Costa Rica has consistently ranked as one of the “happiest countries in the world”. What makes this beautiful country so peaceful, harmonious, and enchanting to live in that its citizens continue to be some of the happiest people on the planet? Is it something they eat? Possibly it’s something about their educational system? Well, it’s a little of everything! Costa Ricans are some of the happiest people in the world because their culture has cultivated a sense of peace and harmony through prioritizing well being, mutual respect and vibrancy.

About Costa Rica

What makes Costa Rica and its people so wonderful… is a combination of the peaceful natural landscapes, the joyful people, and the people’s consistent pursuit of blending and learning from the indigenous heritage and influence with modernity. Here are five interesting facts about Costa Rican culture that may inspire you.

1. Costa Rica: Beautiful Land + Beautiful People

If you’ve ever seen a picture of Costa Rica, you’ve probably seen some of the most beautiful beaches, lush terrain and thick rainforests, and rugged terrain of the mountain range. It’s like you’re staring at a piece of paradise or a scene from a postcard! Some of the most beautiful and untouched places on earth reside in this small country.

Have you ever heard of the “Blue Zone”? It refers to a part of the world where people commonly live past the age of 100! Well, Costa Rica is part of that blue zone. A combination of genes and lifestyle help determine how long we live, and here in Costa Rica, they have continually lived a lifestyle that helps to make their lives richer and more beautiful. “Ticos” which is a nickname for native Costa Ricans have definitely mastered living the good life here; maybe there’s a secret to living by the beautiful blue oceans, the stunning soft sand beaches, and the lush tropical forests that make up Costa Rica. We all can definitely learn something from the culture of these wonderful people.

2. Costa Rica protects its wildlife and land

The pure untouched beauty of Costa Rica is being preserved by its people because they realize the importance of preservation; preservation of their ancestral history, the habitats for the diverse wildlife, and the future of the next generations. The landmass of Costa Rica is small but the Ticos have realized the importance of protecting nature and have set aside over ¼ of their land as national parks or wildlife reserves! Costa Rica is one of the most protective countries in the world in fighting the deforestation and deconstruction of natural habitats.

It’s not surprising that the local people and government want to protect the beauty that surrounds them. The mild weather all year long and the gorgeous natural landscapes bring people all year long from all over the world to appreciate the pleasure of this country!

3. A sense of local community

While many countries and nations have lost the sense of community, Costa Rica has continued to place strong importance on the idea of community, family, and working together. No matter where you go throughout Costa Rica, whether it’s the largest city to the smallest township, you will find that life centers around the community spaces: the church, the soccer field, the school, and the local grocery store. One thing that’s always wonderful to experience when you’re traveling is to immerse yourself in the local culture. When there is a central hub of a community like there is here, it’s easy to try to make an acquaintance and open your heart and eyes to a whole new world.

They continue to honor their indigenous origins and colonial Spanish influence, as well as openly accepting the influx of immigrants over the years, and looking forward to the future. Costa Ricans see the value in family and community and invest resources into things like education, accessible health care, and natural preservation. While some countries have a difficult time finding appropriate funding, the Costa Rican people and government continue to invest in their communities, families, and future generations.

4. Pura Vida

The country’s unofficial motto is “Pure Vida” which means “pure life” in Spanish. Costa Ricans live, eat, and breathe the idea of ‘pure life’ in everything they do. It’s truly a way of life here! They find value in the quality time they get to spend with friends and family, they cherish simple meals and simple pleasures and they work to live and not the other way around. While other countries continually push “more, more, more”, Costa Ricans have discovered that little life secret that more doesn’t always equal happiness.

Sometimes the happiest people in the world have the least to show from a materialistic sense. Whether you’re visiting or living in Costa Rica, you will even hear people ask a friend how they’re doing and a response could be simply “Pura Vida!” – the epitome of happiness and joy.

5. Peace not War

Interestingly enough, Costa Rica dissolved their army in 1948 and has yet to form another army since that time. You would think that any major country in this world would need a strong militia, right? Well, Costa Rica has proven that theory false. The army was disbanded after the end of the civil war and created a clause in their constitution to further ban the formation of one in the future. Instead of putting money into the military, the Costa Rican people have opted to place those funds into education, culture, and preservation of natural resources. Costa Rica has been and continues to be a peaceful and stable country.

Are you ready for your own Costa Rica travel adventure?

Clearly, Costa Rica is doing something right because it is a gorgeous country filled with amazingly hospitable, warm, and caring people who take pride in their homes and respect the land around them. Their commitment to preservation, their peaceful nature, and their love of heritage and celebration of simple joys continue to make Costa Ricans some of the happiest, and therefore healthiest, people on the planet.

Find out more about how you can join us for our next women’s yoga and wellness retreat in Costa Rica - and you can be living La Pura Vida too!

PURA VIDA: 5 Interesting Facts About Costa Rican Culture