Costa Rica

 THEMES:

  1- COSTA RICA AT A GLANCE

  2- WHERE IS COSTA RICA?

  3- GEOGRAPHY OF COSTA RICA

  4- CLIMATE OF COSTA RICA

  5- ECOLOGY OF COSTA RICA

  6- BRIEF HISTORY OF COSTA RICA

  7- COSTA RICAN SOCIETY

  8- THE PEOPLE OF COSTA RICA

  9- GOVERNMENT OF COSTA RICA

  10-GAY COSTA RICA

  11-SAN JOSÉ CITY MAP

  12-LINKS FOR EXTRA INFORMATION

 

COSTA RICA, THE COUNTRY

Costa Rica is truly a tropical paradise, and so much more. With coasts on two oceans and a rugged mountain range in the middle, Costa Rica has a variety of climate zones ranging from steaming tropical jungles to cool breezy mountain tops, to white sandy beaches, to towering rain forests, and more!

Located in Central America, Costa Rica (Spanish for "Rich Coast") is just slightly smaller than the U.S. state of West Virginia. It is primarily an agricultural country, but recently has made inroads into the field of technology.

Proudly a democracy for over one hundred years, Costa Rica has a very high standard of living. Education is highly valued and the health care system is outstanding. The people of Costa Rico (Ticos) are very pleasant, peaceful, and welcome visitors with open arms.

To learn more details about this amazing micro continent, known as having the greatest bio-diversity of any country in the world, simply click on any category links to the left. And again, we express our most heartfelt welcome!

 

 

 

COSTA RICA AT A GLANCE

 

 Area: 50,895 square kilometers

 Capital: San José (pop. 1,500,000)

 Population: 4,500,000

 Location: Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama.

 Climate: Tropical and subtropical; Dry Season (December to May); Rainy Season (May to November); cooler in highlands

 Terrain: Coastal plains separated by rugged mountains

 Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is spoken in many tourist areas.

 Electricity: 110-volt AC is found nationwide

 Water: Safe to drink in all areas of the country.

 Currency: Costa Rican Colón

 Exchange rate: $1 = Col 515.-

 Time Zone: Standard Time (GMT -6), no daylight savings.

 Business Hours: Government offices - 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Commercial offices - 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Stores and other businesses - 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 Churches: Predominantly Catholic

 Religion: 83% Catholic

 Communications: Direct-dial service, facsimiles, telex, radio, Internet access, cable television, bilingual operator assistance

 Country code: 506

 Government: Democratically elected republic.  

WHERE IS COSTA RICA?

Costa Rica is located in Central America. It is part of the land bridge between the continents of North and South America. Costa Rica is bordered to the north with Nicaragua, and to the south with Panama. The east borders on the Caribbean Sea, and the west on the North Pacific Ocean. The Caribbean cost is 132 miles long, while the Pacific coast is 635 miles long. Costa Rica lies wholly within the tropics, just ten degrees north of the equator.

 

 

 

GEOGRAPHY OF COSTA RICA

Costa Rica is basically a towering range of mountains, flanked on both sides with coastal plains. When you consider that the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are as close as seventy miles apart, and that the highest mountain rises to 12,000 feet, you've got to know that there will be a fantastic variety of geographic features compacted into a relatively small area.

Costa Rica was formed millions of years ago when the continents of North and South America met through the shifting of tectonic plates. The result was amazing. Costa Rico rose out of the ocean in the form of volcanoes, forming a land bridge between the two migrating continents. Through time, a very diverse terrain developed. Costa Rica is often described as a "micro continent" because of the variety of geographic environments.

Located just ten degrees north of the equator, Costa Rica is located within the tropics. The variance of altitude throughout the county adds additional dimensions to the complexity of the geographic environment. A brief descriptive list includes:

Rugged Mountains

Sandy White Beaches

Active Volcanoes

Steamy Tropical Jungles

Alpine Forests

Open Savannahs

Sugarcane Fields

Lush Rainforests

Lagoons, Estuaries, Swamps

Offshore Coral Reefs

Pastures of Grazing Cattle

Cloud Forests

Costa Rica is part of the Pacific Rim of Fire. There are four distinct mountain ranges in spite of the small size of the country. There are seven active volcanoes and many more dormant and extinct ones. These all serve to add an adventurous mystique to the majesty of the many fantastic views and tours.

Costa Rica's river system is extensive. Together, with beaches on both coasts of the country, Costa Rica is a haven for many water sports and adventures.

In summary, Costa Rica is nature's miracle. A virtual geographic paradise that displays the wonderful artistic capacity that only nature, itself, can create.

 

 

CLIMATE OF COSTA RICA

So, do you enjoy spring? If the answer is "yes," then you will LOVE Costa Rica. In parts of the country it feels like spring the whole year round!

The sun rises and sets close to the same time, each day, during the entire year. Because of this and because of the geographic location of the country, temperatures tend to remain consistent, varying only about five degrees through the course of the seasons. The capitol of San José has an average temperature of around 70 degrees; the days can be hot, but it's cool evenings are free from humidity.

