Territory

51,100km2 (19,652 square miles)

Geographical limits

North:

Nicaragua

South:

Panama

East:

Caribbean Sea

West:

Pacific Ocean

Capital:

San Jose

Official Currency:

Colon

Weather:

Tropical temperature average of 22º C (72º F) in the highlands and of 28°C (82°F) in the lowlands near both coasts.

Time Zone:

US Standard Time (Central American Time: -6 GMT).

Bio diversity:

Costa Rica covers 0.03% of the planet’s surface but has the privilege of being the habitat of 5% of the biodiversity of the world. Its wide variety of flora and fauna embraces : 9,000 kinds of flowering plants, including more than 1,300 species of orchids 850 species of birds identified, which is more than are found in all United States, Canada and Northern half of Mexico combined. 209 species of mammals 383 species of reptiles and amphibians 2,000 species of butterflies 4,500 types of moths

Democracy:

Costa Rica have more than a century of democratic tradition, with a legacy of love for peace taking pride of almost half century without an army , it was abolished on December 1st , 1948.

Population:

4.652.458 inhabitants ( Men: 2,351,032 Women: 2,301,426)

The Ticos:

Ticos is the colloquial term for the Costa Ricans, well known for being hospitable, educated and happy people. The origin of the term Ticos derives for the use of the diminutive ¨tico¨ instead ¨ito¨ to indicate something very small.

Level of satisfaction :

8.5 ( According to the Gallup World Poll)

Life expectancy:

79,3years (Women: 81,8 and Men : 76,9) Costa Rica is the Latin American country with the highest life expectancy when born 77,75 years and the lowest mortality index: 10.82%.

Language:

Official: Spanish, but English widely spoken.

Medical Services:

The Costa Rican Social Security Service (CCSS) is a public service institution that has accomplished important goals regarding health issues, including pensions and social security. This institution offers coverage and integrated health services to the 94% of the population.

Literacy index:

95%

Literacy index in youth:

98.4%

Work Force:

Total of 2,170,000 millions

Social Services coverage:

90.4% of population

Electricity coverage & Potable water coverage:

97 %

International Airports:

Juan Santamaria International Airport, San Jose

Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste

Political divide:

Costa Rica is divided into 07 provinces: San Jose, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Puntarenas, Guanacaste and Limón.

National Holidays

• January 01st: New Year´s Day
• April 11th : Juan Santamaria Day ( National Hero)
• Holy Thursday and Good Friday
• May 01st : International Labor Day
• July 25th : Annexation of Guanacaste Day
• August 02nd : Virgin of the Angels Day
• August 15th : Mother´s Day
• September 15th : Independence Day
• October 12th : Christopher Columbus Day
• December 25th : Christmas Day