A PEACEFUL PARADISE
Geographically, politically and environmentally, Costa Rica is without a doubt one of the best destinations in Latin America .
Despite a landmass of only 51,000 square kilometers (19,730 square miles), Costa Rica boasts 4 % of the world's flora and fauna. Its peaceful, successful solutions to many economic and social challenges has earned it the nickname the Switzerland of Central America.
The Costa Rican constitution prohibits the establishment of a military, which makes Costa Rica one of the few, if not the only, country in the world free from military interests and pressures. The Costa Rican people are famous for their friendliness, warmth, and courtesy.
COSTA RICA IN BRIEF
- Location: Central America, south of Nicaragua and north of Panama
- Capital: San José
- Population: 4,000,000
- Education: 94% literacy
HISTORY
A new era began in 1502 when Christopher Columbus dropped anchor off the Caribbean Coast near today's city of Limón and christened the area Costa Rica ( Rich Coast ).
The agrarian Spanish colony flourished through the coffee boom, and developed much of its infrastructure (railways, electricity) with the coming of the banana industry. By 1940, sweeping social reform had established universal health care, minimum wage laws, child welfare protections and the right to unionize. The military was abolished in 1948.
Today Costa Rica remains the region's longest-standing democracy, and carries on its policy of universal social security.
CLIMATE
Costa Rica is located in the exotic Tropic of Cancer. Its varied topography creates an array of different microclimates, from the chilly heights of Mount Chirripó to the steamy, jungles of the Caribbean . Average temperatures in the Central Valley range from 70-90 º F (21 º -32 º C), while Guanacaste temperatures fluctuate between 80-90 º F (20s-30s º C). Most of the country experiences a dry season with little or no rain between December and April, and a rainy season between May and November, with sunny mornings and showers in the afternoon.
COMMUNICATIONS
Costa Rica has one of the most advanced telecommunications systems in Latin America . Great strides have been made in modernizing infrastructure, and some form of Internet is available in most areas of the country. Cable, ADSL and wireless Internet coverage is increasing steadily, and satellite TV coverage is excellent.
TRANSPORTATION
It has never been more convenient to reach Costa Rica . The newly remodeled Juan Santamaría Airport near San José was recently named the third-best airport of its size in the world. The Daniel Oduber Airport in Liberia , Guanacaste has witnessed an enormous increase in international commercial flights.
The Costa Rican government has made road improvement a priority, and smooth, comfortable road travel to all parts of the country is closer to becoming the norm.
Car rentals are easy to arrange but slightly more expensive than in other Latin American countries. With the increase in international flights to Liberia's airport, it has become easier than ever to rent a car in Guanacaste.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
More than 20% of Costa Rica is protected in natural parks, and an extensive network of private reserves provides additional environmental preservation. Costa Rica has become a key ecotourism destination, prompting the government to work hard to insure a balance between development and protection. |
