Pura Vida! Facts About Costa Rica, Home Of The Happiest People On Earth

Summary

Costa Rica, nestled in Central America, is celebrated for its environmental sustainability, with nearly all its energy from green sources. Renowned for its tourism, it outearns its staple crops like coffee and bananas. Known as a happy country, it cherishes unique traditions like calling lovers 'oranges' and features the marimba as its national instrument. Costa Rica is also a hub for biodiversity, with numerous volcanic formations and being a top coffee exporter. It boasts a high literacy rate and a unique culture encapsulated by 'Pura Vida', reflecting its people's happiness and lifestyle.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Costa Rica is a small country located in Central America, known for its lush rainforests and rich biodiversity.
• 🏖 The country's name, meaning 'rich coast,' was given by Spanish conquistadors due to the locals' gold jewelry.
• 🔋 Costa Rica is a leader in environmental sustainability, with 99.62% of its energy coming from green sources as of 2019.
• 🏆 It ranks as the 12th happiest country on Earth according to the Happy Planet Index and consistently places in the top 20 of the World Happiness Report.
• 🍊 Costa Ricans affectionately refer to their lovers as 'oranges' or 'media naranja,' meaning 'the other half of the orange'.
• 🎶 The marimba, which originated from Africa, is the national instrument of Costa Rica and was once made from hollowed-out gourds.
• ☕ Costa Rica is the 13th largest coffee exporter globally, with a history of coffee cultivation dating back to 1779.
• 👥 The country has a high literacy rate of 96% and prioritizes education in its budget allocation.
• 🥤 The term 'soda' in Costa Rica refers to small restaurants serving traditional local dishes, not fizzy drinks.
• 🌋 Costa Rica is home to 200 volcanic formations, with Arenal Volcano being one of the most active in the world.
• 🏞️ The country boasts 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites and is known for its rich cultural and natural heritage.

Q & A

What does the name 'Costa Rica' translate to and how did it get its name?

The name 'Costa Rica' translates to 'rich coast.' It was named so by the Spanish conquistadors in the early 1500s because they observed the locals' fondness for gold jewelry.

What percentage of Costa Rica's energy comes from green sources?

As of 2019, 99.62% of Costa Rica's energy is generated from green sources, highlighting the country's commitment to environmental sustainability.

How does Costa Rica rank in terms of happiness according to the Happy Planet Index and the World Happiness Report?

Costa Rica holds the record for being the 12th happiest country on Earth according to the Happy Planet Index in 2016 and was consistently ranked in the top 20 in the 2019 World Happiness Report by the United Nations.

What is the term Costa Ricans use to refer to their lovers and what does it mean?

Costa Ricans refer to their lovers as 'media naranja,' which translates to 'the other half of the orange.'

What is Costa Rica's national instrument and where did it originate from?

The marimba is Costa Rica's national instrument. It originated from Africa and was essential to the musical background of Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Mexican Chiapas region.

What is Costa Rica's rank in the world's largest coffee exporters?

Costa Rica ranks 13th in the world's largest coffee exporters.

How does Costa Rica contribute to the education of its citizens, especially in rural areas?

Costa Rica allocates a significant portion of its budget to education. For children in rural areas who may not have access to schools, a national radio station broadcasts lessons.

What is the cultural misunderstanding that can arise from the word 'soda' in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica, if you ask for a soda, locals might take you to a small restaurant called a 'soda,' which serves traditional local dishes like 'Casado,' not fizzy drinks.

How does Costa Rica's size compare to Lake Michigan?

Costa Rica is the 3rd smallest country in Central America with a total area of 51,100 km², which is smaller than Lake Michigan, with an area of 58,000 km².

What is unique about Costa Rica's volcanoes?

Costa Rica is home to 200 volcanic formations, with most being over 65 million years old. Out of these, only 5 are officially classified as active volcanoes, and 60 are dormant.

What is significant about the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica?

The Arenal Volcano is the most active volcano in Costa Rica and one of the most active in the world. It erupted tragically in 1968 and was last recorded to erupt in 2010.

