🇨🇷 Costa Rica FactsGeography & Nature

• Located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua (north) and Panama (southeast).

• Known for its incredible biodiversity, it contains about 5% of the world’s species despite its small size.

• Home to over 25% of its land protected as national parks and reserves.

• Features stunning landscapes including rainforests, volcanoes, beaches on both Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and cloud forests.

• Famous for animals like sloths, howler monkeys, toucans, jaguars, and colorful frogs (e.g., the poison dart frog).

• Birdwatchers flock here—over 900 bird species can be found.

• Tropical climate with two main seasons:

  • Dry season (December to April)

  • Rainy season (May to November)

• Average temperatures range from 21–27°C (70–80°F) depending on altitude.

• Population: around 5 million people.

• Official language: Spanish.

• Known for the phrase “Pura Vida”, meaning “pure life” or “simple life,” which reflects the country’s laid-back and friendly culture.

• Economy relies on tourism, agriculture (coffee, bananas), and technology exports.

• Costa Rica is a leader in renewable energy, producing most of its electricity from hydro, wind, and geothermal sources.

• Aims to be carbon-neutral by 2050.

• Costa Rica has no standing army since 1948; funds are invested in education and health.

• It’s one of the happiest and safest countries in Latin America.

• Popular destinations: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuguero National Park, and beaches like Tamarindo.