Factsheet
| Population: | 4.1 Million |
| Capital: | San Jose |
| Government: | Democratic Republic |
| Land Area: | 51K sq km (slightly smaller than W. Virginia) |
| Coastline: | 800 miles |
| GDP: | $21.4 Billion GDP Growth Rate: 7.9% |
| Exchange Rate: | 1 USD = 500 Costa Rica Colones (CRC) |
| Average Temperature: | 71° - 81° (89° on Pacific Coast) |
| Dry Season | Mid November through April |
| 'Verde' Season: | May through Mid November |
| Airports: | 36 Paved Runways, 115 Unpaved |
| Literacy Rate: | 96% |
Environment
Costa Rica is considered one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world.
Divided into 20 natural parks, 8 biological reserves and a series of protected areas
Political
Costa Rica is a democratic republic with more than 115 years of democracy and a strong constitution.
President Oscar Arias won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for bringing peace to Central America. He is a visionary who was elected by running on a platform of free trade.
Known as the “Switzerland of Central America” Costa Rica constitutionally eliminated their army in 1948 and has a strong, bilateral relationship with the United States.
Quality of Life
Costa Rican’s are very friendly peace loving people, affectionately called Ticos (male) and Ticas (female). They are generally very kind and courteous and go out of their way to help Gringos their affectionate name for Americans.
The health care system in Costa Rica is remarkably good particularly compared to other 3rd world countries. CIMA Hospital, the finest in Central America (pictured above), boasts 150 US and European educated, English speaking doctors and state of the art medical equipment. Many Americans are taking “Medical Vacations” in Costa Rica for plastic surgery and dentsitry.
Education is a top priority in Costa Rica. The population maintains a very high literacy rate and there are more teachers than policeman in Costa Rica.
CNBC clip on Costa Rica: Hot Real Estate Market.
Geography
Costa Rica is divided into 7 provinces. Sonidos Del Mar is located in Guanacaste Province in northwest Costa Rica.