Outlines

00:00

🌿 Central American Gem: Costa Rica

Costa Rica, nestled in Central America, is a small country rich in both natural beauty and cultural heritage. Known for its sustainable practices, it boasts 99.62% of its energy from green sources. Costa Rica is a developing nation that thrives on tourism, surpassing its traditional banana, pineapple, and coffee industries. It ranks as the 12th happiest country globally, with a high life expectancy and a focus on well-being. The nation's affectionate term for lovers, 'media naranja,' and its national instrument, the marimba, reflect its unique cultural identity. Costa Rica is also a significant player in coffee export, with a long history and a specialized group of coffee tasters known as 'Catadores.' Despite challenges in education access, the country prioritizes education, and it has a unique culinary culture, with 'soda' referring to traditional eateries rather than fizzy drinks. Geographically, it's smaller than Lake Michigan but has an abundance of water bodies and volcanic formations, some of which are over 65 million years old.

05:01

🌋 Volcanic Marvels and Cultural Riches

Costa Rica's natural wonders include the Arenal Volcano, one of the world's most active, and the Irazú Volcano, the country's tallest peak. The nation also claims Isla del Coco, the world's largest isolated island, and four UNESCO World Heritage sites. An interesting fact is the existence of the unrecognized country of Airrecú within Costa Rica. The nation's history dates back to 1539, and it is unique for having no military since 1949. Costa Rica is known for its high life expectancy and is part of the world's 5 Blue Zones. It has a rich scientific history, being the birthplace of penicillin research, and is famous for its astronaut, Dr. Franklin R. Chang-Diaz. The country is also a biodiversity hotspot, being the world's hummingbird capital and home to a vast array of insects and spiders. Culturally, it cherishes its traditional drink, Guaro, and the staple breakfast dish, Gallo pinto. The terms 'Ticos' and 'Ticas' are used affectionately to refer to male and female Costa Ricans.

10:09

🏞️ Lush Paradise of Festivals and Traditions

Costa Rica's cultural tapestry is woven with religious celebrations, a national slogan 'Pura Vida' that embodies a lifestyle, and a passion for soccer. The country hosts various local fiestas characterized by carnival games, food stalls, and bull riding competitions that do not harm the animals. An annual ox cart festival and a challenging mountain bike race, La Ruta de los Conquistadores, are also part of its vibrant traditions. The Carrera de Campo Traviesa Al Cerro Chirripó is a notable race that tests participants' endurance. Despite its small size, Costa Rica offers a world of experiences, from its biodiversity to its rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination.

Keywords

💡Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a Central American country known for its lush rainforests, biodiversity, and eco-tourism. The name translates to 'rich coast,' which was given by Spanish conquistadors due to the locals' gold jewelry. The country is a developing nation with a focus on environmental sustainability and is a major tourist destination. It is showcased as a small country with a wealth of natural beauty and cultural richness.

💡Environmental Sustainability

Environmental sustainability refers to the ability to maintain or enhance the natural environment for future generations. Costa Rica is highlighted for its efforts in this area, with 99.62% of its energy coming from green sources as of 2019. This commitment to sustainability is a core aspect of the country's identity and a key draw for eco-tourists.

💡Tourism

Tourism is a significant economic sector for Costa Rica, with over 2 million tourists visiting annually. It surpasses the combined income from the banana, pineapple, and coffee industries. The country's natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural attractions make it a top destination in Central America.

💡Happiness Index

The Happiness Index is a measure of subjective well-being in a country. Costa Rica ranks highly on this index, being the 12th happiest country according to the 2019 World Happiness Report. This ranking reflects the country's quality of life, which is influenced by factors like life expectancy, ecological footprint, and experienced well-being.

💡Marimba

The marimba is Costa Rica's national instrument, which has its roots in Africa but is deeply ingrained in the country's musical culture. It was traditionally made from hollowed-out gourds and is now known worldwide as an Apple ringtone. The marimba symbolizes the fusion of cultural influences in Costa Rica.

💡Coffee Exports

Costa Rica is the 13th largest exporter of coffee in the world. Coffee was introduced in 1779 and became known as 'grano de oro' or 'golden grain.' The coffee industry was the country's biggest for 150 years until tourism surpassed it. The importance of coffee is underscored by the training of professional coffee tasters, known as 'Catadores.'

💡Literacy Rate

The literacy rate in Costa Rica is 96%, which is a testament to the country's investment in education. Despite challenges in reaching rural children, the national budget allocates more to education than many other countries. A national radio station also helps teach lessons to those without access to schools.

💡Pura Vida

Pura Vida, which translates to 'pure life,' is more than just a slogan in Costa Rica; it's a lifestyle. It encapsulates the relaxed and contented attitude of the people, which researchers believe contributes to the country's high happiness ranking.