On the very tops of mountains, you can find occasional snow; temperatures can drop below freezing. On the beaches, however, average temperatures range from the mid to upper eighties during the day to the seventies in the evening with cool breezes. The humidity levels in the cloud and rain forests are typically at the 100% level.

Climate in Costa Rica is usually broken down into two seasons: the dry or high season, and the wet, green, or low season.

The dry season runs from December through April. The weather is typically sunny and warm, though there is always a possibility of occasional rain, especially in the jungle and high mountains.

The wet season is from May through early November. Even though it is known as the "wet" season, mornings are usually sunny. Rain, sometimes in downpours, comes in the afternoon, usually clearing for the evening. It is important to note that this is not "monsoon" weather! There are days when it does not rain at all.

There is a period during the rainy season, in July, when the rain decreases called "Veranillo de San Juan" (Saint John's summer.)

In summary, Costa Rica offers a variety of climates, depending on the altitude of your destination and the time of year that you travel. Again, this amazing country offers an impressive variety of options to choose and explore.

 

 

.............................................Weather in Costa Rica

....................................................

 

 

 

ECOLOGY OF COSTA RICA

Costa Rica is a natural paradise. The concept of ecotourism was born in Costa Rica; this carries an emphasis on minimizing the impact of tourism on the environment. This concept is heartily endorsed and encouraged by the staff and members of "Travel to Costa Rica."

Costa Rica has twelve distinct ecological zones, more than in all of North America. There is a fantastic proliferation of wildlife; Costa Rica amazingly is home to 5% of all known animals on this planet, including an incredible number of birds and butterflies. There is also an explosive array of vegetation consisting of over 9,000 species found everywhere from the pristine forests and jungle to the brisk, cool mountaintops.

An interesting fact relates to Costa Rico's being the land bridge between North and South America. Through the centuries, animals indigenous to either continent have converged in Costa Rica, enhancing the impressive diversity.

And as a great friend to this planet, Costa Rica had dedicated one quarter of its land area to parklands and wildlife refuges. No other country in the world has devoted so much of its territory to environmental protection.

· 130 species of freshwater fish
· 160 species of amphibians
· 208 species of mammals
· 1,600 species of fresh and salt water fish
· 220 species of reptiles
· 850 species of birds
· 1,000 species of butterflies
· 1,200 varieties of orchids
· 9,000 species of plants
· 34,000 species of insects
· Canal networks through jungles
· Cloud forests
· Coral reefs
· Deciduous forests
· Elevations from sea level to 12,529 feet
· Mangrove swamps
· Rain forests
· Tropical dry forests
· Volcanoes (112 craters)
· White, black, and pink shell beaches on both coasts
· Extensive networks of rivers

 

 

 

BRIEF HISTORY OF COSTA RICA

At the time Christopher Columbus came to Costa Rica in 1502, there were estimated to be only around 20 thousand inhabitants in this region; there were no major civilizations prior to the influx of European influences. Today, only 1% of the population of Costa Rica is indigenous to the time before Columbus.

Initially, even the Spanish colonization of Costa Rica fell behind the rest of the West because of the lack of gold and environmental challenges. Even after Costa Rica was colonized, its way of life differed from that of its Spanish colonial neighbors in that is was known more as "rural democracy" because of the absence of an oppressed mestizo class, due to the lack of intermarrying with native peoples.

Central America was granted independence from Spain in 1821. After a brief civil war over the question of becoming part of Mexico, Costa Rica became a member of a confederation of Central American States. The first head of state was Juan Mora Fernandez in 1824, who was best known for his land reforms, but who also inadvertently created a class of powerful coffee barons who later overthrew the first president of Costa Rica, Jose Maria Castro.

After some political turmoil and periods of military rule, General Tomas Guardia took control of the government in 1870. He is best known for his educational, military, and tax reforms.

1889 brought the first democratic election to the country. Then president Bernardo Soto, who ordered the election, lost, much to his surprise. After first refusing to relinquish power, he caved in to the wishes of the people and the tradition of democracy was born.

In 1948, civil war erupted after incumbent president Rafael Angel Calderón Guardia refused to relinquish power after an election. Calderón was defeated by Jose Maria (Don Pepe) Figueres Ferrer, who later proved to be one of Costa Rica's most influential leaders of all time, instituting ground breaking social and economic progress.

In recent history, governments of Costa Rica have alternated between the two major political parties, evidence that democracy is truly at work.

In 1987, then President Oscar Arias was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for authoring a peace plan for neighboring Nicaragua. Costa Rica's current president is once again Oscar Arias.

 

 

 

COSTA RICAN SOCIETY

Costa Ricans proudly describe their society as a "classless democracy." In contrast to many other societies, Costa Rica lacks the typical tensions of class vs. class. and race relations are much better than in places such as the United States.

The Costa Rican society is considered to be mobile...Ticos have what is similar to the "American dream," that as a result of hard work and dedication, anyone can succeed.

