Knowing Costa Rica
The fact that more than one million tourists visit Costa Rica
each year does not happen by chance. Our country, located in Central
America, is an isthmus where life seems to have created its roots.
Covering only 0.03% of the surface of our planet, Costa Rica has
approximately 6% of the world's biodiversity. Furthermore, Costa
Rica is characterized by its impressive scenic beauty, consolidated
system of protected areas, social and political stability, high
educational levels, and its efficient infrastructure and services.
All of this is offered in a territory of only 51 thousand square
kilometers, surrounded by both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans,
at a distance from each other of only three to four hours by land
or 45 minutes by air.
The country's strategic position,
in the heart of the western hemisphere, the Government's positive
attitude towards new business transactions, the infrastructure,
the access to international markets, and the quality and cost
of its labor, make Costa Rica an ideal place to establish commercial
operations.
Heritage and Culture
Costa Rican culture is in many
ways a reflection of its racial mix. The predominant influence
has long been European, which is reflected in everything from
the official language -- Spanish -- to the architecture of the
country's churches and other historic buildings. The indigenous
influence is less apparent, but can be found in everything from
the tortillas that are served with a typical Costa Rican meal
to the handmade ceramics sold at roadside stands. A more recent
cultural influence is that of the United States, which can be
noted in everything from the movie selection at San Jose's theaters
to the fast food chains that line some of the capital's streets.
An important aspect of Costa Rica's cultural heritage is their
love of peace and democracy. Ticos like to point out that their
nation is the exception in Latin America, where military dictatorships
long dominated politics. They can boast of having more than one
hundred years of democratic tradition, and almost half a century
without an army. The army was abolished in 1948, and the money
the country saves by not having a military is invested in improving
the standard of living for Costa Ricans, which has fostered the
social harmony that makes it such a pleasant country to visit.
Climate and Geography
Temperatures
Summer brings an increase in temperatures from the plains to the
highlands of Costa Rica, which has many microclimates due to the
heterogeneity of it's land and it's diverse characteristics.
Here are some averages (balance
between high and low temperatures) for the temperatures in centergrees
and fahrenheid during summertime:
|
Pacific Coast |
Central Valley |
Caribbean Coast |
January |
26/80 |
17/63 |
23/74 |
February |
27/81 |
17/63 |
23/74 |
March |
27/81 |
18/64 |
24/75 |
April |
28/82 |
18/65 |
24/76 |
May |
27/81 |
18/65 |
25/77 |
The people
Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly
known, are a fairly mixed bunch. Though the majority of the country's
3.3 million inhabitants are the descendents of Spanish immigrants,
many families originated from other parts of Europe, Asia, Africa
and, of course, Central America. You may be surprised by the number
of fair-skinned people you'll see in the country, especially in
the Central Valley. In the lowlands, more people are mestizo --
that is mixture of European and Indigenous blood -- whereas the
majority along the Caribbean coast are of African lineage, and
much of the Talamanca Mountain Range is inhabited by full-blooded
Indians of various ethnicities.
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