Costa Rica, a small Central American nation, is celebrated for its stunning landscapes, ranging from volcanic mountains and lush rainforests to pristine beaches along the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Renowned as a global biodiversity hotspot, its ecosystems include tropical rainforests, dry forests, mangroves, and cloud forests, supporting a vast array of plant and animal species. Historically, Costa Rica was home to indigenous groups before Spanish colonization in the 16th century, gaining independence in 1821 and abolishing its military in 1949 to focus on peace and social development. Governed as a stable democratic republic, the country boasts a diversified economy driven by ecotourism, agriculture (notably coffee and bananas), and technology exports. Known for its “Pura Vida” ethos, Costa Ricans, or “Ticos,” value family, nature, and simplicity, creating a vibrant culture rooted in peace, sustainability, and hospitality.