The small state of Costa Rica looks very prosperous compared to its neighbors in Central America. Of course, this is not heaven on earth, but it is not without reason that many wealthy Americans move to live here in their old age. Quiet environment, affordable prices, eternal summer, warm sea and amazing nature – what else do you need for a happy life?
Facts about Costa Rica
- Since 1948, this country has been the only neutral state in the Americas. The country does not have an army, and it does not take part in any military conflicts.
- Translated from Spanish «Costa Rica» means «rich coast». The country received this name thanks to Christopher Columbus, who discovered it for Europeans (facts about Columbus).
- This country gained independence from Spain in 1821, although it did not aspire to it. Moreover, the Costa Ricans found out about this only two months after the signing of the corresponding decree – that is how long it took the messengers to deliver the message.
- For 17 years, Costa Rica was part of the Mexican Empire.
- Local money is called «colon», after Columbus (his last name is exactly that in Spanish).
- More than a quarter of Costa Rican territories are national parks.
- There are a huge number of microclimate zones, and all because of the whimsical topography. It’s usually hot along the coastline, but 20 kilometers away, in the mountains, it can be cool.
- Recommendations in Costa Rica are everything. Without them, it is difficult to find housing or get qualified services. In addition, strangers are often skinned.
- Along with Chile and Uruguay, Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America.
- Despite the fact that the Costa Ricans do not have an army, they know how to defend themselves. In 1856, the American pirate Walker captured the neighboring country of Nicaragua and wished to annex Costa Rica to his possessions. When his troops invaded Costa Rican soil, the hastily assembled local militia not only repelled the invaders, but also drove him to the Nicaraguan fortress of Rivas.
- Costa Rica has a population of 5 million.
- About 18% of all existing species of butterflies and more than 50 species of hummingbirds are found here.
- About 2.5 million tourists visit this paradise every year.
- The average life expectancy in this country is one of the highest in the world.
- It is impossible to navigate the terrain without knowing it in Costa Rica. House numbers are usually either missing or mixed in a wild order, and in one town there can be 3-4 streets with the same names.
- This is where the movie «Jurassic Park» was filmed.
- There are about 200 volcanoes on the territory of this tiny state (facts about volcanoes).
- More than 500 thousand species of various living creatures live in Costa Rica.
- The level of biodiversity here is generally the highest in the world. Despite the fact that this country occupies only 0.03% of the earth’s surface, about 5% of the total number of living creatures existing on our planet lives on its territory.
- The most popular word for Costa Ricans to refer to their soulmate is «naranja (naranja)», which in Spanish means «orange».
- In Costa Rica 12 different types of tropical forests grow.
- The size of this country is slightly larger than the size of Lake Baikal.
- The first road signs and signs began to appear here only in 2012.
- Drivers in Costa Rica are not prohibited from driving after drinking alcohol.
- The famous Costa Rican caves, invariably attracting speleologists, formed about 60 million years ago.
- Building housing for young families in Costa Rica, it is subsidized by the state.
- Year from year, this country is in the top 5 countries in terms of the happiness index of the population.
- The Poas volcano located here has erupted almost 40 times over the past two centuries.
- Despite the fact that Costa Rica is a sunny country, its capital, the city of San Jose, is almost constantly shrouded in clouds, and it rains a lot there.
- Drinking water here is more expensive than «Coca-Cola».