Costa Rica covers an area of approximately 20,000 square miles (51,800 Km2 ). It is located on the southern tip of Central America, between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, placing the country in a privileged spot.
The average temperature in most regions fluctuates between 20°C and 26°C degrees year round. The rainy or “green season” runs from May until November; during daytime it is mostly sunny and when it rains it is not for long periods of time. Dry season, the equivalent of summer, begins around the middle of November and ends in April.
Costa Rica estimated population of 4,500,000 persons are mostly Caucasians of European descend, mainly from Spaniards who arrived in the early XVI century. There is also a minority group of Jamaican descend, of about 50,000, and an indigenous population of about 10,000.
The official language is Spanish, though English is widely spoken. The official religion is Roman Catholic Apostolic, with freedom to practice any other religion. Costa Rica’s currency is the Colón.
Depending on your citizenship you might need a visa to enter the country, please check in your country of origin. Travelers must have a passport with at least 6 months validity prior to the date of entry in Costa Rica.
Please verify if you may need the Yellow Fever Vaccine to enter the country. An inoculation certificate is required for some countries.
Voltage: The electrical current in Costa Rica is 110V, with a US-standard two-prong plug.
The country’s area code for international calls is 506, followed by the telephone number you are calling.
Costa Rica’s exceptional rich flora and fauna are due not only to its variety in climates and environmental conditions, but also to the fact that the country has a combination of vegetation and animals from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The country has more than 600 species of plants, 230 species of animals, 760 species of birds (more than the US and Canada combined), more than 1300 species of trees, 800 species of ferns, more than 1000 species of orchids, and 10% of the world’s butterflies, all protected by Costa Rica’s National Park System. This tiny nation has international standing in the conservation community for its commitment to the preservation of forest and wildlife.
The food in Costa Rica is tasty and simply seasoned. It is mostly made of local products: fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, and seafood. Vegetables are plentiful and varied, only to be surpassed by the selection of fruit. Typical dishes are: “Gallo Pinto”, a mixture of rice, beans, bell pepper, and onions, and “Casado”, a dish that offers white rice, beans, a small green salad, fried plantains, and either beef, chicken, fish or egg.
Crafts are available in wood, pottery, leather, coffee products, metal, and bamboo. The choice is wide and there is something for every budget.
