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 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.
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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 -- to
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.
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Geography
Rugged highlands are found throughout most of the country, ranging
from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 meters (3,000 to 6,000 f eet above
sea level). 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.
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 The Ticos, as Costa Ricans
are commonly known, 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.
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Communications
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 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.
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 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.
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