Resplendent Quetzal
This rare bird, whose tail feathers can grow longer than its whole body, was once considered sacred by ancient Mesoamerican civilizations and still draws birdwatchers from across the world to Costa Rica's cloud forests.
Flag of Costa Rica
Field Report
Costa Rica is a small country in Central America, tucked between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. It is about the size of the state of West Virginia, but its mountains, volcanoes, and thick forests are packed with thousands of plant and animal species found almost nowhere else on Earth. About five million people call Costa Rica home, and many of them are warm and welcoming, with a strong culture built around family, faith, and the simple phrase 'pura vida.'
From the Field Notebook
Resplendent Quetzal
This rare bird, whose tail feathers can grow longer than its whole body, was once considered sacred by ancient Mesoamerican civilizations and still draws birdwatchers from across the world to Costa Rica's cloud forests.
Red-Eyed Tree Frog
Its startling crimson eyes are thought to startle predators just long enough for this small, bright green frog to leap to safety in the rainforest canopy.
Two-Toed Sloth
Moving so slowly that algae can actually grow on its fur, the two-toed sloth spends most of its life hanging upside down in the treetops, sleeping up to eighteen hours a day.
Gallo Pinto
This hearty mix of rice and black beans, seasoned with Lizano sauce and cilantro, is eaten by most Costa Rican families nearly every morning and carries a flavor that feels like home to anyone who grew up there.
Casado
A casado is a traditional lunch plate that brings together rice, beans, plantains, a salad, and a choice of meat, giving workers and students a filling midday meal all on one tray.
Tres Leches Cake
Soaked in three different kinds of milk until it becomes incredibly moist and soft, this dessert is a beloved celebration treat found at birthdays and family gatherings across Costa Rica.
Costa Rica has no army — it abolished its military in 1948 and put the money toward schools and hospitals instead, making it one of the only countries in the world to do so.
Although Costa Rica covers less than 0.03 percent of the Earth's surface, it is home to nearly five percent of all known plant and animal species on the planet.
Costa Rica produces some of the world's most prized coffee, and the volcanic soil of its highlands gives the beans a distinct flavor that coffee experts travel great distances to study.
The country sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, meaning it has more than two hundred volcanic formations, with several still active and visible from nearby towns on clear days.
Costa Ricans often greet each other with the phrase 'pura vida,' which literally means 'pure life' and is used as a hello, a thank-you, an expression of contentment, and almost everything in between.
Daily Life
81
Years life expectancy
97%
Can read and write
97%
Kids go to school
Missions Field Report
Costa Rica is home to 19 distinct people groups — 2 of them haven’t yet heard about Jesus.
Nearly all Costa Rica's people follow Christianity (95.4%). Evangelical Christians make up about 18.5% of the population.
What People Believe
Unreached People Groups
These are communities of people who haven’t had the chance to hear about Jesus yet. They need missionaries — and they need kids like you to pray for them.
Deaf
15,000 people
Jewish, Spanish-speaking
2,600 people
Prayer Journal
Tick each one as you pray. God hears every word.