"Winter" starts in May and ends in November. The country has a population of 4.5 million, and its capital city of San Jose is home to approximately 300,000 citizens. Total Population: 4,9 million people; Capital: San Jose; Life expectancy: 77 years; Highest Mountain: Cerro Chirripo (3820 meters) What is Costa Rica’s Official Name? Costa Rica has enjoyed greater peace and political stability than other Latin American nations. When you’re ready to plan your trip, check out our Costa Rica Travel Guide! The location receiving the most rain is the Caribbean. Multigenerational travel is the norm, and kid-friendly amenities abound, making travel through Costa Rica with kids a breeze.. 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. Name some of the animals that can be found in Costa Rica. The local population had little allegiance to the federal government in Guatemala. Here are a few Costa Rica fun facts to wow the kids. Costa Rica is a small country that is located in Central America. “Hola!” means hello, “Si” means yes and “Buenos Dias” means good morning or good day. Having enacted these reforms, the junta relinquished its power on November 8, 1949, to the new democratic government. He was elected in 2014. The current President is Carlos Alvarado Quesada. kids take their father’s name however add their mother’s maiden name to their full name. Costa Rica is a center of biological diversity for reptiles and amphibians. Poás Volcano Crater is one of the country's main tourist attractions. Christopher Columbus sailed to the eastern shores of Costa Rica during his last trip in 1502,. Here are some interesting facts about San Jose, Costa Rica. This means they could explode at any time. In 1948, José Figueres Ferrer led an armed uprising between the previous president Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia (he served as president between 1940 and 1944) and Otilio Ulate Blanco. Most of the Costa Rican settlers had to work on their own land. General Facts about Costa Rica. The United Fruit Company began to hold a major role in the national economy. 37. 33) The name Costa Rica means rich coast and was a name first used by the people of Panama. The country has only about 0.25% of the world's landmass, but it has 5% of the world's biodiversity. On the west and southwest lies the Pacific Ocean. 20. While civil wars were common in the Federal Republic of Central America, Costa Rica was largely peaceful. 32) People who live in Costa Rica often refer to themselves as ticos (male), and ticas (female). Nicoya is one of the top five Blue Zones in the world. Coffee would remain Costa Rica's biggest export until the 20th century. Most of the indigenous population was absorbed into the Spanish colony. Costa Rica supporters at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The "summer" starts in December and ends in April. Costa Rica has the highest rural literacy rate at 96% for children. There are 4,331,000 people living in Costa Rica. Native Costa Ricans call themselves ticos and ticas. If you ever have had the chance to visit us, then you know how important our pura vida lifestyle is to us. The rainforest areas experience lots of rain, almost every day. It had one of the worst deforestation rates in the world from 1973 to 1989. Its best performance in the regional CONCACAF Gold Cup was runner-up in 2002. A stone sphere created by the Diquis culture at the National Museum of Costa Rica. Our favorite thing is when people fall as in love with Costa Rica as we are. Call it Literacy or the love for education. The volcanos are named Poas and Irazu. Some interesting facts: The most expensive coffee sold by Starbucks in the US in 2012 came from Tarruzo in Costa Rica. It can be used as a greeting, as a way of saying thank you, or even to say goodbye. The extent of Costa Rica's western EEZ in the Pacific, Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles (Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels), during 2007 pilgrimage. There are more than 121 volcanoes in Coast Rica, with seven being active. They keep their maiden name for life along with their mother’s maiden name. As a result, bananas became the largest export. Arenal is one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world. Costa Rican women do not take their husbands’ last name when they get married. Costa Rica is a family travel playground, specializing in big adventures guaranteed to get your kid’s 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. Fun Facts About Costa Rica for Kids. The victorious rebels formed a government that abolished the military. Rather than saying a lady “had a baby,” ticos say “ella dio a luz.” Meaning, “She gave light.” Costa Rica is on the Central American isthmus. On September 15, 1821, after the last Spanish defeat in the Mexican War of Independence (1810–21), the authorities in Guatemala declared the independence of all of Central America. The highest point in the country is Cerro Chirripó, at 3,819 metres (12,530 ft). 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. Facts about Costa Rica 2: the short history of Costa Rica. Costa Rica has seven provinces. 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! The impact of indigenous peoples' culture on modern Costa Rica has been small. After its collapse in 1823, Costa Rica became a province of the new Federal Republic of Central America. Despite enormous difficulties with construction, disease, and financing, the railroad was completed in 1890. 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! 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. 39. Grab a cup of your favorite Costa Rican coffee — here are 11 facts that will It was first shipped to Europe in 1843. An example is the big cats and tapirs. Article 168 of the Constitution of Costa Rica says the political divisions are classified into 3 groups: provinces, cantons, and districts. Costa Rica was called "the poorest and most miserable Spanish colony in all America" by a Spanish governor in 1719. 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