General Facts 

• Population: 4,902,328 people
• Capital: San Jose; 335,007 people
• Area: 19,730 square miles
• Language: Spanish
• Religion: Roman Catholic
• Currency: Costa Rican Colon
• Life Expectancy: 80 years old
• GDP per Capita: U$D $16,300 per year
• Literacy Rate: 98 percent

Other Fun Facts:

• Costa Ricans refer to themselves as “Ticos” (males) and “Ticas” (females).
• The sun rises and sets in Costa Rica at the same time every day 365 days a year, due to its close proximity to the equator.
• Costa Rica possesses 51 of the New World’s 300 hummingbird species.
• Tourism is Costa Rica’s leading industry with over two million visitors arriving each year.
• In Costa Rica, a Soda is a small, informal restaurant that serves a choice of meat and rice and beans for around $5 USD.
• Pura Vida is used regularly by locals it means "Pure Life" and it's a way of thinking positive.

Our Suggestions

• Lake Arenal is a beautiful place.  You can drive around the lake too, in a big loop.
• Tamarindo, check out the surf lessons at Sol Naciente or take a fishing tour with Seaz the Day.  
• Great micro-brewery in Tamarindo called Volcano.  Sometimes getting good beer in Central America is difficult. This beer is great!
• Go to the Osa Peninsula and Drake Bay in the south for some natural beauty and untouched beaches by tourism.
• Jaco is great if you are into resorts and beaches combined.