It has a total of 1,290 kilometres (800 mi) of coastline. But it was almost zero by 2005. Thatâs roughly the same population as the state of Kentucky. Children start school at age six. However, it varies depending where in the country you are. Despite enormous difficulties with construction, disease, and financing, the railroad was completed in 1890. ), Communism vs Socialism – Whatâs The Difference?Â. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is home to almost 2,000 plant species. Costa Rica is a rugged, rainforested Central American country with coastlines on the Caribbean and Pacific.. Here are some interesting facts about San Jose, Costa Rica. In 1948, José Figueres Ferrer led an armed uprising between the previous president Rafael Ãngel Calderón Guardia (he served as president between 1940 and 1944) and Otilio Ulate Blanco. If you ever have had the chance to visit us, then you know how important our pura vida lifestyle is to us. 20 °C (68 °F) in the main populated areas, and below 10 °C (50 °F) on the highest mountains. It is also the home of three-toed sloth and two-toed sloth. [3] In Costa Rica, nearly all Catholic churches face west. Another common phrase that is often heard in Costa Rica is “Pura Vida”. Basic Facts About Costa Rica 1. Because of its natural beauty and political stability, it is nicknamed the "Switzerland of Latin America". Costa Rica supporters at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Costa Rica is known to the international community as the âRepública de Costa Ricaâ or the Republic of Costa Rica. Costa Rica Cloud Forests are unique landscapes found in higher mountain regions. It can be used as a greeting, as a way of saying thank you, or even to say goodbye. Costa Rica has had army since December 1, 1863. It became Costa Rica's first major export. Contenido. There is an annual nesting of the endangered green turtle, and is the most important nesting site for the species. There are more than 121 volcanoes in Coast Rica, with seven being active. Which USA state’s population is roughly the same size as Costa Rica? The year can be split into two seasons: the dry season (known as summer), and the rainy season (known as winter). The country has only about 0.25% of the world's landmass, but it has 5% of the world's biodiversity. Our Costa Rica facts page contains an overview of articles that provide details about Costa Rica, its people, its history, government, political structure, social values, policies, geography, weather, plants and animals.These articles and pages are meant to educate and inform users of everything they want to know about Costa Rica. In exchange for making the railroad, Costa Rican gave Keith large amounts of land and a lease on the train route, which he used to produce bananas and export them to the United States. These include the white-headed capuchin, the mantled howler,the endangered Geoffroy's spider monkey and the Central American squirrel monkey. A dish called Casado is beans and rice mixed with salad and meat can be served for lunch, while Olla de Carne is a soup with vegetables and meat. As a result, bananas became the largest export. Itâs a 100% yes! 4) There are 800 miles of coastline in Costa Rica between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The climate of Costa Rica is tropical and has a wet season that lasts from May to November. Costa Rica is inhabited by around 4.5 million people. It can be heard throughout the country, both by locals and tourists. There are lots of different animals that can be found in each of these national parks, but most famously, are Sloths. Itâs located in the Central Valley area of Costa Rica. That date is still celebrated as Independence Day in Costa Rica. This Intermediate Area is where the Mesoamerican and Andean indigenous cultures mixed together. Despite brief revolutions in 1917 and 1948, the country developed peacefully. Costa Rica with Kids Is it Easy to Travel Costa Rica with Kids? The 1849 national coat of arms was featured in the first postal stamp issued in 1862. In the late 20th century Costa Rica helped to settle political fighting in neighboring countries. 33) The name Costa Rica means rich coast and was a name first used by the people of Panama. This means that it is warm and wet. Costa Rica never fought for independence from Spain. When youâre ready to plan your trip, check out our Costa Rica Travel Guide! It had one of the worst deforestation rates in the world from 1973 to 1989. Grab a cup of your favorite Costa Rican coffee â here are 11 facts that will Costa Rican currency is as colorful as its terrain. Costa Rica left that union in 1838. These Costa Rica Facts Are Just the Beginning! Another dish called Chifrijo is a layered meal of black beans, rice, tomatoes, avocado all served on a bed of tortilla chips. The indigenous people of Costa Rica belong to the Intermediate Area. Las Carretas (oxcarts) are a national symbol. The largest is the Bribri and Boruca tribes in south Costa Rica. What is a commonly used phrase in Costa Rica meaning Pure Life? Costa Rica has more water than land. On September 15, 1821, after the last