Costa Rica has it all, from warm, turquoise waves, red, oozing magma, and dripping cloud forests, to awe-inspiring churches and bustling markets that come alive with the colors of tropical fruit and bright hand-painted oxcarts.

Costa Rica is a haven of peace and stability in Latin America and offers endless opportunities to experience and explore. Although it covers only 0.03% of the world's territory, this tiny country managed to capture some of the earth's most unique sites and natural wonders---it holds 6% of its plant and animal life with 830 species of birds and 350,000 of insects. Its rich culture and friendly people magically charm people into staying for years.

Costa Rica has no army and the government has made public health and education its priorities, endowing Costa Ricans, also know as ticos, with one of the best health care systems and highest literacy rates in Latin America. The ticos are proud of their country's strong democracy and outstanding social security system and will warmheartedly share their beautiful country with whomever cares to join them in relaxing, kicking back, and living la pura vida. Inexpensive and compact, yet splendid and diverse. Costa Rica welcomes a broad range of travelers, from bold adventurers, to budget travelers, or those simply seeking comfort and convenience.

Panama borders Costa Rica to the southeast, Nicaragua borders the north, the Caribbean Sea is on the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

The Costa Rican capital city is San Jose with approx 1+ million people in the metropolitan area

Costa Rican covers and area of 51,100 square kilometers (31,682 square miles)

The Official Language is Spanish

The official of Costa Rica is Catholic (with freedom of expression of other beliefs)

The population is 3,622,171 as of January 2000 (the number is suspected to be higher due to undocumented immigrants)

Business Hours (Generally)
• Government Sector: 8 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday
• Private Sector: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday
• National Parks: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday through Friday

National Holidays
• January 1: First day of the year
• April 11: Juan Santamaria Day
• Easter Week: Thursday and Good Friday
• May 1: International Labor Day
• December 25: Christmas Day

Major Cities:
Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, San Isidro del General, Ciudad Quesada, Liberia, Puntarenas, Limon

Highest Peak:
Cerro Chirripo, 3,820 meters (12,530 feet) above sea level.

Top Five Visiting Countries
• US. 392,217
• Central American nations 309,338
• Canada 43,662
• Mexico 31,972
• Spain 27,833

Seasons: - Rainy & Dry
The Coasts are generally humid year-round. Daytime temps in the Central Valley range from 60-85 degrees F. Evenings can get chilly and light jackets are recommended.

The rainy season runs from June through November and the Dry Season from December through May. During the rainy season, clear mornings are followed by cloudy afternoons.

Rains do not occur every day, but the rains usually fall in the afternoons and usually clear up in time to go out for the evening.