1. Costa Rica means “Rich Coast” in Spanish.

2. People who live in Costa Rica are called “Ticos”.

3. It follows Central Standard Time or six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time and there is no daylight savings time in the country.

4. Bananas and coffee are the two primary agricultural exports from Costa Rica.

5. The most popular sport is soccer.

6. Costa Rica is often referred to as “The Switzerland of the Americas.”

7. It claims five percent of the earth’s biodiversity, making it home to one of the richest ecosystems anywhere.

8. In 2009 Costa Rica was named the happiest country among all Americas (Northern, Central, and Southern).

9. Costa Rica’s literacy rate is 96.2%

10. There are about 52 species of hummingbirds in Costa Rica, making Costa Rica a true North American hummingbird capital.

12. Guaro is the local alcoholic liquor of choice. The beverage is inexpensive and is made from sugar cane.

13. Costa Rica also produces a fine coffee liquor – straight from the coffee bean.

13. Due to its geographical location, Costa Rica bridges the northern and southern most points of the two American contents. This makes Costa Rica the meeting point of a variety of cultures and a density of plant and animal species said to be unlike any other country in the world.

14. National Parks and Environmental Protection Areas make up 25% (one quarter) of the total land in Costa Rica.

15. Costa Rican women do not take their husband’s last name.  The woman uses her full maiden name for life.  No changing of national ID cards, drivers licenses, etc.  She also adds her mother’s maiden name.

16. Locks (houses, gates, etc.) in Costa Rica almost always work (turn) backwards.

17. We say in English “She had a baby” or She just gave birth”, but in Spanish they say, “Ella dio a luz” or translated, “She gave light.” Cool huh?

18. It boasts one of the world’s highest life expectancy rates at 77 years.

and there will be more fun facts coming soon!