Spanish defeat in the Mexican War of Independence (1810â21), the authorities in Guatemala declared the independence of all of Central America. The country has over 900 miles of coastline, so thereâs an excellent chance you will find some stunning beaches. The country did not have a strong native civilization to begin with. Name some of the animals that can be found in Costa Rica. San Jose is the largest city in Costa Rica and is also the capital. As there are places of high altitude, the temperature can be a lot cooler than the coast. Frogs, reptiles, jaguars, pumas, monkeys, sloths and crocodiles. The "summer" starts in December and ends in April. Costa Rica does not have an army. Costa Rica joined the First Mexican Empire of AgustÃn de Iturbide. There are still some small indigenous groups. The impact of indigenous peoples' culture on modern Costa Rica has been small. Unlike in the USA and other parts of Europe, Costa Rica does not have winter, but a dry season from December to April thus a perfect place to visit with your family. The country has 19,730 square miles of land. Since then, Costa Rica has held 14 presidential elections, the latest in 2014. Costa Rica's distance from the capital in Guatemala, its legal prohibition to trade with the Viceroyalty of New Granada, and the lack of gold and silver made Costa Rica into a poor, little populated region of the Spanish Empire. Total Population: 4,9 million people; Capital: San Jose; Life expectancy: 77 years; Highest Mountain: Cerro Chirripo (3820 meters) Costa Rica takes education very seriously. With more than 2,000 dead, the 44-day Costa Rican Civil War was the bloodiest event in Costa Rica during the 20th century. How many national parks are there in Costa Rica? Costa Rica is bounded on the east and northeast by the Caribbean Sea (an extension of the Atlantic Ocean). For this purpose, in the 1870s, the Costa Rican government asked U.S. businessman Minor C. Keith to build a railroad to the Caribbean port of Limón. Women in Costa Rica do not take their husbandâs name, but rather keep their full maiden name along with her motherâs maiden name for life. All of them have been widely regarded by the international community as peaceful and transparent. It borders the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. it existed from 1823 to 1839. “Hola!” means hello, “Si” means yes and “Buenos Dias” means good morning or good day. It was first shipped to Europe in 1843. Interesting Facts About Costa Rica. Costa Rica has 28 National Parks. Most of the coffee exported was transported by oxcart to the Pacific port of Puntarenas. These 10 fun facts about Costa Rica should pique your interest in our amazing country and if you want to learn more, definitely come visit us! There are many national parks in Costa Rica, including Manuel Antonio National Park. It has a total of 1,290 kilometres (800 mi) of coastline. Giant leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles also nest here. Corcovado is the only park in Costa Rica where all four Costa Rican monkeys can be found. Multigenerational travel is the norm, and kid-friendly amenities abound, making travel through Costa Rica with kids a breeze.. Native Costa Ricans call themselves ticos and ticas. This page was last modified on 6 December 2020, at 21:46. Costa Rica Facts For Kids Location: Costa Rica can be found in Central America. FAST FACTS OFFICIAL NAME: Republic of Costa Rica FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Democratic Republic CAPITAL: San José POPULATION: 4,987,142 OFFICIAL LANGUAGES: Spanish, English ⦠It oversaw the drafting of a new constitution by a democratically elected assembly. Association football is the most popular sport in Costa Rica. The country has a population of 4.5 million, and its capital city of San Jose is home to approximately 300,000 citizens. In 1890 Costa Rica held the first free and honest election in Central America. The volcanos are named Poas and Irazu. Costa Rica is on the Central American isthmus. A wide range of animals can be found in these forests: like frogs, reptiles, jaguars, pumas and monkeys. It is between latitudes 8° and 12°N, and longitudes 82° and 86°W. The country has over 900 miles of coastline, so thereâs an excellent chance you will find some stunning beaches. The canton is directed by a mayor. Costa Rican women do not take their husbandsâ last name when they get married. This led to a brief battle with the old capital, Cartago. Around 15 percent of them inhabit the metropolitan area of San Jose. But it mostly ruled itself as a part of the Spanish Empire. Annual rainfall is over 5,000 mm (196.9 in). There were no large haciendas (plantations). Script error: The function "coordinsert" does not exist. The clouds provide the forest with moisture all year around. The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. The national team has played in four FIFA World Cup tournaments. Poás Volcano Crater is one of the country's main tourist attractions. They have six years of primary school and three years of secondary school. The official currency is the colón. While it is most famous for