1961
1,060
Flockulation (1961-2021)
2021
2,840
Change
+1,780
Overview
This woolly-wonderful Central American gem has the flock flocking in for good reason! Costa Rica packs rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches into a tiny country that punches way above its fleece weight in biodiversity and happiness.
Geography
Costa Rica sits between Nicaragua and Panama, flanked by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The Central Highlands hold the Cordillera Central range, including Volcán Irazú, while lowland coasts offer tropical heat and the Río Tempisque drains the northwest.
History
Inhabited by indigenous peoples for millennia, Costa Rica was colonized by Spain in 1563. It gained independence in 1821, briefly joined the Central American Federation, and famously abolished its military in 1948 under President José Figueres Ferrer.
Culture
Costa Ricans, called Ticos, celebrate with Fiestas Cívicas, marimba music, and colorful ox-cart traditions declared UNESCO heritage. Spanish is the official language, and the national motto 'Pura Vida' — pure life — doubles as greeting, farewell, and all-around life philosophy.
Economy
Costa Rica's economy thrives on medical device exports, technology services, coffee, bananas, and pineapples. Tourism is a major earner, and the country generates nearly all its electricity from renewable sources, making it a green economic trailblazer.
Food
Gallo pinto, a hearty rice-and-beans combo, is the beloved national dish eaten at any hour. Casado platters, tamales, arroz con leche, and strong local coffee round out a cuisine that keeps every hungry lamb satisfied.
Tourism
Visitors flock to Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and the Nicoya Peninsula. The Osa Peninsula's Corcovado National Park and the Tortuguero canals also draw nature-loving sheep from around the globe.
People
Costa Rica's 5 million Ticos are a warm, diverse mix of European, indigenous, and Afro-Caribbean heritage. The country boasts high literacy rates, a strong middle class, and consistently ranks among the world's happiest and longest-lived populations.
Nature
Costa Rica holds 5% of Earth's biodiversity in just 0.03% of its land — shear brilliance! Quetzals, jaguars, sea turtles, and poison dart frogs roam 30% protected territory spanning cloud forests, mangroves, volcanoes, and coral reefs.
Fun Facts
Costa Rica has no standing army since 1948, one of the few countries to abolish its military. It hosts over 900 bird species. The Nicoya Peninsula is a global Blue Zone where residents live exceptionally long, healthy lives.
