Located in the heart of Central America, Costa Rica is a biologically and culturally rich nation.  One of the fastest growing eco tourism destinations in the world, Costa Rica sports lush landscapes, diverse topography, a wide range of animal life, a rich and peaceful culture, and some of the best surfing spots in the world.

Combine a world-class surf destination with Costa Rica's scenic volcanoes, mountains and rainforests and you have an irresistible travel and vacation destination that has convinced many of it's visitors to move here for good.

The information below is together by people who know Costa Rica.  People who were overwhelmed by Costa Rica's charm, and made it a part of their life.

Background:

Costa Rica has a long history of success & independence with a rich cultural tradition. Costa Rica gained it's Independence from Spain in 1821 and celebrates this day on Sept. 15th. The constitution was written in 1949 and has many concepts in it borrowed from the US constitution.

This was mainly an agricultural country until recent years when money began coming into the country through the technology and tourism sectors. The average standard of living is much higher than in the surrounding countries with a higher percentage of middle class. Land ownership is widespread and helps secure the stability of the country.

Geography:

Costa Rica is nestled in the southern end of the Central American Isthmus, bordering Nicaragua to the North and Panama to the South. The entire Western Coast offers a long expanse of pristine coastline along the deep blue Pacific Ocean. On the Eastern coast you will find yourself on the white sand beaches, crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. The territory has an area of about 51,000 square kilometers (closest equivalent is West Virginia) and a population of 5 million.

Costa Rica is world renowned for its diversity in climate, plant and animal life. This abundance of flora and fauna compliments the majestic natural scenic beauty of the country. The long coastlines have numerous virgin beaches that alternate with rocky points that divide each bay as you move along the coastal terrain. Costa Rica has been noted for its efforts in preserving the natural beauty of the country with a well developed national park system and a long list of biological conservation programs. Over 25% of the country's surface has been set aside to protect its resources for posterity.

The terrain has been sculpted by ages of volcanic activity and there are several quite famous active volcanoes in the central regions. The country is mainly mountainous in the Central Valley and levels out as you move towards the coastal areas. In these lower areas there is numerous rivers and streams that serve to relieve that enormous amount of rain that can occur in the rainy season. The Costa Rican's have made use of their abundant natural resources as the countries power is generated by hydro-electric plants which tap these numerous waterways.

Climate:

The climate varies between lush tropical conditions throughout the country during the rainy season (May to November) and sub-tropical and much dryer conditions during the months of December to April. The climate also varies drastically as the Central Valley and more elevated mountains have a much more mild climate than that which is found in the coastal and lower lying communities

Costa Rica's economy is heavily dependent upon tourism, agriculture and the technology sectors. The economy is stable and the production of textile and general goods is increasing at a rapid rate to meet the needs of this growing nation. The incredible bio-diversity of the land gives Costa Rica an abundance every imaginable natural resource. Foreign investors have always been attracted to Costa Rica because of the country's political stability and high levels of education.

Exports:

Language:

The official Language is Spanish and the Costa Rican dialect is distinct from other Spanish speaking countries. The school system encourages all students to study English and it is often not-surprising that many have mastered the English language.

Currency:

The colone is the official currency. Exchanging US dollars is quite easy and US currency is accepted nearly anywhere in the country. It is always a good idea to know the correct exchange rate but most exchanges are honest and fair.

Religion:

The official religion is Roman Catholic. The Costa Rican Constitution protects ones right to religious freedom. For this reason, many foreign nationals have come to the country.

Government:

The government of Costa Rica is a democratic republic with a Legislative, Executive and Judicial branch. The government of Costa Rica can be praised in many ways. Here is some notable achievements:

• 1821: The oldest, peaceful democracy in Latin America is established.
• 1869: Education is declared free and obligatory for all citizens.
• 1882: Capital punishment is done away with.
• 1949: Armed forces were abolished and in 1983, a State Of Perpetual Neutrality was proclaimed.
• 2003: Several prestigious international human rights organizations are headquartered in Costa Rica.

Communications:

You can send mail at post offices which are spread throughout the country. The public phone system works well and international calls are easily made with phone cards.

Transportation:

All international travel is done through the heart of the country, the Juan Santa María Airport in Alajuela, near San José or through the emerging International Airport in Liberia, with direct access to the northern areas of the country.

The main form of public transportation in the country is the bus system. This is a cost efficient and punctual way in which you can travel around the country.

Charter air services are readily available in many of these airports and many that are not listed. Private helicopter services exist as well, best place to look is the main airport. Additional airports are located in Liberia (Guanacaste) in the north region, Bejuco, Esterillos, Hermosa, Palmar Sur, Jiménez, Tamarindo, Barra del Colorado, Limón, Quepos, Golfito, Coto .. etc.

Health & Medicine:

CIMA is a new high tech hospital with state of the art equipment, located in Escazu, a suburb of San Jose. There are regional hospitals and smaller clinics in many parts of the country.

Plastic surgery has been on the rapid increase as many foreigners have found that while the results are the same, the cost of the procedures is greatly below that of the United States prices.