Costa Rica is a small country with a rich culture, however, more often than not Ticos have problems identifying some of their own National Symbols, and this is something foreigners don’t usually have information on; therefore, considering we are celebrating today 196 of independence in Costa Rica, we offer you the complete list of Costa Rica’s National Symbols.

National symbols are important to a country’s identity, these represent its history, values, culture and traditions; Costa Rica has a total of 14 National Symbols.

1) Flag: The easiest one to remember, the Costa Rican flag was declared National Symbol in September 29, 1848. The Costa Rican flag has five horizontal bars, blue, white, red, white and blue.
2) Emblem: The emblem is a national symbol since 1848, it went through a lot of changes, and finally in 1998 it was established that it must have three steaming volcanoes, a light green valley, greenish blue mountains, a golden arc made of coffee beans, seven starts representing the provinces a raising sun and oceans at each side.
3) Pabellón Nacional: This is nothing more than the Flag with the Emblem, which is used only in official government acts.
4) National Anthem: Written by José María Zeledón, music by Manuel María Gutiérrez.
5) Guaria Morada: The Purple Orchid that grows in Costa Rica’s forests and the gardens of many houses. This is Costa Rica’s National Flower.
6) Guanacaste Tree: Declared a national symbol in 1959, this tree can be seen in the Guanacaste province and is the country’s national tree.
7) Yiguirro: (Turdus Grayi), the country’s national bird, declared as such in 1977. Although the yiguirro is not the most attractive bird in the country but its beautiful tune makes it Costa Rica’s favorite.
8) Ox Cart: The ox cart hand painted with incredible detail is considered a symbol of work as it was the main form of transportation of coffee from the central valley to Puntarenas.
9) White-tailed Deer: A symbol of Costa Rica’s wildlife.
10) The Marimba: An instrument that originated in Guatemala, this instrument is used to play most of Costa Rica’s traditional music and anthems.
11) Independence torch: Represents the liberty and independence of Costa Rica and the rest of the Central American countries.
12) Los Crestones: A symbol of Costa Rica’s national richness, declared as a national symbol April 14, 2011. Located in the Chirripó National Park at 3,720 meters above sea level.
13) The Manatee: It symbolizes the country’s marine fauna. It is an endangered species which is why manatee sanctuaries are strongly protected.
14) Diquis Stone Spheres : The Pre-Columbus stone spheres were declared a national symbol in 2014.