My Costa Rica (CostaRica.Org) is a Travel Agency that offers Custom Costa Rica Vacations & Packages Including Hotels, All-Inclusive Resorts and Tours. The meaning and history behind Costa Rica's national flag … 9. https://costarica.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Costa_Rica_National_Anthem.ogg.mp3. The seven stars, represent seven provinces, San Jose, Cartago, Guanacaste, Alajuela, Heredia, Limon, and Puntarenas supporting the country. Then consider moving to Costa Rica. Finally, the 1848 model has three volcanoes, two ships, and five stars we can see featured on the stamp of 1863. One of the most important interesting facts about Costa Rica is that the country generates most of its energy using five renewable sources: hydropower, wind, geothermal energy, biomass, and solar. Next, the final design before 1848, a white 8 pointed star with a yellow circle and legend of Costa Rica. More than 600 of these birds prove resident species with the rest migrating through seasonally. In English, there is only one word for a flag, but in Spanish, there are two words, “Bandera Nacional” and “Pabellon Nacional.”  Bandera Nacional meaning the simple flag with stripes. Dec 26, 2018 - Fun & Interesting Facts about Costa Rica. During soccer games, it is not uncommon to see faces painted with country’s flag showing support for their national team. September 15th is Costa Rica’s Independence Day. Costa Ricans know them all! Today, all five successor nations' flags retain the old federal motif of two outer blue bands bounding an inner white stripe. There are about 52 species of hummingbirds in Costa Rica. The background of the flag is a combination of red, white, and blue horizontal stripes. Learn about the beautiful country of Costa Rica in Central America! Our Costa Rica Resources 17. The meaning and history behind Costa Rica's national flag … Today the shield is very similar to the 1948 edition. Poas Volcano has the second widest crater in the world and Arenal is one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world. On its west is the Pacific Ocean, while the Caribbean Sea borders the country to the east. It is smaller than Lake Michigan. 11. Besides, Costa Rica is a famous students destination. When you visit this small Central American paradise, you will no doubt see the country’s flag displayed proudly pretty much everywhere. The red stands for the blood spilled by martyrs defending the country, as well as the warmth and generosity of the Costa Ricans. Find some tips for studying how to fulfill your dream. At the time the Coat of Arms started out as a triangle having five volcanoes within and then transitioned to the United Provinces of Central America Emblem. Costa Ricans first tasted coffee in 1779, just three years after the US declaration of independence. 2. 2. Pura Vida. The Flag and Shield of Costa Rica are an outstanding symbol of the country’s freedom and rights for the people. 1,200 varieties of orchids. Approximately 894 species of birds also call it home. Costa Rica gained independence … You’re totally right! The current shield had a very similar history and evolution as the flag. Discover the most interesting facts about Costa Rica. 00:00 Two additional stars were added in 1964 so the flag now contains seven stars that represent the seven provinces of Costa Rica: Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, and San Jose. The country encompasses an area of 19,730 square miles while Lake Michigan has an area of 22,394 square miles. Please practice hand-washing and social distancing, and check out our resources for adapting to these times. Costa Rica is a tiny nation with an area comparable to that of Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes of North America. Costa Rica had just separated from Spain a few years before and joined the United Provinces of Central America. 208 species of mammals. There are more than 121 volcanic formations in Costa Rica, and seven of them are active. 3. 160 species of amphibians. 12. It is a short, steep trail (newly paved with steps for the most part) to a spectacular 40 feet high, 49 feet wide waterfall. In 1998, the flag was updated to add smoke coming from the tops of the volcanos. The Coat of Arms shows three volcanoes representing the country's three mountain range (Cordillera Guanacaste, Cordillera Volcánica Central & Cordillera Talamanca) and the Central Valley. Local fruit is for sale at a market in San Jose, Costa Rica. The song was composed in 1853 by Manuel María Gutiérrez and José María Zeledón Brenes’ lyrics were added in 1900. The coat of arms of Costa Rica was revised in 1848 and placed in the center of the flag’s red horizontal stripe. For this reason, the dark blue represents the sky, idealism, opportunities and perseverance. There is a small entry fee and facilities available at the top. The color blue on the Costa Rican flag is meant to represent the sky and the opportunities that are available to the country’s people. For one year, the Costa Rican flag contained a red star on a white background. Facts about deadly snake bites, bananas, penicillin, coffee, rivers …. No doubt it is important to take some time to find out such things. Much history made what the flag and shield are today. The Costa Rican flag has gone through ten updates and changes over the years. The colors of the Costa Rica Flag have significant meaning in how the country is governed and came to be today. The current president as of April 2018 is Carlos Alvarado. The color white was used on the Costa Rican flag to signify peace, happiness, and wisdom. Costa Rica is a rugged, rainforested Central American country with coastlines on the Caribbean and Pacific.. Fun adventures, travel, new unique experiences are the main reasons to study in Costa Rica. Home » Costa Rica Facts » Costa Rica Flag and Shield. The current blue, white, and red version of the national flag of Costa Rica was made official on September 29, 1848. The gold frame of the Costa Rica flag’s Coat of Arms contains small beads representing the importance of coffee in their culture. 