Costa Rica is the most homogeneous of Central American countries in race as well as social class. Most Costa Ricans look European in ancestry and the vast majority of the population is of Spanish decent.

Education is a revered institution in Costa Rica. Many Costa Ricans do studying abroad and thus many are bilingual. Public education and colleges far outshine those in other countries because of the resources and attention provided by the government over many years. Over 97% of Costa Ricans are literate.

Costa Ricans are a peaceful, clean, and cultured people. Ticos proudly keep their little bungalows spick and span, bedecked with flowers. They take pride in being well-dressed, regardless of their social status, and are delighted to don formal wear including fedoras for the men and shawls for the women.

Overall, Costa Rica is a safe, stable place that welcomes visitors with open arms. Educated, and tradition-minded, with excellent health care, Costa Rica begins to match its society to its ecological paradise.

 

 

 

THE PEOPLE OF COSTA RICA

You would need to search the far corners of the earth to find a people such as the Costa Ricans. Affectionately known as the "Ticos," these are a peace-loving, conscientious, unique group of people.

With a relatively non-violent history, Costa Rica is one of the few new world countries that was founded by people looking for a peaceful, pleasant place to live, rather that a place to be exploited. This mentality has passed itself down through the generations.

Ticos tend to be very critical of themselves, both as individuals and as a society. They aspire to humility and frown on boasting. Leaving a good impression is important. Because of their distaste in appearing rude or unhelpful, Ticos are quite courteous. Visitors to this little nation rarely leave without being touched by the cordial warmth and hospitality of the Costa Rican people.

Essentially a peaceful people, violence is rarely encountered. Most Ticos are law-abiding citizens with a great respect for their laws and government. The one exception is their driving habits, so beware! Costa Rica has no standing army; this military was abolished years ago. Costa Rica is officially a neutral nation.

The one thing that will rile up a Tico, however, is any threat to their freedom or homeland. Costa Ricans treasure their democracy and are quite proud of their personal liberties which becomes obvious when you witness celebrations of national holidays.

Although socially progressive when it comes to education and healthcare, Ticos are a little conservative when it comes to maintaining their Tican traditions. The family and village community are the cornerstones of their society. Ticos are a very hard working people, but also love to play and celebrate holidays.

One characteristic, however, that might take some adjusting to is "tico time." The laid back nature of these people sometimes means arriving fifteen or thirty minutes late for appointments is just fine.

Overall, Ticos are another wonderful resource of this amazing country. A visit to Costa Rica will surely confirm all that is said here!

   

 

 

GOVERNMENT OF COSTA RICA

The government of Costa Rica is very similar to that of the United States as there are three branches of government: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. Costa Rica celebrated its 100th anniversary of democracy in 1989 and has been twelve times nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

A democratic republic, all citizens are guaranteed equality before the law in addition to freedom of speech, petition, and assembly. The constitution also extends its guarantee of freedoms to all foreigners living in Costa Rica (with the exception of voting privileges.)

In addition to the three branches of government, there is also a Supreme Tribunal of Elections which holds the responsibility and authority to organize and supervise national elections. This is evidence of the value Costa Rica places upon voting rights and free and fair elections.

The red, white, and blue Costa Rican flag has great meaning to the Costa Rican people. The red represents the warmth of the people, their love of life, the blood shed for freedom, and generosity. The white stand for clear thinking, happiness, wisdom, and peace. The blue represents the sky, opportunity, perseverance, and spiritual ideals.

GAY COSTA RICA

-Written by Sergio, who is our manager of operations in Costa Rica and is a native of this beautiful country.-

Costa Rica is a land of peace and unimaginable natural beauty. But even so, definitely the best that this country has to offer is its inhabitants; the men are affectionately known as Ticos and the women as “Ticas.” We the “Ticos” are friendly and peaceful. Just spending time walking in the streets of any city or town is enough to notice the amiability and tranquility with which we live. You would also notice how cute we are. It has been said by gays and straights alike that the Ticos, as men, are even more handsome than our Tica women are beautiful, even though our women are so beautiful that they have taken first and second places in international beauty contests.

But let’s not get away from our main subject, the Ticos. The Tico, by nature, is extremely friendly and affectionate. We are pleased to make new friends and we celebrate our masculinity. The Tico gay lives a life of total freedom without fear. Costa Rican society has accepted gays and lesbians as integral members of the society with equal rights to all other members of that society. This freedom is even more obvious in the big cities such as San Jose, the capital and also in Manuel Antonio Quepos, where the only gay nudist beach in Costa Rica is located.

San Jose is more than the capital of our country. It is also the capital of gay life in Costa Rica. There is a wonderful nightlife with many clubs and bars. There are also many gay restaurants and saunas. San Jose enjoys more than 30 locations that are gay or gay friendly. San Jose recently celebrated the first Gay Pride March in Central America.

Costa Rica is the best gay tourist destination for Central American. Costa Rica offers personal warmth, friendship, and natural beauty unparalleled anywhere on earth.

 

SAN JOSÉ CITY MAP: