About Costa Rica
The fact that more than one million tourists visit Costa Rica each year
does not happen by chance. Our country, located in Central America, is
an isthmus where life seems to have created its roots. Covering only
0.03% of the surface of our planet, Costa Rica has approximately 6% of
the world's biodiversity.
In addition, Costa Rica is characterized by an impressive scenic
beauty, consolidated system of protected areas, social and political
stability, high educational levels, and efficient infrastructure and
services. All these characteristics you can find in a territory of only
51 thousand square kilometers, surrounded by both the Pacific and
Atlantic Oceans, only three to four hours away from each other by land
or 45 minutes by air.
The country's strategic position, in the heart of the western
hemisphere, the Government's positive attitude towards foreign
investment, its infrastructure, access to international markets, and
labor quality and cost, make Costa Rica an ideal place to establish
commercial operations.
HISTORY
Heritage and Culture
Costa Rican culture is in many ways a reflection of its racial
diversity. The predominant influence has long been European, which is
reflected in everything from the official language -- Spanish -- t
o the architecture of the country’s
churches and other historic buildings. The indigenous influence is less
visible, but can be found in everything from the tortillas that make
part of a typical Costa Rican meal, to the handmade ceramics sold at
roadside stands.
An important aspect of Costa Rica’s cultural legacy is their love
for peace and democracy. The Ticos like to stand out that their nation
is the exception in Latin America, where military dictatorships have
long dominated politics.
They take pride in having more than one hundred years of democratic
tradition, and almost half a century without an army. The army was
abolished in 1948, and the money the country saves by not expending in
military issues is invested in improving the Costa Ricans’
standard of living, which has fostered a culture of social peace that
makes it such a pleasant place to visit.
The Ticos
The Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly known, are famous for their
hospitality, and are quite happy to live up to their reputation. They
are well-educated and hard working people, who are quick with a
handshake and a smile. They are well aware of the special land they
have, and most likely they will help foreigners when they get lost,
even explaining things that might seem bizarre to foreigners, and
making their stay as enjoyable as possible.
People say the Ticos are their
nation’s greatest asset, and once you’ve experienced their
friendliness and spontaneity, you’ll have no doubt to that
regard.
GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE
Geography
Rugged highlands are found throughout most of the country, ranging from
approximately 1,000 to 2,000 meters (3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea le
vel). The Guanacaste Mountain Range, Central Mountain
Range, and Talamanca Mountain Range are the main mountain ranges
extending the entire length of the country. There are several active
volcanoes (Arenal Volcano, Irazu Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano
and Turrialba Volcano) and the country’s highest mountain
(Chirripo Hill) with a height of 3,819 m/12,530 ft. The country has a
relatively long coastline in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as
well as a number of rivers and streams that attract specialist kayakers
and rafters from all over the
world.
Climate
Costa Rica’s year round climate is pleasant with naturally
occurring breezes, cooling down most of the coastal areas. Temperatures
in the highlands and mountains are not so cold, especially during day,
producing an 'eternal spring' feeling. The average annual temperatures
range from 31.7°C (89°F) on the coast to 16.7°C (62°F)
inland. The rainy or green season lasts from May to December with
noticeably drier days during the rest of the
year.
Enjoy the sun, but
carefully
Going to the beach is a must when traveling to Costa Rica and a nice
suntan is always possible. It is not advisable however, to try to tan
in just one day because it takes 24 to 48 hours for the skin to produce
melanin, a dark pigment that reduces the aging process caused by
sunburn. The healthiest thing for you to do is to use a PABA-free
suntan or UV sun blocking lotion.
OUR PEOPLE
The Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly kno
wn, are a mixing of races. Though most of the
country’s 3.3 million inhabitants descend from Spanish
immigrants, many families originated in other parts of Europe, Asia,
Africa and, indeed, Central America.
You may be surprised by the number of
fair-skinned people you’ll see in the country, especially in the
Central Valley.
In the lowlands, more people are mestizos
-that is mixture of European and Indigenous blood- whereas most along
the Caribbean coast belong to an African lineage, and much of the
Talamanca Mountain Range is inhabited by full-blooded Indians of
various tribes.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Communicactions
Costa Rica has one of the most advanced
telecommunications systems in Latin America, with telephones and fax
machines all over the country, and an increasing number of businesses
online. To call or fax Costa Rica, dial the country code 506 before the
number. There is also mail service, and a wide selection of courier
services in San Jose. Most large hotels in the San Jose area have cable
TV, with US and European stations. Newspapers and magazines from North
America and several European nations are sold in many shops and hotels
in and around the
capital.
Transportation
It’s
easy to get
around Costa Rica, and if you stick with public transport, traveling
within the country can be quite inexpensive. There is bus service to
just about every town and city, and high-quality buses serving the main
tourist destinations. Taxis are also plentiful and inexpensive, and in
San Jose they are required to operate with meters for most trips. The
standard charge for a taxi ride between the international airport and
downtown San Jose is $10 US. The quickest way to get around is to fly,
and several domestic airlines offer daily flights to most of the
popular tourist destinations. There are also plenty of car rental
agencies, most of which rent four-wheel-drive vehicles.
GOVERNMENT
Costa Rican system of government is very
similar to that of the United States of America. There are three
branches of government: Executive, which consists of the president, two
vice presidents and cabinet; the Legislative Assembly, with 57
individually elected deputies; and, the Judicial Branch, which consists
of civil, criminal, appellate and constitutional courts. The President
and members of the Legislative Assembly are elected for four-year terms
and the president can't run for reelection.
The President is Mr. Oscar Arias.
