General info about Costa Rica

In 1502 Columbus landed in what is now Puerto Limón, Costa Rica, on his 4th voyage to the New World. He named his discovery Costa Rica (Rich Coast). Some say he chose the name because of the natural beauty he found there, others say it was because he’d heard rumors of gold. Be that as it may, he would have been right in the first instance and wrong in the second. It was quickly discovered that there was comparatively little gold, but the natural beauty of Costa Rica has been attracting settlers ever since the first colonization.

Costa Rica was settled by those relatively few Spanish immigrants who valued natural beauty and independence more than riches. Since the rugged, mountainous land was not suitable for large plantations, Costa Rica developed into a country of independent family farmers. Even today, they are the backbone of the nation. This more than anything else, explains the fact that from its independence (1821) on, Costa Rica has been the most stable, democratic country in Latin America, a nation of peace and tranquility, without an army.

For nearly 55 years, Costa Rica has lived under a constitution that prohibits the establishment of an army and assures free elections every four years. The voter turnout has been one of the highest percentages in any Presidential election among other countries. Costa Rica takes pride in pointing out that they have a literacy rate of nearly 75%, one of the highest in the world. A program of free health care is recognized as the best in Latin America, and the Country has one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world. Costa Rica also offers an excellent business climate for those wishing to take advantage of the many opportunities available, such as tax free zones, skilled labor, and low wage rates.

Through the annuals of its proud history, Costa Rica, like the United States, has at various times attracted immigrants from throughout the world. The nation’s population of approximately 4.5 million people (November 2003) includes many English, French, German, Asian and Italian surnames. In recent years the Nation has become a favorite retirement haven for foreigners, and approximately 35,000 U.S citizens now make their homes in Costa Rica. Resident status is readily attainable; and ownership of property is the same as in the United States. Property taxes are very low. There also is a lot of South American investment in residential and commercial projects, as well as substantial investments from North American and European luxury hotel chains, and from North Americans in general.

In recognition of Costa Rica’s achievement in the fields of peace and social services in Central America and the world, Costa Rican Ex-President, Oscar Arias, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987. Ex President Arias continues to be involved in projects for peace all over the world, as well as in his own Country.

Above all Costa Rica is not only naturally beautiful, with superior climate, but also safe and friendly. Beyond its political stability and pacifism, the nation is internally peaceful. While there is a certain amount of petty crime and visitors must, as in any foreign place,  be aware of their surroundings. 

The Capital has a sophisticated cultural life, boasting a disproportionate number of fine theaters, museums, art galleries and international restaurants,  along with hundreds of local parks and athletic facilities. The National Symphony has as its regular conductors, famous maestros from Tokyo, Japan, Bogota, Columbia, and other world renowned cities.

CLIMATE: Costa Rica's climate is renowned for its eternal spring-like weather. Mild subtropical conditions prevail year-round. The temperature varies mainly according to elevation, the higher the cooler, but averages around 70 degrees. The green season lasts from August through November, while the “dry season”, the highest tourist season,  is from December through April. Costa Rica's rainfall is mainly on the Caribbean coast, giving the Pacific a much drier climate. xxxx

NATURAL HISTORY: Approximately 20% of the Country has been declared as National Parks, Biological Reserves, Rainforest and Cloud forest lands that will be forever protected from development. Costa Rica has nine volcanoes, three of which are mildly active, with Arenal Volcano activating regularly every few hours; a spectacular experience, as viewed from afar. There are more rivers in Costa Rica than in any other country in the world (except New Zealand). Costa Rica has twice as many tree species than the United States, over 1,200 known orchid varieties, more than 800 bird species and over 12,000 varieties of plants. Costa Rica is the land of coffee and bananas--both major exports, together with beef.

TOURISM: Tourism presently ranks second as a revenue generating industry. Adventure travel is Costa Rica’s unique market. The Country has not been overdeveloped with mega resorts and volume group travel. Hotels and Resorts outside the Capital of San Jose are small to medium sized facilities, which limit the number of travelers in the Country. Fortunately, therefore, beaches, parks, nature preserves and rivers are not taken over by hordes of tourists. Deep sea fishing on the Pacific and Tarpon/Snook fishing on the Atlantic side are world class. River rafting, from easy nature floats to exhilarating rapids, is world famous. Snorkeling and diving are fast becoming popular on both coasts. As well, Coco Island, off the Pacific Coast, heralds probably some of the best diving in the world.

CURRENCY: The national Currency, the Colon, floats with the U.S dollar, is stable and current exchange rate is ˘550 to $1.00. (Sept, 2008).

HEALTH SERVICES: Costa Rica is well known for providing world-class healthcare and beauty services. The medical system is considered among the best in the world. Great numbers of visitors travel to Costa Rica especially for medical treatment, plastic surgery, and dental services: If you want inexpensive high-quality dental care, Costa Rica is the place to go. Patients from abroad have benefited for years from the unparalleled value of the sophisticated dental clinics. Most of the doctors are trained in the best U.S. medical schools, as well as in superior institutions in Europe and South America. Health tourism ranks about 20% of the Nation’s tourism.