As England prepare to meet Costa Rica in what will be their last game in the World Cup, here is a reminder of the many reasons to cheer this fascinating Central American country:

1. Costa Rica boasts more than 5% of the world's biodiversity even though its landmass only takes up 0.03% of the planet's surface
2. More than 25% of Costa Rica's land is protected territory, including 28 national parks, 8 biological reserves and 73 wildlife refuges.
3. There are more than 100 volcanic formations in Costa Rica, resulting in spectacular landscapes.  Poas Volcano has the second widest crater in the world.
4. There are about 52 species of hummingbirds in Costa Rica, making it a true hummingbird capital.
5. Costa Rica is a pioneer in sustainable tourism and has its own Certification of Sustainable Tourism system to rate hotels and other tourism businesses. 
6. There are nearly 500,000 different species of flora and fauna.  Monkeys and bats are the most common mammals. Also, more than 10% of the world's butterflies live here.
7. Costa Rica has topped the Happy Planet Index since 2009 and has one of the world´s highest life expectancy rates.
8. Costa Rica hasn't had – or needed -  an army since 1949, when the national army was disbanded and the barracks turned into a fine art museum.
9. “Pura Vida!”, an expression which literally means “pure life”, is often used as a greeting or comment, and sums up the Costa Rican way of life.
10.  “Los Ticos” - as the Costa Rica national football team, and Costa Rican people in general, are known - are already through to the second round of the World Cup and the whole country is celebrating!

For more information on Costa Rica go to www.visitcentroamerica.com.

For further information please contact Cristina Cunchillos at Latina Marketing on 020 7704 8485 or email cristina@latinamarketing.com.