{"id":24736,"date":"2020-12-18T15:31:57","date_gmt":"2020-12-18T14:31:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=24736"},"modified":"2025-02-28T18:08:39","modified_gmt":"2025-02-28T17:08:39","slug":"fun-facts-costa-rica-happiest-country","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/fun-facts-costa-rica-happiest-country\/","title":{"rendered":"11 fun facts about Costa Rica"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Do you know any fun facts about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/destinations\/north-and-central-america\/costa-rica\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Costa Rica<\/a>? It\u2019s a country that\u2019s known for its sprawling rainforests, cascading waterfalls and volcanoes, not to mention the howler monkeys and chattering toucans, but there are so many other things to discover. We\u2019ve uncovered 11 fun facts about Costa Rica that will put the country at the top of your travel bucket list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>See Costa Rica\u00a0for less with worldwide savings<\/em><\/strong> <strong><em>in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-us\/deals\/last-minute-deals?sortby=2&amp;utm_source=in_article&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=last_minute_deals&amp;utm_id=last_minute_deals&amp;utm_content=costa_rica_facts_1\">Last Minute Deals.<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-it-s-one-of-the-happiest-countries-in-the-world\">1. <strong>It\u2019s one of the happiest countries in the world<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/happyplanetindex.org\/\">Happy Planet Index<\/a>, in 2012 Costa Rica held the top position as the happiest country in the world. A lot of factors play into this ranking including the fact that the government invests funds that it would have spent on an army (which was abolished in 1949) into education, healthcare and pensions. It has since slipped from the top position, but it\u2019s still a country filled with smiles and positivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1757\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2025\/01\/zachary-shea-MAFUZ8Nh7XQ-unsplash-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Man with surfboard walks along a beach\" class=\"wp-image-877238\" style=\"width:1016px;height:auto\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-there-are-over-500-000-species-of-wildlife\">2. <strong>There are over 500,000 species of wildlife<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Costa Rica is the most biodiverse country in the world, with a whopping <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kew.org\/read-and-watch\/costa-rica-biodiversity\">500,000 species of wildlife<\/a> \u2014 many of which are classified as rare or endangered. With Trafalgar, you can catch a glimpse of these animals in their natural habitats as we explore national parks and volcanic sights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\nTour not found.\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-of-the-500-000-species-900-of-them-are-birds\">3. <strong>Of the 500,000 species, 900 of them are birds<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If birdwatching is a favourite pastime of yours, Costa Rica is a must-visit destination for its wide variety of <a href=\"https:\/\/ecolodgesanywhere.com\/costa-rica-birds\/\">birds<\/a>. With Trafalgar, we\u2019ll take you on a guided tour through Manuel Antonio National Park which is home to 184 different types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>EXPERIENCE THIS ON: <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/tours\/monkeys-jungles-and-volcanoes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Monkeys jungles and volcanoes<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1984\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2025\/01\/zdenek-machacek-XUFMiGkv-60-unsplash-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Toucan on branch\" class=\"wp-image-877239\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-gallo-pinto-is-a-breakfast-staple\">4. <strong>Gallo pinto is a breakfast staple<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When in Costa Rica, trade your bacon and eggs for <a href=\"https:\/\/puravidamoms.com\/costa-rican-gallo-pinto-recipe\/\">gallo pinto<\/a>. The term translates to \u201cspotted rooster\u201d but what it actually refers to is a delicious dish made of rice and black beans that\u2019s traditionally served with breakfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>RELATED CONTENT: <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/eat-like-local-costa-rican-food\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>How to eat like a local in Costa Rica<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-there-are-over-200-volcanic-formations\">5. <strong>There are over 200 volcanic formations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Costa Rica is part of the Pacific <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ring_of_Fire\">Ring Fire Circle<\/a> and has over 200 volcanic formations traced back over 65 million years. Of these formations, there are around 100 of them that actually show any signs of activity and only five are classified as active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With Trafalgar, we\u2019ll take you to <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Arenal_Volcano\">Arenal Volcano<\/a>, which was still active up until 2010. You\u2019ll have the opportunity to hike through recent lava flows on a guided tour or kayak on Arenal Lake to get a one-of-a-kind view of the sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>EXPERIENCE THIS ON: <\/em><\/strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/tours\/costa-rica-eco-adventure\">Costa Rica Eco Adventure End San Jose<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2025\/01\/alex-ip-wFNNzXgo0Do-unsplash-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Lagoon surrounded by cliffs and vegetation\" class=\"wp-image-877240\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-costa-ricans-have-a-high-life-expectancy\">6. <strong>Costa