Geography

Costa Rica Quiz

Pura vida, rainforests, and no military — how well do you know Costa Rica?

Costa Rica Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of the Pura Vida Nation

The Costa Rica Quiz is a free online quiz that tests your knowledge of Costa Rica with 50 questions covering pura vida, rainforests, wildlife, and a country with no military. Costa Rica holds nearly 6% of the world's biodiversity despite covering just 0.03% of the planet's surface.

How It Works

Each round presents 10 randomized questions from a pool of 50, with four multiple-choice options and instant feedback after every answer. Your final score comes with a performance tier and shareable results.

What You'll Learn

You'll explore Costa Rica's volcanoes and cloud forests, its decision to abolish its military in 1948, the meaning behind pura vida, incredible biodiversity from sloths to quetzals, pioneering renewable energy achievements, traditional dishes like gallo pinto and casado, and why the Nicoya Peninsula is one of the world's Blue Zones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't Costa Rica have a military?

Costa Rica abolished its military in 1948 after a brief civil war, redirecting defense spending toward education and healthcare. The decision was enshrined in the 1949 constitution, making Costa Rica one of the few countries in the world without a standing army.

What does pura vida mean?

Pura vida literally translates to "pure life" in Spanish. In Costa Rica, it is used as a greeting, farewell, and expression of well-being that reflects the country's laid-back, optimistic approach to life.

Is Costa Rica a safe country to visit?

Costa Rica is widely considered one of the safest countries in Central America for tourists. It has a stable democracy, no military, and a well-developed tourism infrastructure, though visitors should still take standard precautions against petty theft in busy areas.

Last updated: March 2026