Costa Rica
| The Republic of Costa Rica ("Rich Coast") is a Central American country bordering the Pacific Ocean and the Carribean between Nicaragua and Panama. Costa Rica is slightly smaller than the size of West Virginia with a combined water and land mass of 51,110 sq. km. There are approximately 4,016,173 residents. The terrain of Costa Rica is coastal plains seperated by rugged mountains. The lowest elevation is at sea level and the highest point is Cerro Chirripo - 3,810 m. There are approximately 100 volcanoes several of which are considered major and active. Four active volcanoes are located close to the capital of San Jose. Costa Rica is divided into seven Provinces - Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas and San Jose. The country enjoys a stable economy based on tourism, agriculture and electronics exports. The main agricultural products are coffee, pineapples, bananas, sugar, corn, rice, beans, and potatoes. Costa Rica recently negotiated to participate in the US - Central American Free trade agreement which if ratified in Costa Rica, would result in economic reforms and an even more attractive investment market. Costa Rica is a democratic republic and unlike many Central American countries, has enjoyed a largely peaceful, nonviolent existence. President Jose Figueres Ferrer in 1949 abolished the Costa Rican Army altogether. Costa Rica is one of the few democratic societies that exist without armed forces. The Costa Rican Army was converted into a battalion of National Forest Rangers. Costa Rica is world renown and held in high regard for their emphasis upon protecting their natural resources. Their main industry of tourism is based upon ecotourism which serves to educate people about and protect the environment. More than 25% of Costa Rica's national territory are within their National Parks system. Costa Ricans take great pride in their conservation efforts. They have extensive reforestation projects nationwide as well as educational programs on the rainforests. The level of education in Costa Rica is high with 95% of the population age 15 and over being literate. Costa Rica is one of the most highly literate nations on earth. Another source of pride for the Costa Ricans is the honor bestowed upon one of their Presidents. In 1982, President Arias Sanchez was awarded the Nobel Prize for the high standard of Ethics. The currency of Costa Rica is the Colon. Denominations are 1 Colon - 100 Centimos.
Credit cards and US currency are widely accepted. |
