Fun facts about Costa Rica

Costa Rica, is a country of Central America. Its capital is San José province but one curiosity is that Cartago province was the first capital of this country.

In 1949, the constitution abolished the country’s army. Moreover, it granted women the right to vote, first exercised in 1953, and established other social, economic, and educational guarantees for all citizens.

Costa Rica is known for protecting the environment and its national parks. Because of ecotourism, the country has attracted foreign investment. This changed Costa Rica’s economy from agriculture to services and technology.

Ticos or ticas, as the people of Costa Rica are called, use the phrase Pura Vida in their daily life, as a greeting or to show appreciation. Ticos are generally proud of their political freedoms and their relatively stable economy.

Religion

Roman Catholicism is the official religion, and it is supported with a small part of the national budget; however, the constitution of 1949 provides for freedom of religion. Most of the remainig population is Protestant, the majority of whom live in Limón province.

National Symbols of Costa Rica

  1. National coat of arms

  2. The Flag of Costa Rica

  3. La Guaria Morada (National Flower)

  4. El Árbol de Guanacaste (Guanacaste Tree)

  5. El Yigüirro (Clay-colored Thrush, National Bird)

  6. El Himno Nacional de Costa Rica (National Anthem)

  7. La Carreta (Oxcart)

  8. El venado cola blanca (White-tailed Deer)

  9. La Marimba (Traditional Instrument)

  10. La Antorcha (Torch)

  11. Los Crestones (Crested Mountains)

  12. El Manatí (Manatee)

  13. Las Esferas Indígenas Precolombinas (Pre-Columbian Indigenous Spheres)

  14. El Teatro Nacional (National Theatre)

  15. El Café (Coffee)

  16. El Perezoso (Sloth)

  17. El Boyeo (Oxcart Driving / Traditional Work)

  18. La Mariposa Morpho (Morpho Butterfly)

  19. Las Mascaradas (Traditional Masks / Festivals)

References

Elbow, S., Parker, D. F., Stansifer, L. C., & Karnes, L. T. (2026, January 22). Costa Rica. In Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Costa-Rica