Costa Rica — country of 5 million inhabitants, 25% protected nature, 6% of global biodiversity. 'Pura Vida'.
- Costa Rica has no army since 1948. Military abolished by President Figueres. Money saved → education + healthcare.
- Costa Rica has 6% of global biodiversity on 0.03% of world territory. Corcovado National Park — 'most biologically intense place on earth' (Nat Geo).
- 25% of territory is protected nature Most in the Americas. 28 national parks. Plus reserves Monteverde (cloud forest), Tortuguero (turtles).
- Pura Vida — national motto 'Pure life'. Greeting, thanks, lifestyle. UN World Happiness Report — Costa Rica in top 15 for years.
- Costa Rica has 200 volcanoes (5 active). Poás (1 km wide crater), Arenal (perfect cone), Irazú. Highest peak: Chirripó (3820 m).
- Costa Rica is the 1st 100% renewable energy country (2017+). Hydro (78%) + geothermal (12%) + wind (10%). Goal: 0% emissions 2050.
- Tobacco leaf invented by Costa Rican Indians (prehistoric). Sebastián tobacco cigars. Today Costa Rica exports premium quality tobacco.
- Costa Rica has 4 UNESCO sites Cocos Park (island 'Jurassic Park'), Talamanca-La Amistad Park, Diquís Spheres (mystery), Guanacaste Park.
- Costa Rica = 'Rich Coast' Christopher Columbus 1502 — thought he'd find gold. There wasn't any. Gold turned out to be: coffee, bananas, today tourism.
- Sloths Costa Rica's symbol. 2 species: 2- and 3-toed. World's slowest mammal. Sloth Sanctuary in Limón rescues injured sloths.
Sources: Instituto Costarricense de Turismo, INEC Costa Rica, UNESCO World Heritage.