What Makes Costa Rica Unique
- Costa Rica, a landmass encompassing only 0.03% of the earth’s surface, contains 5% of earth’s biodiversity—a density unmatched anywhere else in the world.
- The geography and natural beauty of the country combined with the vision those in the 70’s had to preserve our great diversity of ecosystems.
- Costa Rica is a democratic and peaceful country, and it has not had an army since the year 1949.
- Ecosystems of Costa Rica. Costa Rica has twelve of the life zones classified by L. Holdridge in 1971. These life zones are defined by the variation of temperature and precipitation in a given area and change with elevation.
- More than 900 species of birds, more than in the USA and Canada together, and nearly 10% of all species in the world.
- About 12,000 species of nocturnal butterflies and more than 1,500 diurnal butterflies species. Costa Rica is currently the main exporter of butterflies (in the Chrysalis stage) in the world!!
- We have a literacy rate of over 96% and a health care program that provides free medical for all its citizens. Costa Rica is ahead of other countries in the region in both areas.
- Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula is heralded as one of the five Blue Zones in the world. A blue zone is a region whose people live significantly longer than anywhere else. Many residents live to be over 100 years of age. Their longevity is attributed to certain factors, including a healthy diet, good water rich in minerals, physical activity, a sense of community, and strong relationships with friends and family.
- The “Pura Vida” Factor—a characteristic of the Ticos. It won’t take long for you to understand the local meaning of pure life. Costa Rica tops the world in the “Happy Planet Index”—measures focus on wellbeing, life expectancy, and minimal ecological footprint!
- The vast majority of hotels are boutique—60% of hotels operating in the country have less than 30 rooms and are owned mostly by Costa Ricans! This generates work, business opportunities, and general support to host communities.
