One of the hottest eco-tourism destinations in the world, Costa Rica has the right to boast.  This small bi-coastal country in southern Central America has over 15 different types of ecosystems, ranging from mountainous cloud forests to pristine coastlines.  With 75 different national parks and refuges aimed at land conservation, roughly 25% of the country is protected.  There is therefore no shortage in activities that engage visitors in the great outdoors, including white-water rafting, zip lining, hiking, bird watching, and scuba diving.  Surrounded by such natural beauty, it is no wonder Costa Ricans, fondly known as "Ticos," are widely regarded as the happiest people on earth.

Costa Rica's progressive conservation laws are not the only things separating it from the rest of the pack.  It is ranked third in the world--first among the Americas--on the Environmental Performance Index, and the government has announced that it aims to be the first carbon-neutral nation by 2021.  Furthermore, currently governed by its first female president, Laura Chinchilla Miranda, a graduate of Georgetown University.  This peaceable nation abolished its army in 1949, preferring to focus its finances on education and culture.  This budget redistribution has paid off: Costa Rica is consistently one of the top ranking Latin American countries on the Human Development Index, and boasts a 96% literacy rate.  

Fast Facts about Costa Rica

Official Language: Spanish, but English is also widely spoken

Official Religion: Catholicism

Population: roughly 4,015,000

Weather: Tropical climate, with a rainy season from May through December and a dry season from January through April

Currency: Costa Rican Colón

Major industries: Tourism, agriculture (especially coffee and bananas), electronics

National Bird: Yigüirro, or the clay-colored thrush, known for its melodious song that signals the start of the rainy season

Favorite sport: Soccer

Common Cuisine: Gallo Pinto, a dish mainly consisting of black beans and rice

Unofficial Motto: Pura Vida (pure life)