Learn about the country of Costa Rica

Costa Rica attracts everyone; from eco-tourists looking for adventure, to couples desiring a romantic beach getaway, to families seeking fun-filled days. Hiking, fishing, bird watching, canopy tours, mountain biking and white water rafting are popular.

Location

- Costa Rica is located in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama. Conservation - 26% of the country is composed of conservation and natural protected territory. Covering only 0.03% of the surface of the globe, it proudly shelters 5% of the ­existing biodiversity in the world. Explore rain and cloud forests, volcanoes, rivers running through mountains, waterfalls, flawless beaches, 28 national parks, 8 biological reserves and 130 protected areas.

Climate

- The climate in Costa Rica is very pleasant not only during the dry season (December -April), but also during the rainy season (May-November) where mornings are usually even sunny. The average temperature of 72°F increases significantly in the coastal areas. The changes in temperature are considerable within short distances due to Costa Rica’s various micro-climates.

People

- Costa Rica is a democratic and peaceful country. It abolished its army in 1949 and was awarded with the Oscar Arias Nobel Prize for Peace in 1987. Its literacy rate (96%) is the highest in the Americas. Costa Rica has a well-known reputation for being one of the happiest and greenest countries in the world. The most recent “Happy Planet Index” placed Costa Rica on top of every country in the world. The index makes an explicit link between happiness and the environment. No factor has been more important in crafting Costa Rica’s self-reliance, pacifism, and strong conservation ethic than its thoughtful and progressive people, who affectionately refer to themselves as “ticos”.

Currency

- The colon is the currency in Costa Rica. Usually the exchange rate hovers between 515 to 520 colones to the dollar. Large bills are difficult to change, and even a $20 can be difficult for small businesses. Although the value of the US dollar has decreased in the past two years, most economists believe that in the upcoming months, the U.S. dollar will again appreciate. The U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Costa Rica, however you usually receive your change in Costa Rican colones. Major credit cards are widely accepted but many establishments charge fees.

Retirement

- Costa Rica is one of the world’s most desirable retirement destinations, and home to more Americans per capita than any other country outside of the U.S., thanks in part to its spring-like climate, low cost of living and high quality health care. Those seeking permanent residence will quickly realize that it can be done with relative ease; the government places fewer restrictions on purchasing property or starting a business than perhaps all other countries of Latin America. In fact, both can be done without being a legal resident and while holding just a tourist visa.

Medical Tourism

- Costa Rica is also home to highly trained physicians that provide quality health care at a fraction of the cost compared to the United States and Canada. With a wealth of skilled surgeons and state-of-the-art medical facilities, Costa Rica is internationally recognized as a top-notch medical tourism destination.

Population: 4,331,000 Capital City: San Jose Time Zone: Central Standard Time (daylight savings time not observed) Language: Spanish, English Outlets: 110 V, standard US 2-prong plugs