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It is customary for a civilized nation to take from its many cultural, natural and historical assets those primordial and sentimental to better describe its good qualities as unique and special country. Below we have listed those most important and elemental icons of Costa Rica:

The Flag

Costa Rica has had several flags since 1821 to date. The Tricolour Flag, this the one featuring red, blue and white was born in 1848, created by Dona Pacifica Fernandez, wife of then president Dr. Jose Maria Castro Madriz, reminiscing that of the colours of the French flag –inspiration of the Costarican republic.

It is believed the colours represent the following:

Red: the energy, the courage and selflessness with which the Costarican people defend their ideals, such as their democratic lifestyle. It is also said that, red stands as well for the lively spirit of the ticos.

Blue: The heavens above Costa Rica, its symbolism as protective shroud. Ideal goal to all well routed nationals.

White: The peace of Costa Rica and purity of its people's ideals .

The National Coat of Arms

This represents the three volcanoes (representing the geography of Costa Rica) and a large valley between two oceans, in each of these one mercantile ship(these represent the connections of Costa Rica to the trade world by access of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans). In the far left corner of the superior line that marks the horizon there is a rising sun (representative of the young and promising prospect of the Costarican nation). Sealing the emblem are to mirth leaves, united by a white coulored lace and within it the golden letters with the legend “Republica de Costa Rica”. On top of the landscape pictured one can find seven stars of equal size, representing the seven provinces of Costa Rica: San Jose, Heredia, Cartago, Alajuela, Limon, Puntarenas and Guanacaste. Another lace shines above it all reading Central America.

The Costarican Coat of Arms was promulgated on September 29^th 1848, during the presidency of Dr. Jose Maria Castro Madriz. It experienced two changes throughout its long history: Two elements of belligerent taste were removed, and then two stars were added to complete the number of stars standing for newer acquired territories.

National Anthem of Costa Rica

Lyrics by Jose Maria Zeledon.

Music: Manuel Maria Gutierrez.

The National Bird “El Yiguirro”

The Yiguirro (Turdus Grayi) was declared national bird dating from January 3^rd 1977, as a tribute to its melodic and beautiful chant, typical of the early stages of the rainy season times. The main reason behind the declaration of the Yiguirro as national bird was that of the familiarity felt by nationals to this species since old times, and precisely due to its customary presence in the surroundings of inhabited places.

National Tree “El Guanacaste”

This was constituted into the national tree by decree on August 31^st 1959, during the administration of President Dr. Mario Echandi Jimenez. It was chosen as homage paid to the province of Guanacaste, which joined the country in 1825. The typical and immense shade provided by this particular large sort of tree was found as perfect allegory of the nation’s traditional care for its people.

The National Flower “La Guaria Morada”

In 1939 Argentina requested Costa Rica send its national flower for a special garden called “El jardin de la Paz” (the Garden of Peace).  Since the country lacked then of such special distinction for any such thing, a contest was prepared for the choosing of such different ambassador.  The winner was an orchid, known in botany as “Cattleya Skinneri”, and known commonly as Guaria Moradada –reminiscent of its purple colour-. It flourishes through February and March.