Though a small country, Costa Rica is rich 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 teachers and a vast working class who, from the simplest worker to a specialized biotechnician, 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 colonists. 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 pejibaje, 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 ships anchored off the coast of Cariari Island, dose to what today is know as Port Limón ,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. Jose 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 Sanchez, 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 spring like weather all year round. The average temperature in the Central Valley is 72o F (22oC). The temperature near the coasts and on the beaches ranges between 7 to 900 F(21-0to 32oC-0C).

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 1,1 19 meters: Summer from 1,120 to 1,829 meters: Spring-like from 1,830 meters and above: Autumn-like

Education

Costa Rica has one of the highest literacy rates in the continent Ninety-four percent of the population is literate.

Transportation

Due to its convenient location, Costa Rica is readily accessed by land, sea and air. Visitors from Canada, United States, Mexico and the rest of the Latin American countries can travel all year round by land via the interamerican Highway. There are also many airlines flying into Costa Rica, among which are: LACSA, AERO COSTA RICA, COPA SAHSA, TACA, SAM, AMERICAN AIRLINES, CONTINENTAL, UNITED, CONDOR and LTU from Germany, CANADIAN NATIONAL AIR, LADECO, IBERIA, MEXICANA, KLM, AVIATECA, VARIG, SERVIVENSA. Located on the Central American Isthmus, Costa Rica has ready access to the farthest reaches of the world thanks to its ports on both oceans which have high-tech infrastructure, accordingly to international requirements. Such is the case of Port Moín on the Caribbean, and Port Caldera on the Pacific.

Communications

Costa Rica has satellite connections with all the Central American countries, the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, South America, Asia and Africa. Apart from direct dialing, fax and telex communications to most of the countries in the world, it has an efficient mailing system and offers several courier services.

The Government

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 fur 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 reelection.

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.