Costa Rica: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a small country in Central America with coasts on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It is covered with rainforests, cloud forests and volcanoes. It is famous for protecting nature, with sloths, monkeys, toucans and sea turtles.

About San José

San José lies in the Central Valley, surrounded by green mountains and volcanoes. It is known for its grand National Theatre and its museums of pre-Columbian gold and jade.

Fun facts about Costa Rica

1. Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948 and put the savings toward schools and health care.
2. About a quarter of the country's land is protected in national parks and reserves.
3. Though small, it is home to roughly five percent of all the world's known plant and animal species.
4. Ancient stone spheres carved in the Diquís Delta, the largest over 2.5 metres across, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. People here often say 'pura vida', meaning 'pure life', as a greeting and a way of life.
6. Brightly painted oxcarts are a national symbol, and the oxcart tradition is recognized by UNESCO.