Background:
Costa Rica is a Central American success story: since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred its democratic development. Although still a largely agricultural country, it has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism sectors. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.
Costa Rica is a Central American success story: since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred its democratic development. Although still a largely agricultural country, it has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism sectors. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.
Location:
Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama
Map references:
Central America and the Caribbean
Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama
Map references:
Central America and the Caribbean
Area:
Total: 51,100 sq km land: 50,660 sq km water: 440 sq km note: includes Isla del Coco
Total: 51,100 sq km land: 50,660 sq km water: 440 sq km note: includes Isla del Coco
Currency (code): Costa Rican colon (CRC)
Exchange rates: Costa Rican colones per US dollar - 437.91 (2004), 398.66 (2003), 359.82 (2002), 328.87 (2001), 308.19 (2000)
Exchange rates: Costa Rican colones per US dollar - 437.91 (2004), 398.66 (2003), 359.82 (2002), 328.87 (2001), 308.19 (2000)
For more information about moneymatters, click here
Climate:
In Costa Rica: Tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands
In Costa Rica: Tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands
My expérience is that the most beautiful wether up here is in september october till half november!
To have more information about the wether in Puerto Viejo, click here
Terrain:
Coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Cerro Chirripo 3,810 m
Coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Cerro Chirripo 3,810 m
Environment - international agreements:
Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation
Geography - note:
four volcanoes, two of them active, rise near the capital of San Jose in the center of the country; one of the volcanoes, Irazu, erupted destructively in 1963-65
Population:
4,016,173 (July 2005 est.)
4,016,173 (July 2005 est.)
Ethnic groups:
White (including mestizo) 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%, Chinese 1%, other 1%
White (including mestizo) 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%, Chinese 1%, other 1%
Religions:
Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.3%, other Protestant 0.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2%
Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.3%, other Protestant 0.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2%
Languages:
Spanish (official), English
Spanish (official), English
Government type:
Democratic republic
Democratic republic
Capital:
San Jose
San Jose
Administrative divisions:
7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose
7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose
Independence:
15 September 1821 (from Spain)
15 September 1821 (from Spain)