💡Volcanoes

Costa Rica is home to 200 volcanic formations, many of which are over 65 million years old. The Arenal Volcano is particularly notable for being one of the most active in the world, with its last eruption recorded in 2010. Volcanoes are a significant part of the country's geography and a draw for tourists interested in geology and adventure.

💡UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Costa Rica is home to four UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Area de Conservacion Guanacaste, Cocos Island National Park, La Amistad National Park, and the Precolumbian Chiefdom Settlements. These sites are recognized for their cultural, historical, or natural significance and are protected for future generations.

💡Hummingbirds

Costa Rica is known as the world's hummingbird capital, with 51 of the 300 recorded species found within its borders. The presence of such a diverse range of hummingbirds highlights the country's rich biodiversity and makes it a destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Highlights

Costa Rica, known for its environmental sustainability, generates 99.62% of its energy from green sources.

Tourism is the biggest income generator in Costa Rica, surpassing the banana, pineapple, and coffee industry combined.

Costa Rica is the 12th happiest country on Earth according to the Happy Planet Index.

Locals affectionately refer to their lovers as 'oranges' or 'media naranja', meaning 'the other half of the orange'.

The marimba, originally from Africa, is Costa Rica's national instrument and was once made from squash gourds.

Costa Rica is the 13th largest coffee exporter in the world, with a history dating back to 1779.

Professional coffee tasters, known as 'Catadores', are trained in Costa Rica to make key decisions in coffee purchases.

Costa Rica boasts a 96% literacy rate, with education being a significant part of the national budget.

The term 'soda' in Costa Rica refers to small restaurants serving traditional local dishes, not fizzy drinks.

Costa Rica is smaller than Lake Michigan, being the 3rd smallest country in Central America.

It has the second-highest number of bodies of water in the world, thanks to heavy rainfall.

Costa Rica is home to 200 volcanic formations, with only 5 currently active.

Arenal Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, with its last eruption recorded in 2010.

Irazú Volcano is the tallest in Costa Rica, standing at 11,000 feet.

Costa Rica's Cocos Island is the largest isolated island in the world and was featured in the original Jurassic Park film.

Costa Rica has 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites, showcasing its rich cultural and natural heritage.

The country of Airrecú, established in 1995, exists within Costa Rica but is unrecognized by the government or the UN.

Costa Rica abolished its military in 1949, focusing on law enforcement and peacekeeping units.

The average life expectancy in Costa Rica is 77 years, and it is one of the world's 5 Blue Zones.

Penicillin's role in preventing streptococcus growth was first demonstrated by a Costa Rican scientist in 1927.

The first Latin American astronaut sent to space by NASA was from Costa Rica, Dr. Franklin R. Chang-Diaz.

Costa Rica is the world's hummingbird capital, hosting 51 of the 300 recorded species.

The unofficial national drink of Costa Rica is Guaro, a moonshine rum made from sugarcane.

Gallo pinto, a dish made of rice and beans, is the most common breakfast in Costa Rica.

The national slogan 'Pura Vida' represents a lifestyle and is believed to contribute to Costa Rica's happiness.

Soccer is a way of life in Costa Rica, with every town having a dedicated space for a soccer field.

Costa Rica hosts the La Ruta de los Conquistadores, one of the world's most challenging mountain bike races.

Transcripts

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Found at the heart of the lush rainforests in Central America,

the Republic of Costa Rica proves that good things can come in small packages.

Costa Rica is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Carribean Sea.

When the Spanish conquistadors first reached the land in the early 1500s, they saw the locals’ penchant

for gold jewelry. As such, they named the country, “costa rica,” which translates

to “rich coast.”

Long after Spanish rule, Costa Rica continues to be a developing country. It has been recognized

for its environmental sustainability efforts, with 99.62% of its energy generated from green

sources as of 2019.

However, what other riches does Costa Rica hold? Watch on for a closer look at the most

visited country in Central America.

Costa Rica earns the most from tourism.

With over 2 million tourists visiting annually, Costa Rica generates more income from tourism

than the banana, pineapple and coffee industry combined.

Costa Rica holds the record for the 12th happiest country on Earth.

In 2016, The Happy Planet Index gave the country a 64.0 score based on their 3 criteria:

experienced well-being, life expectancy, and Ecological Footprint.

However, the 2019 World Happiness Report of the United Nations ranked Costa Rica

as the 12th happiest country, consistently placing in the top 20.

In Costa Rica, people call their lovers oranges.

