Costa Rican culture — Pura Vida, biodiversity, no army, ecotourism, happiness. Switzerland of Central America.
Language
Costa Rican Spanish — voseo, mae (friend), tuanis (cool). English on Caribbean coast (Jamaican-Creole). Indigenous languages: Bribri, Cabécar.
Pura Vida
National philosophy — Pura Vida means everything (hello, goodbye, well, thanks). Happiness, simplicity, optimism. Costa Rica top 15 happiest countries in world (UN Happiness Report).
No Army
Army abolition 1948 — only country in Americas without military. Money to education and health. José Figueres Ferrer.
Ecotourism
25% of territory protected — world record. 6% of world biodiversity on 0.03% of territory. Parks Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Corcovado, Tortuguero. Birds, monkeys, sloths.
Cuisine
Gallo pinto (rice + beans) — national breakfast. Casado (typical lunch), beef stew, picadillo, tres leches. Costa Rican coffee — world top. Chiverre Christmas sweet.
Music
Marimba — national instrument. Limonense calypso (Caribbean). Traditional Guanacaste music. Modern music: Editus (jazz/world music).
Traditions
Independence Day (September 15). Cartago pilgrimage (August) — to Virgin of the Angels. Tope (horse parade at Christmas). Festival of Lights.