Society & Pura Vida

Pura Vida — More Than a Greeting

No word describes Costa Rica better than "Pura Vida". Literally "pure life," it is simultaneously a greeting, farewell, agreement, and life philosophy. "How are you?" — "Pura Vida!" "Thank you!" — "Pura Vida!" "All good?" — "Pura Vida!" It expresses an attitude: calmness, gratitude, joy of life. In a country without an army, with a stable climate, and surrounded by nature, this philosophy is not an empty word but a lived reality.

The Ticos

Costa Ricans call themselves Ticos (men) and Ticas (women) — derived from the habit of diminutives ending in "-tico" instead of "-tito." "Un momentico" instead of "un momentito." The Ticos are known for:

• Warm hospitality: "Mi casa es su casa" is taken seriously here
• Pride in education: Costa Rica has a literacy rate of 98% — higher than in the USA
• Environmental awareness: Waste separation, recycling, and conservation are part of daily life
• Family orientation: Family is the social center, Sundays belong to the Familia
• Conflict avoidance: Ticos avoid open confrontation — "Quedar bien" (to look good) is more important than being right

No Army — A Model for the World

Since 1949, Costa Rica has had no military. Instead, there is a civilian police force and a border protection unit. The saved money flows into education (8% of GDP), health (universal, free for all citizens), and environmental protection. The result: Costa Rica has the highest standard of living in Central America, one of the highest life expectancies in Latin America (80 years), and regularly ranks among the "happiest countries in the world" (Happy Planet Index).