About Costa Rica

Tough a small country, Costa Rica is rich for its people: good education level and learning abilities, and high specialty standards. Its natural richness lies in its fauna, flora, rivers, beaches on both oceans, its land and its climate which permits all year round production.

There are no political or social events that can break the country's stability. Costa Rica's army is formed by its vast working class who live together peacefully. Costa Ricans are known for their proverbial cordiality and their friendly nature. The vast majority of the inhabitants descend from Spanish and European colonist.

Spanish is the official language, nonetheless, an increasing percentage of the population speaks English.

Due to these special characteristics, Costa Rican exports have steadily grown since more than twelve years ago, recently holding a first place in Latin America. Local and foreign investments have permitted such development.

Production ranges from the best and finest coffee to ostrich meat and beautiful butterflies that rejoice European markets. Program development ranges from software to plantation of "pejibaye" heart of palm, now being reproduced by other countries. With an extension of 51.000 km2 Costa Rica is home to 3.303.809 friendly spirited inhabitants who invite you to get to know their country.

History

Costa Rica was discovered by Cristopher Columbus in 1502, on his fourth trip to the Americas. His sailing ship anchored off the coast of Cariari Island, close to what today is know as Port Lim¢n, on the Caribbean coast. Impressed by the exuberant vegetation and abundance of gold jewelry and adornments worn by native inhabitants, Columbus called this land Costa Rica (Coast of Plenty).

Costa Rica celebrated its 100th anniversary of democracy in 1989. The army was abolished In 1948 by means of a new Constitution promoted by Mr. José Figueres Ferrer. Ever since, Costa Rica has had no army; its General Quarters were transformed into the National Museum. The country has been 12 times nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1989 Dr. Oscar Arias S nchez, President at that time, was granted this prestigious prize for his efforts in the negotiations to end the civil wars in other Central American countries.

Political Division

Costa Rica is administratively divided into seven provinces: San Jose: its capital city, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Limón.

Location

Costa Rica borders to the North with Nicaragua, to the South with Panama, and to the East and West with the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean respectively. The Caribbean coast is 255 kms. long, while the Pacific coast is 1.103 Kms. long. Both coasts are abundant on first class beaches and exuberant vegetation.

Climate

Costa Rica enjoys a springlike weather all year round. The average temperature in the Central Valley is 72§ F (22§ C). The temperature near the coasts and on the beaches ranges between 70§ to 90§ F (21§ to 32§ C).

Due to the abundance of microclimates, there are more than 12 ecosystems according to the scale of Holdrieschl. The abundance of microclimates has produced one of the richest fauna and flora found in the planet. The greenery and climate make Costa Rica an everlasting spring country.

Depending on altitude ranges, climates are as follows:
from 0 to 609 meters: Tropical
from 610 to 1,119 meters : Summer
from 1,120 to 1,829 meters : Spring-like
from 1,830 meters and above : Autumn-like

The Goverment

The 1949 political Constitution guarantees its citizens legal equality, freedom of expression, of meeting, of press, and the right to form organizations; furthermore, it guarantees these rights to all Costa Rican citizens and to all foreigners living in Costa Rica, saving the right to vote for nationals, only.

The Constitution prohibits the establishment of an army, which places Costa Rica among the very few, if not the only country in the world, free from military forces and interests. Social order is efficiently safeguarded by the police force.

The present political structure is divided into three main branches: the Legislative Branch(a single house Congress) is made up of 57 Congressmen, popularly elected for a 4 year term; the Executive Branch includes the President, Two Vice Presidents and 18 Ministers, whose Ministries form the Presidential Cabinet; the Judicial Branch includes the Supreme Court of Justice, 4 appeal courts, and the Criminal, Civil and Special Courts. Each Branch is independent and they have a check and balance system similar to that of the United States of America.

Elections take place every four years; the President, Congressmen and Municipal Representatives are then popularly chosen. The Constitution prohibits presidential re-election.

In addition to the three Branches, and functioning with them, the Supreme Tribunal of Elections is considered to be a fourth Branch. This body has both the responsibility and authority to organize and supervise all activities related to national elections. This protection of the right to vote is very cherished by all Costa Rican citizens.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
The official language is Spanish. The second language for a large portion of the population is English.

OFFICIAL RELIGION
The official religion is Catholic. Freedom of religious choice is respected.

OFFICIAL CURRENCY
Colon

NATIONAL SYMBOLS