animals like poison dart frogs, parrots, jaguars, monkeys, sloths, and tapirs, it is home to more than 1,300 species of butterflies, at least 838 species of birds, 440 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 232 species of mammals. It does not have the four seasons other countries have. 1. Rice and Beans are a national dish in Costa Rica, but when they are fried together, they are called Gallo Pinto and can be served for breakfast! Visitors can see many different types of animals. Costa Rica is a country located in Central America, bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the West, the Caribbean sea to the East, Panama on the South, and Nicaragua on the North. During the colonial period, Costa Rica was the most southern province of the Captaincy General of Guatemala. 38. Costa Rica has seven provinces. They have the world's fastest running lizard, the spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura similis). 3 3. But Costa Rica is also a land of white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and offshore coral reefs and volcanic rock formations teeming with marine life. Students enter college at age 15, and attend one of Costa Ricaâs six universities. What is the main language spoken in Costa Rica? 39. Coffee would remain Costa Rica's biggest export until the 20th century. There are approximately 4,350,000 people living in Costa Rica. The cantons are further divided into 463 districts. It borders the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The location receiving the most rain is the Caribbean. This translates into Pure Life. It is bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. These facts about Costa Rica for kids are a great way to inform their geography knowledge, learn about National Parks and perhaps even inspire an interest in Spanish! Now that sounds yummy! It had a very loose authority over its provinces, especially the poor and remote Costa Rica. It was one of the first countries in Latin America to offer free and mandatory education for all children. Whether you are zipping through the leafy canopy or spying a lazy sloth, this little dynamo of a country offers a plethora of fun experiences that every family member can enjoy. There are 4,331,000 people living in Costa Rica. In 1824, the Costa Rican capital was moved to San José. Louisiana State History – US History Facts, The Empire of Ghana – Ancient Africa Facts, Battle of the Atlantic – World War 2 Facts, Tony the Tiger Fun Facts (He’s Grrrrreat! General Facts about Costa Rica. The country was influenced by various Chibcha speaking indigenous people. [6] Coffee was introduced to Costa Rica from Jamaica in 1779. Costa Rica is a Central American country with beautiful landscapes and unique wildlife. Facts about Costa Rica 1: the population. Costa Rica is located between 8 and 12 degrees north of the Equator. 20. 1. During this time it rains constantly in some regions. Costa Rica is a small country that is located in Central America. Costa Rica is a family travel playground, specializing in big adventures guaranteed to get your kidâs heart pumping; whether you are zipping through the leafy canopy or spying a lazy sloth, this little dynamo of a country offers a plethora of fun experiences that every family member can enjoy. Almost 25% of Costa Rica's land area is in national parks and protected areas. Costa Rica's poverty was also because there were not enough indigenous people available for slavery. The average distance from Costa Ricaâs border with Nicaragua on the north to its opposite border with Panama is 200 miles (320 kilometers). Since the main market for the coffee was in Europe, it soon became a high priority to develop a transportation route from the Central Plateau to the Atlantic Ocean. Coffee was first planted in Costa Rica in the early 19th century. Costa Rica is a small country in Central America bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the South. Costa Rica can be found in Central America. For such a small country, Costa Rica has a lot to offer! What country is located to the South of Costa Rica? He was elected in 2014. While civil wars were common in the Federal Republic of Central America, Costa Rica was largely peaceful. Spanish is the main language in Costa Rica. Most Afro-Costa Ricans come from Jamaican immigrants who worked on the railway. Costa Rica is on the Central American isthmus. The sphere is the icon of the country's cultural identity. Some of the things youâll see there are plush green land, coffee plantations and two volcanos. Rather than saying a lady âhad a baby,â ticos say âella dio a luz.â Meaning, âShe gave light.â Costa Rica's rainforests and other ecosystems are particularly rich. Today,... Costa Rica has a ⦠By Tyler McCloskey WHEN IT COMES to Costa Rica, youâve probably heard about âpura vida.â You probably know the countryâs biodiversity is off the charts, and maybe you even know that they got rid of their army long ago. They entered the Winter Olympics for the first time in 1980 with the skier Arturo Kinch. 10 Costa Rica facts for kids. It has 320 species of birds and many reptiles. 