General Information
Costa Rica is ranked as one of the most visited international destinations in the world, and so one of its main sources of income is tourism. It is located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Its official name is the Republic of Costa Rica, and its capital and largest city is San Jose.
Although the country is small and covers only 0.03% of the surface of the globe, it proudly shelters 5% of the world’s biodiversity. Twenty-six percent of the country is composed of conservation and natural protected territory. Costa Rica is known for its natural beauty, with lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife. It has a tropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Costa Rica’s official language is Spanish, and the country has a population of over five million people. It is a democratic and peaceful country, often lauded for its political stability and economic success in the region. It abolished its army in 1948 and has since invested in education, healthcare, and social welfare programs.
Some general facts about Costa Rica:
- Population: Approximately 5 million people
- Official Language: Spanish. A large portion of the population speaks English as a second language.
- Currency: Costa Rican colón (CRC)
- Government: Democratic republic
- Climate: Tropical, with two seasons – dry (December to April) and rainy (May to November)
- Geography: Costa Rica is known for its diverse geography, including tropical rainforests, cloud forests, beaches, volcanoes, and rivers.
- Economy: Costa Rica has a relatively stable economy, driven by tourism, agriculture and electronics manufacturing.
- Education: Education is free and mandatory for all citizens up to the age of 18.
- Wildlife: Costa Rica is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, toucans, and many species of reptiles and amphibians.
- Tourism: Costa Rica is a popular tourist destination known for its ecotourism, adventure sports, and stunning natural scenery.