About Costa Rica
Probably by now you already know that Costa Rica is a very popular tourist destination located in the heart of Central America. It is home to beautiful beaches, active volcanoes, many national parks and amazing wildlife. You’ve probably also heard about Costa Rica “Pura Vida” lifestyle and the friendly ticos. Here are some other interesting facts we would like to share with you:
Geography.
Costa Rica is located at the narrowest point of the Central American isthmus between Nicaragua and Panama, which allows the country to have access to both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The total land area of Costa Rica is 51,100 square kilometers. The terrain mostly consists of rugged mountains with coastal plains and rolling hills. The capital of Costa Rica is San Jose, located in the Central Valley. Spanish is the official language, although many people also speak English.
Costa Rica has no standing army, having abolished it in 1949.
Costa Rica is a democratic and peaceful country. The country is defended by the Public Force of Costa Rica, a “gendarmerie-type” force made up of police, border guards, and firefighters.
Costa Rica is one of the world’s top ecotourism destinations.
Costa Rica accounts for only 0.03 percent of the earth's surface and owns almost 5% ! of the world's biodiversity. Pretty amazing fact. Costa Rica has over 25 national parks and protected areas. It is also home to 903 species of birds and nearly 200 species of mammals. The country’s emphasis on conservation and sustainability makes Costa Rica one of the best places in the world to experience the tropics naturally and with minimal impact on the environment. The government of Costa Rica makes a real effort to preserve the country's image as a haven for ecotourism.
Costa Rican Coffee.
Costa Rican coffee is widely regarded as some of the best in the world. It is known for its flavor and aroma, which is attributed to its volcanic soil, ideal climate, and wet milling process. Costa Rican coffee is typically bold and rich, with a hint of sweetness and a mild acidity. It is usually a medium-dark roast, with some specialty beans being roasted lighter or darker depending on the desired flavor profile.
Costa Rica is home to some of the world's most active volcanoes.
These include the Arenal Volcano, Irazu, Poas, Rincón de la Vieja and Turrialba Volcanoes. These volcanoes are a popular tourist attraction for visitors offering spectacular views and opportunities for adventure activities.
Safety
Costa Rica is generally considered a safe country, due to its low levels of violent crime and its strong rule of law. However, as with any foreign destination, travelers should exercise caution and remain aware of their surroundings. Tourists are encouraged to use the same level of caution that they would exercise in major cities or tourist areas throughout the world. Tourists should avoid deserted properties or undeveloped land, should walk or exercise with a companion, should avoid responding in kind to verbal harassment, and should bear in mind that resort areas popular with foreign tourists can also be common venues for criminal activities.
Location and Map
Costa Rica is located in Central America, connecting North and South America. It borders Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. There are two international airports, the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela and the Daniel Oduber Internatinal Airport (LIR) in Liberia.
