • What food is Costa Rica known for?

Costa Rica is known for some of the following food:

  1. Tamal.
  2. Arroz con Leche.
  3. Sopa Negra.
  4. Gallo Pinto.
  5. Casado.