Costa Rica is a small country with a big personality. It abolished its army more than 75 years ago, runs almost entirely on renewable electricity, and is home to an astonishing share of the planet's wildlife. Here are 12 fun facts about Costa Rica that show why this Central American country is so special.
1. Costa Rica Is a Biodiversity Hotspot
Costa Rica covers only about 0.03% of the Earth's surface but is home to around 5% of the world's known species. More than a quarter of its territory is protected in national parks and reserves.
2. It Has More Than 900 Bird Species
Birdwatchers come for the resplendent quetzal, scarlet macaws, toucans, and hundreds of other species.
3. It Is a Hummingbird Paradise
More than 50 species of hummingbird live in Costa Rica. Hummingbird gardens in Monteverde are one of the best places to watch them up close.
4. It Has No Army
Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948 and invested in education, health care, and conservation instead. December 1 is celebrated as Military Abolition Day.
5. "Pura Vida" Is a Way of Life
Meaning "pure life" or "simple life," pura vida is used as hello, goodbye, thank you, and "everything is fine." It sums up the country's relaxed, grateful approach to life.
6. It Has Hundreds of Volcanic Formations
Costa Rica sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and has more than 200 volcanic formations, a handful of which are considered active, including Poás, Rincón de la Vieja, and Turrialba. Arenal, the most famous, erupted almost continuously from 1968 to 2010 and is now quiet.
7. It Runs on Renewable Electricity
Costa Rica generates around 98% of its electricity from renewable sources, mainly hydropower, plus geothermal, wind, and solar. In some years, it has run on 100% renewable electricity for months at a time.
8. The Nicoya Peninsula Is a Blue Zone
Nicoya is one of the world's five Blue Zones, places where people live unusually long lives, thanks to a traditional diet, active lifestyle, strong family ties, and a sense of purpose.
9. Coffee Shaped the Country
Coffee has been grown in Costa Rica for more than 200 years and funded much of the country's early development, including the grand National Theatre in San José.
10. Sloths Are Everywhere
Both two-toed and three-toed sloths live in Costa Rica. They move so slowly that algae grows on their fur, helping them blend into the trees.
11. Sea Turtles Nest on Both Coasts
Several species of sea turtle nest on Costa Rica's beaches, including green turtles in Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast and olive ridleys, which arrive in huge synchronized nestings at Ostional on the Pacific coast.
12. It Is a Leader in Sustainable Tourism
Costa Rica was one of the pioneers of ecotourism. Its sustainability certification program rates hotels and tour operators on their environmental and social impact, and the country aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
See Costa Rica for Yourself
Ready to experience pura vida? Plan your trip with our Costa Rica travel guide, read our tips for a family trip to Costa Rica, and pack with our Costa Rica packing list. Stay connected throughout your trip with an egoViet Costa Rica eSIM.
FAQs: Fun Facts About Costa Rica
What is Costa Rica most famous for?
Costa Rica is famous for its wildlife, rainforests, volcanoes, beaches on two oceans, coffee, ecotourism, and the pura vida lifestyle.
What does pura vida mean?
It means "pure life" or "simple life" and is used as a greeting, a farewell, and a way of saying everything is good.
Does Costa Rica have an army?
No. Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948.
Is Costa Rica safe?
Costa Rica is generally safe for travelers, especially in popular areas. Take normal precautions against petty theft, and be careful of strong ocean currents.