Compliments of SWISS TRAVEL:
Our Country
Costa Rica stretches majestically from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea in just 200
miles. Its portion of earth fills just twenty thousand square miles.
Costa
Rica’s political divisions include seven provinces: San José, Alajuela, Cartago,
Heredia, Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Limón. Together they offer endless types of
landscapes and climates, converting Costa Rica into an attractive tourism destination with
just about endless possibilities.
Costa Rica is
known for its impressive scenic beauty, consolidated system of protected areas, social and
political stability, high level of education and efficient, high-quality services.
Heritage
and Culture
Costa Rica’s culture is reflected in the racial mixtures that coexist
throughout the country. The main influence is European, which is seen in aspects such as
our official language – Spanish – and the architecture of our churches and other
historic buildings. Indigenous influence is less visible, but present in tortillas, which
are part of our traditional cuisine, and in the ceramic handicrafts that are sold along
the highways.
More recently,
influence has come from the United States, which can be seen everywhere from billboards
for movies in San Jose to the fast-food chains that have sprung up in cities. One
important aspect of Costa Rica’s cultural heritage is its love of peace and
democracy. The Costa Ricans strive to make their country stand out as the exception in
Latin America. For decades the political system has been run by democracy, not
dictatorships.
Costa Ricans
are proud to have over a century of democratic tradition and more than 50 years without an
army, which was abolished in 1948. The money the country saves by not having armed forces
is invested in improving the Costa Rican’s standard of living, thus contributing to
social peace.
The
People
The “Ticos,” as Costa Ricans are affectionately known, are famous for
their hospitality. They are hard workers and most posses a high level of education. Ticos
love to offer a smile and a helping hand to others. It is often said that the Ticos are
Costa Rica’s biggest asset. Once you have experienced their friendship and
spontaneity, you won’t have any doubts about it.
Even though
the majority of Costa Rica’s four million inhabitants are descendents of Spanish
immigrants, many families come from different parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and of course
Central America. You’ll be surprised to see so many light-skinned people, mainly in
the Central Valley. In other areas, the majority of people is mestizo, which is a mix of
European and indigenous blood. Also, a significant part of people on the Caribbean coast
are of African descent, and in the Talamanca area many different indigenous groups exist.
Geography
There are high areas in the country with elevations from 1,000 to 2,000 meters
above sea level (3,300 to 6,600 feet). The Guanacaste, Central and Talamanca mountain
ranges are the main mountainous areas. There are also several volcanoes (Arenal, Irazú,
Rincón de la Vieja, Poás and Turrialba), and the highest point is Cerro Chirripó, at
3,819 meters (12,526 feet) above sea level. Costa Rica has long coasts on both oceans, the
Atlantic and Pacific, as well as a wide range of rivers that attract specialists in
kayaking and whitewater rafting from around the world.
Climate
Costa Rica’s climate is pleasant year round. The hottest areas are the
coasts. Temperatures in mountainous areas aren’t too cold, especially during the day,
giving a sensation of “eternal springtime.” The average annual temperature is
31.7° C (89° F) on the coast and 16.7° C (62° F) in the interior areas. The rainy (or
green) season is from May to November, and from December to April there are few showers.
Communications
Costa Rica is connected via satellite with other Central American countries, the
United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, South America, Asia and Africa. In addition to
offering direct-dial, fax and telex facilities, there is also an efficient system of post
and courier services.
Government
Costa Rica’s system of government is very similar to the United States’
or that of many countries in Western Europe and South America. There are three powers in
the republic, which are: the Executive, with one president, two vice presidents and
ministers; the Legislative, with the Legislative Assembly that seats 57 deputies elected
by popular vote; and the Judicial, with civil, criminal, appeal and constitutional courts.
The president
and members of the Legislative Assembly are elected to four-year terms, and an
ex-president can be reelected.
Health
and Education
For a long time, the government of Costa Rica has dedicated an important part of
its budget to improving the minds and bodies of its citizens. This policy has increased
the number of educated, healthy people. The country has achieved literacy and life
expectancy rates similar to Western Europe and North America. Costa Rica boasts a
comprehensive social security system, as well as hospitals, schools and universities
around the country.
This means that visitors deal with educated people and don’t
have to worry about many of the diseases and epidemics typical to many tropical countries.
The water is
potable nearly anywhere in the country, although it is recommended to drink bottled water
in rural areas. If a tourist gets sick while in Costa Rica, there are clinics and
hospitals in San José with the same level of care as those in their home country, but
with a substantially lower price tag.
Banking
and Money
There are many state and private banks in San José and all sizeable cities and
towns have at least one branch. The official currency is the colón. Also, US dollars are
accepted in nearly all hotels and restaurants. Dollars and traveler’s checks can be
changed in banks and hotels. Major credit cards are also widely accepted.
Business
Hours
Government offices generally are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m, while banks close
between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. (some at 9:00 p.m.). Stores are usually open from 9:00 a.m. to
8:00 p.m. (generally in shopping centers). Some businesses also close for an hour during
lunch.
Economy
Costa Rica’s economy is based mainly on tourism, technology and agriculture
(bananas, coffee and sugarcane).
Coffee has
historically been the most important source of income for the country, and Costa Rica
produces one of the world’s best coffees. However, in recent years so-called
“non-traditional” products have taken hold and have shown strong growth. The
second traditional product is the banana, of which there are enormous farms, chiefly in
the Atlantic area of the country. Pineapple, sugar, oranges, rice and ornamental plants
are also important crops.
The tourism
sector has become the most powerful activity for the Costa Rican economy, creating new
jobs and encouraging protecting the biodiversity that tourists want to see.
Festivities
Although government offices and banks essentially close on national holidays,
this is not inconvenient for travelers. They can exchange money and traveler’s checks
in their hotel. It is not recommended to change money in the street.
However, there
are days in which nearly all businesses are closed, such as Christmas, New Year’s
Day, the last two or three days of the year, and Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
Some festivals
are attractive to visitors, like the week between Christmas and New Year’s. During
the week of the Annexation of Guanacaste (July 25th), the province of Guanacaste comes
alive in parties and folklore. The Caribbean city of Limon’s colorful Carnival is
celebrated the week of October 12.
Language
Costa Rica’s official language is Spanish. On the Caribbean coast, a
minority group of Jamaican descendants speak a local version of English. The majority of
Costa Ricans understands and speaks a bit of English.
Time
Costa Rica is six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time.
Entrance
Requirements
Depending on your nationality, it is possible to enter without a visa. Persons
with passports from the United States, Canada and the majority of European countries enjoy
this privilege. It is necessary to have a passport to enter the country. You can visit the
following internet page to see which countries need a visa to get into Costa Rica (www.migracion.go.cr/residencias/directrices.doc).