3) Costa Rica has a population of 4.5 million and a life expectancy of almost 77 years, one of the highest in the world. The victorious rebels formed a government that abolished the military. Costa Rica (officially called Republic of Costa Rica), is a country in Central America. Children, however, take their fatherâs name. However, the average temperature is 80°F. Including many orchids. It has enjoyed a long period of peace since the 1863 civil war. The extent of Costa Rica's western EEZ in the Pacific, BasÃlica de Nuestra Señora de los Ãngeles (Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels), during 2007 pilgrimage. Locals prove welcoming, friendly, and warm. Costa Rica was called "the poorest and most miserable Spanish colony in all America" by a Spanish governor in 1719. Please support Cool Kid Facts by emailing or sharing! An example is the big cats and tapirs. The country has many microclimates depending on elevation, rainfall, and the geography of each region. Fun Facts About Costa Rica for Kids. They refer to foreigners as gringos (male), and gringas (female). Costa Rica entered the Summer Olympics for the first time in 1936 with the fencer Bernardo de la Guardia. After its collapse in 1823, Costa Rica became a province of the new Federal Republic of Central America. In total, Costa Rica has 51,100 square kilometres (19,700 sq mi) plus 589 square kilometres (227 sq mi) of territorial waters. These slow-moving animals can hang from trees and eat leaves all day long. Mayors are chosen democratically every four years by the canton's people. But in 1917â19, General Federico Tinoco Granados ruled as a military dictator until he was overthrown. This way they are not disturbing the animals on the forest floor. Learning a few Costa Rica facts for kids is a great place to start your vacation planning or even a lesson plan in the classroom. Most of the Costa Rican settlers had to work on their own land. Have a go at some common phrases! 2. Howler monkeys, jaguars, a wide range of birds like the macaw, and even crocodiles can also be spotted among the natural grounds. And instead use their full maiden name forever. It is also home to more than 400 types of birds. Costa Rica Vocabulary There are no provincial legislatures. The rainforest areas experience lots of rain, almost every day. The largest lake in Costa Rica is Lake Arenal. 32) People who live in Costa Rica often refer to themselves as ticos (male), and ticas (female). The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. Some interesting facts: The most expensive coffee sold by Starbucks in the US in 2012 came from Tarruzo in Costa Rica. The highest point in the country is Cerro Chirripó, at 3,819 metres (12,530 ft). They have a democratic government and a new president is elected every 4 years. The squirrel monkey is found only on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and a small part of Panama. Since 1896, the currency in Costa Rica is the âColonâ (colones in plural) named in honor of Christopher Columbus. For all these reasons, Costa Rica was unappreciated and forgotten by the Spanish Crown. These nine Costa Rica facts are just the beginning of your beach or jungle getaway. Having enacted these reforms, the junta relinquished its power on November 8, 1949, to the new democratic government. The marine area of Costa Rica is about 580,000 square kilometers (223,939 square miles). All four of Costa Rica's Olympic medals were won by the sisters Silvia and Claudia Poll in swimming. The climate is tropical all year. A stone sphere created by the Diquis culture at the National Museum of Costa Rica. San Jose, Costa Rica. Eco-tourism is now booming with 2.4 million visitors in 2012, making Costa Rica the top destination in Central America. Arenal is one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world. But beyond this basic info, what do you really know about the land of the Ticos? Most of the indigenous population was absorbed into the Spanish colony. A quarter of Costa Ricaâs land space has been set aside for national parks and refuges making it an awesome place to visit and see wildlife. Tortuguero National Park is home to spider, howler, and white-throat Capuchin monkeys. On the west and southwest lies the Pacific Ocean. Costa Rica also borders Nicaragua to the north (309 km or 192 mi of border) and Panama to the southeast (639 km or 397 mi of border). 