Costa Rica

Why it sticks

1. 1

   Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948 and spends the money on education and health instead.

2. 2

   About a quarter of its land is protected as national parks or reserves, and it holds about 5% of the world’s biodiversity.

3. 3

   "Pura vida", meaning "pure life", is the national catchphrase. People use it as a greeting, a farewell and a way to say thanks.

• Generation 4 imagery was taken from a large white pickup truck that is often visible, with an antenna at the front.
• Short white plates with blue text, which look light blue through the blur.
• Stop signs say "ALTO" (thin font), as in Mexico, Guatemala and Panama. South America uses "PARE".
• Orange vertical boards with three black circles take the place of bollards.
• Red taxis are standard. Panama’s taxis are yellow.
• Lush hills, volcanoes and pastel concrete houses with dark red sheet-metal roofs.