1. Costa Rica
Pura Vida

2. Costa Rica está en Centroamérica.
costarricense = Costa Rican
“Ticos” - nickname for Costa Ricans

3. San José es la capital.

4. Peaceful country
In 1948, Presidente José Figueres abolished Costa Rica’s army. The money that was spent on military now can be spent on education, healthcare and preserving their land. Now 25% of Costa Rican land is preserved in national parks or biological reserves.
It is ranked number 1 in the Happy Planet Index and number 1 in the World Database of Happiness.

5. “Pura Vida”
Pura Vida is so much more than just a phrase, it is their culture and way of life. Costa Ricans (Ticos) use this term to say hello, goodbye, or even to let people know everything’s good! Costa Ricans don’t just let the term bring them a good life, it’s the way they use it in their everyday attitude to make them happy. “Pura Vida” means that people need to be grateful for the things they do have in life, instead of dwelling on the negative things that they don’t. The phrase shows that no matter how bad you may think you have it, life for someone else can be far more less fortunate than your own. Life is too short to be worried and upset, everyone needed to make the most of life! All in all, the locals strive to live a stress free, laid-back life and they believe that their motto “Pura Vida” perfectly exemplifies how the locals live. Costa Ricans feel that if more “foreigners” grasped this concept, the world would be a lot happier.

6. Las carretas
The people again look to a bygone era to represent the “Tico” ethos. The symbol for the Costa Rica National Symbols of Work and Labour, is the ‘Carreta’, the Spanish word for oxcart. The Carreta is a suitable icon for Costa Rica’s workforce since it played a key role in the Country’s development. This old- world vehicle, a hard-working, rugged farm unit, was “the people’s work-horse.” Today the Carreta, is found on display on farms, and during ceremonial events. Beautified with paint and other adornments it honors and represents the past.

7. Clean water/Hot springs
Costa Rica is home to many spas and resorts. At Tabacon Hot Springs Resort, the springs are warmed by a volcano!

8. Arenal volcano
The Arenal volcano is the youngest and most active in Costa Rica. It was one of the most ten active volcanoes in the world between 1968 and 2010.

9. Gallo pinto
Gallo Pinto is the national dish of Costa Rica. It is basically rice and black beans. Pictured below is a typical Costa Rican meal.

10. Recuerda . . . San José is the capital of Costa Rica.
No army - peaceful country
“Pura vida” - a Costa Rican saying for everything, like “no worries”
Clean waters with hot springs
Gallo pinto is the national dish