1 1. He reported large amounts of gold jewelry among the indigenous people. The mean annual temperature on the coast is around 27 °C (81 °F). Most people living here are Christian. Costa Rica is home to many plants and animals. Article 168 of the Constitution of Costa Rica says the political divisions are classified into 3 groups: provinces, cantons, and districts. In 1838, Costa Rica formally proclaimed itself an independent country. Instead of spending money on the military, the government spends money on education and head 1 people live in Costa Rica. What is the name of the common breakfast dish served in Costa Rica? Christopher Columbus sailed to the eastern shores of Costa Rica during his last trip in 1502,. San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and can be found inland. From colonial times to now, Costa Rica's reluctance to become politically tied with the rest of Central America has been a major obstacle to efforts for greater regional integration. In 16th century, Spain controlled Costa Rica. Costa Rica may not possess the impressive architecture of the Mayans or Aztecs, yet it does cement its place in history as a cultural and economic hub during pre-Columbian times. Costa Rica Information for kids: The name of Costa Rica translates into Rich Coast. Learn the geography of Costa Rica with this Geography video for Kids. The Corcovado National Park is internationally known by ecologists for its biodiversity. How many active volcanoes are in Costa Rica? kids take their fatherâs name however add their motherâs maiden name to their full name. These Costa Rica facts will get you started and hopefully help you have the best time you can while you're there. Call it Literacy or the love for education. The United Fruit Company began to hold a major role in the national economy. This means they could explode at any time. In this lesson, explore the history, geography, and culture of this nation. Costa Rica became a "rural democracy" with no oppressed mestizo or indigenous class. It is bordered by Nicaragua to its north, Panama to its south, the Caribbean Sea to its east and the Pacific Ocean to its west. Below are some general info such as total population, land area, biggest lake, highest mountain and other general facts about Costa Rica that might be interesting to know. Costa Rica is a family travel playground, specializing in big adventures for the little ones. What is Costa Ricaâs Official Name? The provinces are divided into 81 cantons. It was not long before Spanish settlers turned to the hills, where they found rich volcanic soil and a better climate. Costa Rica has enjoyed greater peace and political stability than other Latin American nations. Costa Rica also borders Nicaragua to the north (309 km or 192 mi of border) and Panama to the southeast (639 km or 397 mi of border). In total, Costa Rica has 51,100 square kilometres (19,700 sq mi) plus 589 square kilometres (227 sq mi) of territorial waters. After that, Figueres became a national hero, winning the country's first democratic election under the new constitution in 1953. An Intel microprocessor facility in Costa Rica that was, at one time, responsible for 20% of Costa Rican exports and 5% of the country's GDP. It borders Nicaragua to the North, Panama to the South, the Caribbean Sea to the East and the Pacific Ocean to the West.. It is the largest city and capital of Costa Rica. 96 percent of adults can read. As the rest of the world knows Soda as a soft drink, in Costa Rica, this is a small restaurant that serves cheap food... 3. Costa Rica successfully reduced deforestation. This... 2. Costa Rica's seasons are defined by how much rain falls. Claudia won the country's only gold medal in 1996. They keep their maiden name for life along with their motherâs maiden name. The current President is Carlos Alvarado Quesada. United States convicts, Italians and Chinese immigrants also worked in the construction of the railroad. It is between latitudes 8° and 12°N, and longitudes 82° and 86°W. Our Family Story: Moving to Costa Rica; Costa Rica Facts for Kids Costa Rica Map. Costa Rica is a center of biological diversity for reptiles and amphibians. Costa Rica was a Spanish colony for almost 300 years until declaring Independence in 1821. They reached the quarter-finals for the first time in 2014. The capital city is San José. The highe⦠Tourists can visit the area using canopy tours which include ziplining or bridges across the forest. Here are a few Costa Rica fun facts to wow the kids. Facts about Costa Rica 2: the short history of Costa Rica. Costa Rica has the highest rural literacy rate at 96% for children. Facts About Costa Rica:-Costa Rican ladies donât take their husbandâs surname. 2 2. Costa Rica Pura Vida! The unpopularity of Tinoco's government led to a considerable decline in the size, wealth, and political influence of the Costa Rican military. ), Christmas Facts For Kids (Fun & Festive! "Winter" starts in May and ends in November. This is the largest percentage of protected areas in the world. Nicoya is one of the top five Blue Zones in the world. 37. The climate of Costa Rica is mainly tropical. It had to develop on its own. People living in Costa Rica can expect to live to be 79 years old. Humidity is also higher here. Costa Rica is a land of endless adventure and lots of heart. The local population had little allegiance to the federal government in Guatemala. All Rights Reserved. There are more than 100 species of mammals here. It borders Nicaragua to the North, Panama to the South, the Caribbean Sea to the East and the Pacific Ocean to the West. Its best performance in the regional CONCACAF Gold Cup was runner-up in 2002. Here Asuaire Travel shares 10 interesting facts in your trip to Costa Rica that are sure to land it on your travelling bucket list. 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