Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a small country in Central America. It sits between Nicaragua and Panama. Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. It has rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches on two coasts.

Land and People

About 5 million people live in Costa Rica. The capital is San Jose. The country has thick rainforests full of amazing animals. There are also active volcanoes and cloud forests high in the mountains.

Mysterious round stone balls carved by people long ago.
Mysterious round stone balls carved by people long ago. (Rodtico21 / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

Costa Ricans call themselves Ticos. They say 'pura vida,' which means 'pure life,' to say hello or that everything is great. The country does not have an army. It spends that money on schools and parks instead.

Fun Facts

  • Costa Rica has about 5 percent of the world's plant and animal species even though it is tiny.
  • Costa Rica gets almost all its electricity from clean energy like water and wind.
  • There are over 900 species of birds in Costa Rica.

Did You Know?

Costa Rica got rid of its army in 1948 and has not had one since. The money that would go to the military is used for education and health care. Costa Rica is one of the happiest countries in the world.