There are more than 121 volcanic formations in Costa Rica, and seven of them are active. Poas Volcano has the second widest crater in the world and Arenal is one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world. Costa Rica hosts more than 5% of the world's biodiversity even though its landmass only takes up .

Costa Rica is globally celebrated for its commitment to biocultural diversity and sustainability, making it a "gold standard" for eco-tourism in 2026. Despite covering only 0.03% of the Earth's landmass, it houses nearly 6% of the world's biodiversity. It is one of the few countries in the world to successfully reverse deforestation, now protecting over 25% of its land as national parks or reserves. Interestingly, Costa Rica operates without a standing military (abolished in 1948), redirecting those funds toward education and healthcare. This "Pura Vida" (Pure Life) philosophy permeates the culture, focusing on peace, well-being, and a deep respect for the environment, which is why it consistently ranks among the happiest nations globally while running on nearly 100% renewable energy.