They use the term ‘media naranja’ to address their significant other.

It translates to ‘the other half of the orange’.

The marimba is Costa Rica’s national instrument.

Before it was an Apple ringtone, early marimbas were made using

hollowed-out ‘calabaza’ or squash gourds. Although it originated from

Africa, the marimba was essential to the musical background of Costa Rica, Guatemala and the

Mexican Chiapas region.

Costa Rica ranks 13th in the world’s largest coffee exporters.

Jamaica introduced coffee to Costa Rica in 1779. The locals referred to coffee

as ‘grano de oro.’ Now, over 247,000 acres of coffee plantations thrive in the country.

Coffee was the biggest industry in Costa Rica for 150 years, until the tourism industry beat

it in 1991.

Costa Rica trains professional coffee tasters.

The coffee industry is so important in Costa Rica that

they train ‘Catadores’ or tasters. These tasters are the main decision-makers

in coffee purchases. They are somewhat the equivalent of the French wine tasters.

For five years, they study the perfect method of slurping the flavor of coffee off a spoon

and directly into their taste buds. They believe that good coffee should taste

good whether hot or cold. For the tasting, they usually do it cold.

Costa Rica has a 96% literacy rate.

As with any developing country, its schools are still out of reach for children from rural areas.

However, a national radio station works to teach the lessons over broadcast.

Overall, the country allocates more of its budget on education compared to other countries.

You can’t drink soda in Costa Rica.

There’s no ban on the fizzy drinks here,

but if you look for a soda in Costa Rica, locals would probably take you to a small

restaurant that serves traditional local dishes - known to them as “soda”. These sodas

commonly serve ‘Casado,’ which is a meal of beans, salad, rice and meat.

Lake Michigan is bigger than Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is the 3rd smallest country in Central America.

It has a total area of 51,100 km², while Lake Michigan’s area is 58,000 km².

Costa Rica is the second country with the most bodies of water.

Not only is it rich in wildlife, but Costa Rica has the most bodies of water in the world

next to New Zealand. This is thanks to the heavy amounts of rainfall that add water volume

to its rivers.

Costa Rica is home to 200 volcanic formations.

Costa Rica’s volcanoes are more than 65 million years old.

Most of them are found either in the northern region or the central highlands.

Only 100 volcanoes have shown any signs of activity.

Out of the 200 volcanoes, only 5 officially classify as active volcanoes.

Currently, there are 60 dormant volcanoes that could potentially be active in the future.

The Arenal Volcano is the most active one in Costa Rica.

The Arenal Volcano isn’t just the most active volcano in Costa Rica, but it also counts

as one of the most active volcanoes in the whole world. In 1968, the Arenal Volcano erupted

and brought tragedy to the town of Tabacón. Its latest recorded eruption was in 2010.

The Irazú Volcano is the tallest one in Costa Rica.

The Irazu Volcano stands 11,000 feet tall, which is equivalent to 3,800 miles.

Nicknamed by the locals as El Coloso, Irazú was dormant for 30 years until it erupted with a loud

noise on December 8th, 1994. Before that, it erupted on March 19, 1963, just in time

for John F. Kennedy’s arrival to the country.

Costa Rica holds the largest isolated island in the world.

If you’ve ever seen the original Jurassic Park film, you might remember the scenic island

in the first few frames of the film. That lush island was actually the Cocos Island.

With a perimeter of 8 miles by 3 miles, Isla del Coco lies southwest of mainland Costa Rica,

around 360 miles or 600 kilometers into the Pacific Ocean.

Costa Rica is home to 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Costa Rica houses the Area de Conservacion Guanacaste, Cocos Island National Park,

La Amistad National Park, and the Precolumbian Chiefdom Settlements.

There’s another country inside Costa Rica.

In 1995, the country of Airrecú was established in Costa Rica,

but it was never acknowledged by the Costa Rican government or the UN.

Still, Airrecú has a population of around 5,000, with its own flag and national anthem.

The name ‘Costa Rica’ was first used in 1539.

Panama officials adopted the term “rich coast” to mark the territory

lying between them and Nicaragua.

Costa Rica has no military.

Costa Rica abolished its armed forces in 1949.

Now, the country only maintains a small unit of law enforcement and peacekeeping.

Costa Rica holds one of the highest life expectancies in the world.

The average life expectancy for Costa Rica is 77 years. As one of the world’s 5 Blue Zones,

Costa Rica is home to people who live lives with significantly longer years.