15. A Natural Paradise. Mar 9, 2012 - Fun & Interesting Facts about Costa Rica. Another of the interesting facts about Costa Rica is San Jose is one of the safest cities in Central America. The flag of Thailand is very similar to the Costa Rican flag but on its flag, the red and blue colors are reversed. 30. Fun Facts. The Costa Rican National Anthem is called Noble patria, tu hermosa bandera (Noble homeland, your beautiful flag) and praises the flag. Costa Rica Ranks Number One In … ... Costa Rica hosts more than 5% of the world's biodiversity even though its landmass only takes up .03% of the planet's surface. 3. Fun fact: Costa Rica has many anthems, among them the National Anthem, the Flag Anthem, and the 15 th of September Anthem. © 2020 Copyright Adventure Tours Costa Rica. 10 Fun Facts About Costa Rica. The volcanos are named Poas and Irazu. It is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Below are some general info such as total population, land area, biggest lake, highest mountain and other general facts about Costa Rica that might be interesting to know. The government has clamped down hard on crime with huge security budgets and a complete equipment overhaul for the police force. The five stars on the Honduran flag represent the five countries of Central America. For one year, the Costa Rican flag contained a red star on a white background. Located in Central America between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica is a small country bordered by oceans on either side. General Facts about Costa Rica. It looked much different than what it is now, having light blue stripes top and bottom and a yellow stripe in the middle. Some of the things you’ll see there are plush green land, coffee plantations and two volcanos. 10. Interesting facts about each of the Spanish speaking countries of the world. It has 5 active volcanoes. The colors of the Costa Rica Flag have significant meaning in how the country is governed and came to be today. Within the short period of 1821-1848, the flag changed seven times. Each color in the Costa Rican flag represents important Costa Rican ideals. 7. San Jose, Costa Rica. Dec 26, 2018 - Fun & Interesting Facts about Costa Rica. 31. For this reason, the dark blue represents the sky, ide… Not many have considered these meanings, and sometimes they become forgotten through our busy lives. 16. Total Population: 4,9 million people; Capital: San Jose; Life expectancy: 77 years; Highest Mountain: Cerro Chirripo (3820 meters) It changed five separate times before the 1848 design. 5. It may be a small town with the size of about 12,000 hectares but this boasts of more than its famous volcano and lake. Ticos & Ticas. Lastly, Pabellon Nacional meaning including the flag and shield. © Copyright 2004-2021 all rights reserved. 50 Fascinating Facts about Nicaragua Nicaragua is located on the Central America isthmus directly between Honduras and Costa Rica. Costa Ricans refer to themselves Ticos (for men) and Ticas (for women). Costa Ricans or “Ticos” and “Ticas” are known for their cultural pride and pura vida way of life. 21. 19. San Jose is the largest city in Costa Rica and is also the capital. First, we see on the emblem, the three smoking blue/green volcanoes representing the three most significant volcanic ranges of Costa Rica, Irazu, Poas, and Arenal. Costa Rica’s government is a Democratic Republic. It is said that the flag was modeled after the French Tricolour or the French flag. After spending eight years studying Spanish, working as a bilingual teacher and then as a tour guide in one of the happiest countries on Earth, I married a Costa Rican man. The History of the Costa Rica Flag spans back to 1848, some 169 years ago. So rest … 850 species of birds. Mar 9, 2012 - Fun & Interesting Facts about Costa Rica. 2. Red expresses the warmth of the Costa Rican people, their love of life, and blood spilled during the fight for freedom. 4. The Blue, White and Red design we see today came from Wife of President José María Castro Madriz; and was inspired by the French revolution. All in all the flag and shield of Costa Rica hold significant meaning. 220 species of reptiles. The average lifespan for the country is 79.3 years, but in Nicoya, people regularly live active lives past 100. The coffee came from Jamaica. Every Year, a Symbolic Torch Makes its Way from Guatemala to Costa Rica; Every year, a carefully timed and symbolic torch makes its way from Guatemala to Costa Rica. 20. Third, the Ocean on either side of the volcanic ranges accounts for the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and the ships symbolize ports on either side of Costa Rica. View Images. The two sailing ships on either side of the extensive valley are symbolic of the country’s Pacific and Caribbean coastlines and the maritime history of Costa Rica. “Pura vida” is commonly heard in Costa Rica—it means “pure life” and is often used as a greeting in lieu of “hello” and “goodbye”. 