All About Costa Rica

Written by: Sitara Nair

Costa Rica is a small, beautiful country in Central America filled with colorful rainforests, friendly animals, and sunny beaches. It’s known for protecting its nature and wildlife, so you might spot monkeys, sloths, and bright birds if you visit! Lets take a deeper look into what this country has to offer!!

History

In 1502, famous explorer Christopher Columbus arrived to Costa Rica, he believed this new land was filled with riches, which is why it got the name “Costa Rica” (Costa Rica means Rich Coast). But it wasn’t until 1561 that Juan de Cavallón led the first successful group of Spanish colonizers here. Before that, illnesses and strong resistance by the native people kept the Spanish from staying.

Nationals:

• Costa Rica’s national bird is the clay-colored thrush, which is found all across Central America. The bird is known for its melodious singing and is found in open woodlands. 

• The country’s national flower is the purple country girl, otherwise known as the Guaria Morada in Spanish. The flower is known for the good luck and fortune it brings, and it is often used within headpieces in Costa Rican culture. Though it’s known for being a beautiful shade of purple, the flower can also be found with a slightly bluish or pinkish tone. 

• Costa Rica’s national anthem is titled “Himno Nacional de Costa Rica.” On June 11, 1852, Costa Rica’s National Anthem was heard for the very first time at the Government House. It was a special moment in the country’s history when people gathered to listen to the new patriotic music that would help unite and inspire them. Click the video link here to listen!

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• The national animal of Costa Rica is actually the sloth! Though you might think it’s silly, Making the sloth a national symbol of Costa Rica helps people learn about protecting forests and animals. It inspires planting sloth-friendly trees, like the guarumo, and creates safe paths for wildlife. More nature-loving visitors would see these gentle creatures, and scientists could study them (and other forest animals) to learn how to keep them healthy.

Quick Facts

• Costa Rica is known for its beautiful butterflies, which are over 1500 different species. Specifically, the Blue Morpho butterfly is Costa Rica’s most recognizable butterfly! Its wings look bright blue because of unique, shiny scales that reflect sunlight, like tiny mirrors. If you see a brown butterfly flying with a Blue Morpho, that’s the female, which isn’t as colorful. The male’s bright color helps him attract a mate.

• Costa Rica is also known for growing a lot of bananas, enough to ship them all over the world. Most of these are Cavendish bananas, famous for their sweet taste and creamy texture.

• Costa Rica is roughly the same size as Lake Michigan and is just a bit smaller than the state of West Virginia.

• There are more than 34,000 species of insects in Costa Rica, as well as more than 20,000 species of spider.

Culture and Other Parts of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is full of fun and friendly people known as Ticos. This nickname comes from adding the suffix “-tico” to Spanish words, often conveying a cute tone.Their culture comes from indigenous roots, Spanish traditions, and influences from places like Jamaica and China. Most people speak Spanish, but many can also speak English and other languages. You’ll hear cheerful music all around the country and sometimes see colorful dances in the streets. Tasty meals like Gallo Pinto (rice and beans) and sweet Tres Leches cake are big favorites. The famous phrase “Pura Vida” (pure life) sums up how happy and laid-back everyone is here. Additionally, the phrase “Pura Vida” is used across Costa Rica.  “Pura Vida” literally translates to “pure life,” it also serves as a defining label for Costa Rica’s culture, way of life, and guiding ethos. Over time, it has evolved into a proud national symbol with a more profound importance than its simple translation might show!