| Costa Rica | Caribbean Zone | Central Zone | Central Pacific |
| Southern Pacific | Northern Zone | Things to Do | Surfing |
Area: 50,895 square kilometers
Population: 4,195,914 (2008)
Capital: San Jose
Language: Spanish
Religion: Roman Catholic
Time Zones: GMT -6
Electricity: 120V AC, 60Hz
Passport: Required by all and must be valid
Currency: Colon (CRC)
Health: no special precautions
Climate: The climate is tropical all year round however this varies depending on rainfall and elevation. Only about eight degrees north of the equator, the year can be split into two periods called Verano, which is summer and it doesn't rain and is between December and May. The other period is called Invierno, which is known as winter and it rains persistently between May and November.
International Dialling Code: 011+506
Imagine an exotic, white sand beach, sipping tropical drinks by the pool, with breathtaking jungle and ocean views combined with the serenity of one of the world's most treasured rainforests, and perhaps you can begin to envision your romantic getaway to Costa Rica. Costa Rican has become one of the world's top destinations for romantic getaways offering unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Costa Rica touches the heart and mind of the tourist, not through elegant boulevards, towering cathedrals, or imposing places in history but through its incredible natural beauty and gracious people disposed to please, who are full of kindness, and who have a generous spirit. With a national territory of 50,895 square kilometers, Costa Rica is slightly larger than Switzerland and it is the second smallest Central American country. But within the borders of this small country, you can find vast areas of jungle, countless streams and rivers, incredible diversity of wildlife and flora, amazing volcanoes and beautiful beaches.
The natural beauty of Costa Rica is combined with the hospitality of its people, which underlies every facet of the country's tourist services.
Costa Rica is one of the oldest democracies in the Americas (its first election was held in 1889) and the oldest in Latin America. Its history and political system, contrast with those of neighbor nations. In addition to this, the country dismantled its army in 1949 and it is perpetually at peace with excellent educational and health care systems. This political and economical stability has attracted many international organizations, such as the Interamerican Court of Human Rights, the Earth Council and the International Development Bank. Furthermore, this environment fosters long term planning for multinational corporations like Intel, Abbott, Baxter, Microsoft, Conair, etc. One of the Costa Rica's greatest assets is well-educated people. The literacy rate is more than 94%, and the country has one of the highest rates of college and technical school attendance in the world. Costa Ricans are also very much computer literate, and the country also has the highest ratio of computers in relation to people anywhere in Latin America. The money used previously in the army was destined to education and health care systems. Thus Costa Rica enjoys a life expectancy higher than 76 years, the student population is 25% of total, and the 95% of total population (3.5 millions) is covered by health care.
As one of the world's top tourist destinations, Costa Rica also has a lot to offer in terms of modern facilities and hotel infrastructure. In this context, more and more companies are sending their star employees to Costa Rica for incentive vacations. Around the country you will find hotels in every price range, and a seemingly limitless variety of food to suit every taste.
Accommodations range from luxurious, all-inclusive resorts to economical small hotels and cabins. Variety is what makes Costa Rica such an exciting country to visit. It is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, a treasure house of flora and fauna unequaled in so small area. About 25% of the country's area is protected as National Parks and Wild life Refuges. The national park system is complemented by a growing number of private protected areas.
In Costa Rica you can find: breathtaking tropical beaches where you can swim, snorkel, dive, surf, fish and sea kayak. There are also clean rivers that range from white water rippers to tranquil jungle waterways; spectacular waterfalls; extensive haciendas and plantations; scenic mountains and rain forest; erupting awesome volcanoes and more. There is just a lot to see and do!!! In the same way, nature lovers enjoy Costa Rica because of its remarkable diversity of orchids, plants, birds, butterflies, mammals, fish, frogs, and other wild life. Casual tourist and dedicated nature traveler alike come under the spell of a natural wonderland. Costa Rica has something for everybody!!!
