Capital City: San José Area:  51,100 sq Km (19,929 sq mi) Population:   Appx. 4 million people Language: Spanish, Creole English and Indian Dialects Religion:    95% Roman Catholic, 1% Protestant, 4% other Government: Democracy Borders:      North: Nicaragua; Southeast: Panamá; West: Pacific Ocean; East: Atlantic Ocean

While Costa Rica comprises a mere 0.03% of the world’s land territory, it contains more than 5% of the world’s biodiversity—some 500,000 species of flora and fauna can be found here. Last year, more than one million and six hundred thousand visitors enjoyed 850 species of birds (more than those combined in the US and Canada), 228 species of mammal, 160 species of amphibians, 6500 species of fish, and an astounding 360,000 types of insects. There are more types of butterflies in Costa Rica than in the entire continent of Africa.

Almost a quarter of Costa Rica’s land is protected in a world-renowned system of national parks, biological reserves, wildlife refuges, and other protected areas.

Just 51,100 square kilometers (19,929 square miles), 10 degrees north of the equator and situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, visitors can cross Costa Rica from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic in about four hours. Every year, more than one million tourists enjoy the country's beautiful beaches, ride a zip line in the cloud forest canopy, thrill with the drama of active volcanoes, and wander through rural villages.  Above all, have the unique opportunity to experience the glories of the natural world in the national parks and biological reserves that make Costa Rica the world’s premier eco-tourism destination.
You will experience 18 distinct ecosystems here, including cloud forests, Caribbean humid forest, and dry tropical forests. Costa Rica is a tropical country with two seasons, dry and rainy. The dry season lasts from December through April, and the rainy season from May through November. In certain parts of the country, including the north, it rains throughout the year.

The dry season is the most popular time for visitors, but it is also the busiest time of year, so prices tend to be higher and the hotels have fewer vacancies.

In the rainy season, especially from May to August, and in November, you can enjoy the beach or hike on nature trails.  Then, in the afternoon, from the comfort of your balcony, watch the rainfall on the green mountains while you enjoy your favorite book.

The temperature varies little during the two seasons, but it does vary principally with altitude. The coasts are hot and humid. The Caribbean averages 69 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 86 or more during the day. The Pacific Coast is a few degrees warmer.

In 1949, Costa Rica’s military was abolished. The resulting generations of peace have resulted in Costa Rica’s role as a mediator in recurring Central American conflicts. International recognition of this peace came in 1987 when President Oscar Arias was presented with the Nobel Peace Prize.

Today, Costa Rica enjoys a strong economic climate, highly regarded social services, excellent free medical care, an excellent educational system that boasts a 98% literacy rate, and a strong family-oriented atmosphere, making Costa Rica the ideal place to explore for visitors of all ages.

¡Pura Vida!  This is the unofficial motto of Costa Rica, and expresses the zest for life and welcoming spirit of its people. We look forward to showing you Costa Rica.

Top 10 Reasons Why Costa Rica Is A Better Destination Than Central America For Tourists:

	You can drink the water in 98% of Costa Rica. In most of Central America’s countries, tap water is not safe for drinking, especially in rural areas, so drinking bottled water is advised.
	Costa Rica’s national healthcare system, with its modern hospitals and well-trained physicians, treats tourists for a moderate fee. In some Central America countries, basic medical care is limited to urban areas (and cash pre-payment is required), and according to the U. S. Department of State: “extremely limited or non-existent” in rural areas.
	Due to Central America’s war-torn past, endemic poverty, an abundance of weapons, a legacy of societal violence, and dysfunctional law enforcement and judicial systems, there are still some potential risks and safety concerns when traveling to some rural area and back zones according to U. S. Department of State. Costa Rica is an open book for traveling and exploring the natural beauty of the country.
	According to the U. S. Department of State, some Central American countries lack the police resources to adequately investigate crimes against tourists. In Costa Rica, crimes against tourists are aggressively prosecuted.
	All Central American countries are developing nations without a highly developed tourism infrastructure. Costa Rica welcomed over one and half million visitors last year. Tourism is one of the top industries.
	Costa Rica offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation activities for  all ages, budgets and skill levels, including river rafting, kayaking, windsurfing, ocean surfing, canopy tours/ropes courses, horseback riding, hiking and mountaineering, birding and swimming.
	Costa Rica is the premier eco-tourism destination in the world, offering visitors to opportunity to experience 18 different ecosystems (including cloud forests and tropical rain forests), as well as active volcanoes and unparalleled varieties of flora and fauna—over a half-million species! Costa Rica received award for best Latin American tourist destination , February 8, 2007.The international magazine Travel Weekly, awarded Costa Rica the prize of best Latin American tourist destination.
	Costa Rica is the perfect choice for family vacations, with its wide variety of accommodations and activities for all ages and fitness levels. Tico culture is extremely family-oriented, and children are welcome everywhere.
	Travelers interested in luxury accommodations will find limited choices in most of the Central America countries. Costa Rica offers luxury resorts and hotels throughout the country, including properties such the Los Sueños Marriott, Tabacon Resort, Four Seasons Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, and Paradises Playa Conchal Resort, and Hacienda Pinilla Golf Resort.
	¡Pura Vida!  This is the unofficial motto of Costa Rica, and expresses the zest for life and welcoming spirit of the people.

We look forward to working with you, and welcoming you to Costa Rica.

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