Ricans have a high life expectancy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Costa Rica boasts an average <a href=\"https:\/\/data.who.int\/countries\/188\">life expectancy<\/a> of 80 years, making us wonder if a relaxing, laidback lifestyle surrounded by nature might be the secret recipe to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newyorker.com\/magazine\/2021\/08\/30\/costa-ricans-live-longer-than-we-do-whats-the-secret\">longer life<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Save now: book your next trip in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-us\/deals\/last-minute-deals?sortby=2&amp;utm_source=in_article&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=last_minute_deals&amp;utm_id=last_minute_deals&amp;utm_content=costa_rica_facts_1\">Last Minute Deals<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-they-have-a-sanctuary-that-protects-millions-of-turtles\">7. <strong>They have a sanctuary that protects millions of turtles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/wwf.panda.org\/discover\/our_focus\/wildlife_practice\/profiles\/fish_marine\/marine_turtles\/lac_marine_turtle_programme\/nesting_costarica\/ostional\/\">Ostional Wildlife Refuge<\/a> protects millions of turtles that nest there. It was established in 1984 to prevent turtle egg poaching and is the only place in the world where you can legally harvest turtle eggs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you love the creatures, visit Costa Rica with Trafalgar between July and September where you can see sea turtles lay eggs on the beach at Tortuguero National Park.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>EXPERIENCE THIS ON: <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/tours\/costa-rica-eco-adventure\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Costa Rica Eco Adventure End Liberia<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2025\/01\/etienne-delorieux-e5sp18O40yA-unsplash-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Forest landscape with waterfall \" class=\"wp-image-877241\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-25-of-the-land-is-conservation\">8. <strong>25% of the land is conservation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With 12 ecological zones and over 100 national parks, reserves, refuges and protected lands, Costa Rica is a true display of mother nature\u2019s beauty. The country is dedicated to protecting and preserving its eco-diversity, managing to become the first country in the world to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservation.org\/costa-rica\/en\/home\">reverse deforestation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-9-the-national-anthem-plays-on-the-radio-every-morning\">9. <strong>The national anthem plays on the radio every morning<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Did you know that the nation wakes up to the national anthem <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Cdq5Olbu2r1\/\">every morning<\/a>? Most major radio stations play the anthem each morning at 7am.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>RELATED CONTENT: <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/11-animals-costa-rica-wildlife\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>11 animals to look out for in Costa Rica<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-10-it-s-nature-s-playground\">10. <strong>It\u2019s nature\u2019s playground<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From surfing to white water rafting to zip-lining, there\u2019s no shortage of outdoor activities for thrill-seekers. Costa Rica is known to have some of the best surfing waves in the world and the rainforests are ideal for treetop trekking adventures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1917\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2025\/01\/atanas-malamov-4jgWVpKHO_4-unsplash-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Birds-eye view of beach and forest\" class=\"wp-image-877242\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-11-pura-vida-is-more-than-just-a-phrase-it-s-a-lifestyle\">11. <strong><em>Pura Vida <\/em>is more than just a phrase \u2014 it\u2019s a lifestyle<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Pura vida<\/em>, meaning \u201cpure life\u201d, is not only a common greeting, it\u2019s also a state of mind. <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/travel\/article\/20240227-pura-vida-costa-ricas-uniquely-positive-outlook-on-life\">Pura vida<\/a><\/em> encapsulates the laidback, friendly and welcoming vibe of Costa Ricans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>RELATED CONTENT<\/em><\/strong><em>: <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/live-pura-vida-costa-rica\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>6 ways to live the Pura Vida lifestyle with Trafalgar in Costa Rica<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Did we miss any fun facts about Costa Rica? Share them with us in the comments.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you know any fun facts about Costa Rica? It\u2019s a country that\u2019s known for its sprawling rainforests, cascading waterfalls and volcanoes, not to mention the howler monkeys and chattering toucans, but there are so many other things to discover. We\u2019ve uncovered 11 fun facts about Costa Rica that will put the country at the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":24737,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[4910],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24736","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inspiration"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>11 fun facts about Costa Rica that will surprise you<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We\u2019ve uncovered 11 fun facts about Costa Rica that will put the country at the top of your travel bucket list.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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