38. Costa Rica
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- Adventure #8
- Citizenship #42
- Cultural Influence #33
- Entrepreneurship #59
- Heritage #46
- Movers #29
- Open for Business #16
- Power #66
- Quality of Life #43
How It Ranks
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Costa Rica is one of the most stable countries in Central America. The tropical nation leads the way in ecotourism by promoting and encouraging sustainability efforts on tours, hotels and restaurants. Fun fact: Costa Rica hosts more than 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity even though its landmass only takes up .03 percent of the planet’s surface.
The country ranks No. 8 for adventure, as it’s a hub for ziplining, surfing and hiking in a pleasant climate. Locals live by the phrase “pura vida,” meaning “the simple life,” a phrase we should all adopt.