Fun Facts about Costa Rica, Part I

I accumulated some fun and interesting facts about Costa Rica and wanted to share them with you. Once we are living there, I probably have more fun facts to share. So stay tuned :)

 

1. Costa Rica is sometimes referred to as the "Switzerland of Latin America" because it has a peaceful democracy without a military for more than 60 years, offers free education through the 11th grade as well as health care for all citizens.

2. Costa Rica is a relatively small country with 19,700 square miles and ranking only 129th in worldwide landmass. It is slightly smaller than Lake Michigan or can be compared to West Virginia or Denmark.

3. Costa Ricans are commonly called "Ticos" and "Ticas".

4. Within a single day, one can see a volcano, go zip lining in the rainforest, hike in one of the many nature parks, and swim at the beach.

5. Costa Rica has the most diverse environment relative to it size in the entire world while covering only 0.01% of the surface of the Earth and containing five percent of the planet’s plant and animal species: With 850 species of bird, 209 mammal species, 13,000 plant species (including 1,500 trees and 1,400 orchids), 220 species of reptile and 163 species of amphibians.

6. Costa Rica also has the highest percentage of protected land (more than 25%) in the world so seeing wildlife in it natural environment is only a question of will. Costa Rica has preserved these lands and natural habitats in such a way that they are more accessible to tourists than those of any other country in the region

7. The average Tico earns $6,810 per year compared to $47,390 in the U.S. But to purchase a new car in Costa Rica (2011 Toyota RAV4 is $36, 000) costs 40% more than in the U.S (only $22,475).

8. The average life expectancy in Costa Rica is 79 years (32 rank in the world), pretty much the same as in the U.S.

9. Costa Ricans are famous for observing Tico time, known locally as "la hora tica." Costa Ricans habitually arrive late, often by 30 minutes or more, to dinner, appointments, and get-togethers – anything but the movies or the appointments at the public health clinics, for which they line up hours in advance. Many Costa Ricans do not view late arrivals as rude – and their tardiness is not meant to offend – so it's best to adjust your expectations and tell your friends to arrive earlier than you'd like. 

10. It is common to say hello and goodbye to friends and acquaintances with a light kiss on the cheek – or an air kiss accompanied by a kissing sound.  

11. Costa Rica has one major brewery named Cerveceria de Costa Rica which, unfortunately, is now a conglomerate of Florida Ice and Farm Company. Eight different beers are brewed there. Imperial is the most popular. It is similar to an American Pilsner. The company has been brewing this all-natural beer since 1924 and has now started distributing it in the US, Australia, and Gran Cayman.

12. Road conditions throughout the country are quite variable. With the tropical climate and mountainous terrain, many roads are difficult to maintain, and many have never been paved. Relatively short distances can take many hours due to poor road conditions or traffic, and some roads are simply inaccessible during the rainy season when rivers swell.

 13. Supposedly if one gets pulled over in Costa Rica, the police may be paid off for around $40.  

References:
http://www.anywherecostarica.com/questions/geography-weather/how-big-is-costa-rica
http://costarica.com/culture/customs-etiquette/
http://www.anywherecostarica.com/travel-guide/vacations
http://costarica.com/relocation/cost-of-living/
http://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/country-health-profile/