One of the happiest country in the world

Costa Rica is frequently ranked towards the top of the list of the "happiest countries in the world," according to several indices that measure the general well-being of their residents. You'll realize that Costa Rican culture is unlike any other. "Pura vida" — "pure life" — is the national slogan, reflecting the upbeat attitude of the friendly people here.

A vast portion of the northwestern Nicoya Peninsula has been designated as one of the world's five "blue zones" with exceptional longevity rates - an area where it's not uncommon for people to live to be 100 years old. Tourism is Costa Rica's largest industry, generating about $2 billion in annual income, and it's difficult to find a firm that doesn't benefit from the approximately 3 million visitors who come here each year. Costa Ricans, who are inherently kind, are well aware of this and go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome.

Costa Ricans are known to be the happiest people on the planet. The residents, known as ticos (men) and ticas (women), are nearly always smiling. They enjoy welcoming and hosting visitors. If you really want to make friends with the locals, ask them to teach you their language. Your first lesson will most likely be Costa Rica's motto, "pura vida," which translates as "pure life." It is an infectious positive attitude that pervades every facet of a Costa Rican vacation.