* Although Costa Rica is a tiny country (at 51,100 sq. km. it's smaller than the state of West Virginia), more than 25% of its land is protected in national parks, protected zones, forest and Indian reserves, and wildlife refuges.

* About 10% of its land is under agricultural cultivation - the largest banana plantation in the world was in Costa Rica in the early 20th century, and Costa Rica's coffee is known throughout the world for its rich flavor. (A bag of coffee beans as well as a bottle of Cafe Rica, the national coffee liqueur, are popular buys to take home.)

* Christopher Columbus anchored off the coast of Costa Rica in 1502 on his fourth and last voyage to the Americas. He was offered gifts of gold from the local Indians and stories of great wealth to be found in the region began soon after (this is where the country got its name - Costa Rica is Spanish for "rich coast".)


* Costa Rica is one of the most peaceful nations in the world (its armed forces were abolished in 1948). Oscar Arias Sanchez, president of the country from 1986-1990, received a Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his efforts in formulating a peace agreement that was signed bu the presidents of Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras.


* There are more butterflies in Costa Rica than in the entire United States. You'll get to see many of them at the Butterfly Garden at Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.


* Costa Rica has more than a hundred volcanoes, including Arenal (5,358'), one of the most active in the world, and Poas (8, 884') and Irazu ( 11, 260') volcanoes. (It's best to keep a respectful distance when visiting them!)


* Let's hear it for the numbers! Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, with at least 850 species of birds; 35,000 insects; 2,000 butterflies; 10,000 vascular plants ( and more than 1,200 orchids alone); 1,400 trees; 208 mammals; 160 amphibians; and 220 reptiles. (Phew!)

* The resplendent quetzal, once sacred to the Mayas, is one of the most beautiful birds in Costa Rica. It is one of 10 species of trogons found in the country and is the highlight of many birders’ trips. Other colorful birds include toucans, motmots, macaws, parakeets, and parrots (Costa Rica is Nirvana for birders!).

* Gallo pinto ("spotted rooster") is the national Costa Rican rice and black beans dish that is usually served for breakfast. It’s a lot tastier than it sounds!

* There are 22 Indian reserves in Costa Rica, but Indians only make up about 1% of the population.

* Costa Rica has two seasons: the "dry" season, from December to April; and the "wet" ("green") season, from May to November. (But remember, "you can’t have a rainforest without rain," as our Costa Rican friends like to say, so it can rain any day of the year in the rainforest!)


Interested in more facts?
There is an array of excellent books on Costa Rica. In partnership with Longitude Books we have created a reading lists for Costa Rica.