Costa Rica Information

Costa Rica means “Rich Coast” and was named by Columbus in 1502 when he first stepped foot at what is now Punta Islita on the Caribbean coast. Because of its varied geography, cultural diversity, abundant

wildlife, endless adventure and genuine people, Costa Rica has developed a reputation as a truly a rich country in many different ways

Population:
3,896,092 (as of 2003)

Language:
Spanish

Location:
Bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean in Central America, Costa Rica is located between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south.

Size:
At 51,100 square kilometers, Costa Rica is slightly smaller than West Virginia. The third smallest country in Central America, Costa Rica is blessed with 130 miles of Caribbean coastline and 620 miles of Pacific coastline. Costa Rica ranges from 75 to 175 miles in width.

Climate:
Dry season:
December to April.

Rainy season:
May to November.

Caribbean Dry Season:
September to November.

Costa Rica’s year round climate is pleasant with naturally occurring breezes, cooling down most of the coastal areas. Temperatures in the highlands and mountains are not so cold, especially during day, producing an "eternal spring" feeling. The average annual high temperatures range from 31.7°C (89°F) on the coast to 16.7°C (62°F) at higher elevations and inland. The rainy or green season lasts from May to December with noticeably drier days during the rest of the year. Generally speaking it’s usually cooler in the highlands; places such as Monteverde or the upper reaches of Volcan Arenal and warm to hot in the tropical and subtropical forests, and coastal beaches.

Geography:
Costa Rica consists of coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including more than 100 volcanic cones, several are major volcanoes and bordered by coastlines on the east and west sides of the country. There are several active volcanoes (Arenal Volcano, Irazú Volcano, Rincón de la Vieja Volcano and Turrialba Volcano). Mount Chirripó, along the central backbone, is the country’s highest mountain at a height of 3,819 meters (12,530 feet). If the clouds cooperate, you can see the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean from its summit. The country has a number of renowned rivers and streams, including the Pacaure and Reventezón rivers, which attract whitewater kayakers and rafters from all over the world. Both coastlines offer a variety of beaches from sand, to rock, to remote stretches.

Primary Industries:
Tourism, electronics, pineapple, coffee, bananas, sugar, food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials.

Costa Rica Information
History
Safety & Health Concerns




	Costa Rica Information Costa Rica means “Rich Coast” and was named by Columbus in 1502 when he first stepped foot at what is now Punta Islita on the Caribbean coast. Because of its varied geography, cultural diversity, abundant wildlife, endless adventure and genuine people, Costa Rica has developed a reputation as a truly a rich country in many different ways Population: 3,896,092 (as of 2003) Language: Spanish Location: Bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean in Central America, Costa Rica is located between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Size: At 51,100 square kilometers, Costa Rica is slightly smaller than West Virginia. The third smallest country in Central America, Costa Rica is blessed with 130 miles of Caribbean coastline and 620 miles of Pacific coastline. Costa Rica ranges from 75 to 175 miles in width. Climate: Dry season: December to April. Rainy season: May to November. Caribbean Dry Season: September to November. Costa Rica’s year round climate is pleasant with naturally occurring breezes, cooling down most of the coastal areas. Temperatures in the highlands and mountains are not so cold, especially during day, producing an "eternal spring" feeling. The average annual high temperatures range from 31.7°C (89°F) on the coast to 16.7°C (62°F) at higher elevations and inland. The rainy or green season lasts from May to December with noticeably drier days during the rest of the year. Generally speaking it’s usually cooler in the highlands; places such as Monteverde or the upper reaches of Volcan Arenal and warm to hot in the tropical and subtropical forests, and coastal beaches. Geography: Costa Rica consists of coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including more than 100 volcanic cones, several are major volcanoes and bordered by coastlines on the east and west sides of the country. There are several active volcanoes (Arenal Volcano, Irazú Volcano, Rincón de la Vieja Volcano and Turrialba Volcano). Mount Chirripó, along the central backbone, is the country’s highest mountain at a height of 3,819 meters (12,530 feet). If the clouds cooperate, you can see the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean from its summit. The country has a number of renowned rivers and streams, including the Pacaure and Reventezón rivers, which attract whitewater kayakers and rafters from all over the world. Both coastlines offer a variety of beaches from sand, to rock, to remote stretches. Primary Industries: Tourism, electronics, pineapple, coffee, bananas, sugar, food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials.		Costa Rica Information History Safety & Health Concerns