You may find Costa Rica’s Blue Zone just south of the Northern Pacific Coast, in a place

called the Nicoya Peninsula.

Penicillin was discovered by a Costa Rican.

We may associate penicillin with Dr. Alexander Fleming,

but a 1927 research from Costa Rican Dr. Clodomiro “Clorito” Picado, first

demonstrated penicillin’s role in preventing streptococcus growth in patients.

Costa Rica’s main international airport was named after a drummer boy.

During the Second Battle of Rivas, Juan Santamaria, a young drummer boy for the Alajuela militia,

volunteered to torch the El Mesón de Guerra in Nicaragua. He might have sent the dwelling

filibusters running from inside, but he ended up being shot by a sniper. In the end, his

name remained as a national freedom figure in local folklore.

The first Latin-American sent by NASA to space was from Costa Rica.

Dr. Franklin R. Chang-Diaz has been the only Costa Rican astronaut to date. He was one

of the 19 astronauts chosen over 3,000 in the running. Dr. Chang-Diaz retired in 2005

after accomplishing 7 successful space shuttle missions and 25 years with the organization.

Currently, he is working on the design of a rocket engine with a plasma base.

With this project, Dr. Chang-Diaz aims to reform space travel

and eventually pave the way for more people to be able to explore the entire solar system.

Costa Rica is the world’s hummingbird capital.

Out of 300 recorded species of hummingbirds, 51 of them take shelter in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica has many species of insects.

At least 34,000 different insect species are found in Costa Rica.

In addition to this is around 20,000 variations of spiders.

The unofficial national drink of Costa Rica is the Guaro.

Guaro is a moonshine rum made from distilled sugarcane. Most drinkers mix the drink with

sodas, while the best brand that makes Guaro is Cacique.

The most common breakfast in Costa Rica is the Gallo pinto.

Gallo pinto is a staple in the Costa Rican diet, made of rice and beans. Gallo pinto

means ‘colored rooster.’ The main ingredients for this traditional dish are beans

rice (usually leftovers), Lizano sauce, onions, peppers, and other spices.

Costa Ricans refer to male kin as ‘Ticos’ and female kin as ‘Ticas.’

Basically a wordplay for their Spanish language references, -tico is also used by locals as

a suffix to certain words. It might indicate a tiny part of something, but at the same

time, it also bears an affectionate meaning to the word.

Three main religious events occur in Costa Rica.

Like other Catholics from all over the world, locals also celebrate Semana Santa

or Easter Week, August 2, and Christmas Week. Still, the laidback Catholicism in the country holds

a more party-like celebration than a religious one.

The national slogan of Costa Rica is ‘Pura Vida’.

More than its translation to ‘pure life,’ Pura Vida is a lifestyle for the locals.

Researchers also believe that this mentality made Costa Rica the home of the happiest people on Earth.

Costa Ricans view soccer as a way of life.

Regardless of the size, every town in the country has a dedicated space

for a school and a soccer field. Tourists could interact with locals by joining the friendly

pickup game they do every Sunday which they call the ‘mejengas’.

Towns in Costa Rica hold their own local fiestas throughout the year.

Common features of these events are carnival games, dodgy rides, horse parades, local food

stalls, and the iconic bull riding competitions. It is good to know that no harming of the

bulls take place for the sake of the events. Locals tend to show off to the ladies by jumping

into the ring and teasing the bulls.

Costa Rica holds an ox cart festival every second Sunday of March.

In Escazú, the Dia de los Boyeros gathers about 100 painted antique oxcarts which are

then pulled by the great oxen alongside thousands of spectators.

Costa Rica hosts the most challenging mountain bike race in the world.

People know the event as the La Ruta de los Conquistadores or the Route of the Conquerors.

Participants would have to retrace the path taken by the Spanish conquistadors from the

16th century.

It spans from the Pacific Ocean up to the Caribbean Sea and wraps up in 4 days.

Hundreds of contestants gather from all over the world to compete in the November event.

Costa Rica hosts a race to the peak of its highest mountain and back.

Held annually, the Carrera de Campo Traviesa Al Cerro Chirripó has the fastest recorded

time of 3 hours, 15 minutes, and 3 seconds.

Costa Rica may be one of the smallest countries in America, but it certainly thrives as a

world of its own. From its rich biodiversity to its long-rooted culture, Costa Rica is

definitely one of the places you’ll have to see for yourself.

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