Interesting Facts About Costa Rica

When it comes to Costa Rica, you’ve probably heard about “pura vida.” You probably know the country’s biodiversity is off the charts, and maybe you even know that they got rid of their army long ago. But beyond this basic info, what do you really know about the land of the Ticos?

Grab a cup of your favourite Costa Rican coffee and read some interesting facts!

• The country’s highest mountain is Mount Chirripó, located in the Chirripó National Park. It stands at the height of 12,536 feet.

• Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula is one of the earth’s five “Blue Zones,” where people tend to live longer, happier lives. Men who reach their 60th birthday in Costa Rica’s blue zone are more likely to have a longer life expectancy than the global average.

• The Guaria Morada, a species of orchid, is the national flower of Costa Rica.

• The Costa Rican National Anthem was written by José María Zeledón Brenes and adopted in 1852 as one of Costa Rica’s national symbols.

• The Clay-Coloured Thrush was named the national bird of Costa Rica in 1977.

• The sloth is a national symbol of Costa Rica’s commitment to protecting forests and the endangered species that live in them.

• The Guanacaste Tree was named the national tree of Costa Rica in 1959.
  Costa Rica is commonly mistaken as a country in South America. It is actually on the Central American isthmus, a strip of land with sea on either side.

• Costa Rica is striving to become one of a handful of carbon neutral countries, and already generates almost 98% of its energy through renewable sources. It’s now pledged to achieve zero net emissions by 2050, meaning it would produce no more emissions than it can offset.

• The flag of the country contains blue, white and red stripes. The dark blue is for the sky, idealism and opportunities. The white stripes represent peace, wisdom and happiness. Meanwhile, the red on the Costa Rican flag stands for the blood of the people defending the nation as well as the warmth of the people.

• Costa Rica is a rich country when it comes to natural ingredients, with bananas, sugar cane, coffee, chocolate and pineapples all produced on the land.