1,000 species of butterflies. Second, the green area below the volcanoes represents the valley between the mountain ranges. Blue represents the sky, opportunities within reach, intellectual thinking, perseverance, infinity, eternity, religious ideals and spiritual desires. Where can you go to find beaches, mountains, and rain forests? For those of you that haven’t had the chance to visit us during the celebrations, we want to share some fun facts to help you feel like you’re at the party. From northwest to southwest, Costa Rica measures only 285 miles (460 km) and at its narrowest, it is only 74 miles (120 km) wide. Many vacationers to Costa Rica, enjoy bringing home magnets, t-shirts, hats, and other souvenirs containing the Costa Rican flag to remind them of their trip. Those little differences are what make cultures so unique and special! About the Costa Rica Flag The flag of Costa Rica features five stripes - blue, white, red, white, blue, with the coat of arms of the Republic of Costa Rica on the central, wider, red stripe. The flag originally contained blue and yellow horizontal stripes. To know better how and why Costa Rica and its people ended up the way they are today. 14. Costa Rica will elect the next president 2022. The country’s coat of arms is located on the left side of the flag. Please practice hand-washing and social distancing, and check out our resources for adapting to these times. If you want to experience all of these environments in one trip, grab your travel gadgets and get to Costa Rica! In 1824, the flag was changed to contain light blue and white horizontal stripes. The town of La Fortuna (The Fortune) is akin to the world-renowned Arenal Volcano–Costa Rica’s most active mountainous structure and the Lake Arenal which flows through the thermal waters of the country. 20 Interesting Things to Know about the Costa Rican Flag 1. Its Nicoya Peninsula is a Blue Zone, or a place where people live much longer than the global average. White symbolizes clear thinking, happiness, wisdom, power and natural beauty, as well as peace and Costa Rican initiative. 3. 6. 9 Fun Facts About Costa Rica. Interesting fact: presidents in Costa Rica cannot run two times in a row. He won on April 1, 2018 after no majority was declared in February. The Blue, White and Red design we see today came from Wife of President José María Castro Madriz; and was inspired by the French revolution. 1. The white stripes represent peace, wisdom, and happiness. The unofficial version of the Costa Rican flag does not contain the Coat of Arms. 3. 1. It also signifies the cultural warmth and generosity of the Costa Rican people and their love for life. It’s the little differences that make traveling and living overseas fun and interesting. Since then, they revised to include two more stars and now smoking volcanoes. During that time they used the flag of United Provinces of Central America. 9,000 species of plants. Its flag is a horizontal flag that is comprised of five stripes; two blue and white stripes border a larger red stripe on the flag. It’s located in the Central Valley area of Costa Rica. In a previous version of the flag, the Coat of Arms had five stars representing the country’s five provinces. Look here for Costa Rica facts on the Flag and shield and the influences that created it. (Costa Rica modified its flag significantly in 1848, darkening the blue and adding a double-wide inner red band.) The short-lived sixth state of Los Altos was annexed by Mexico as the state of Chiapas. 34,000 species of insects. Do you love bananas? The Costa Rican flag has gone through ten updates and changes over the years. It also represents liberty and freedom from Spanish rule. 9. Successor flags. 3. The flag originally contained blue and yellow horizontal stripes. The history and evolution of Government and Country of Costa Rica are symbolized profoundly in the Costa Rica Flag and Shield. Costa Rica is small country in Central America. 130 species of freshwater fish. This emblem had the right arm and bare chest of a man, surrounded by green mountains in a circle. Home to hundreds of thousands of species, Costa Rica boasts 130 freshwater fish species, 175 species of amphibians, and 225 species of reptiles. Costa Rica utilizes the Costa Rican colon as its currency. In 1539, officials in Panama used the name Costa Rica (Rich Coast) for the first time … Costa Rica is one of the most amazing countries on Earth – but of course I am biased! Stay safe and healthy. 18. Stay safe and healthy. Photograph by Ian Cumming, Photo Library Here are some interesting facts about San Jose, Costa Rica. The blue, red, and white stripes alternate in a ratio of 1:1:2:1:1. Indeed because of the beautiful landscapes and personalities we see here in the Country of Pura Vida. 13. Costa Rica does not have an army The falls drop into a tranquil, natural pool with a sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing. There is a rising sun on the left side of the Coat of Arms which is meant to signify the birth of Costa Rica as a new nation. 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