Costa Rica is certainly an exquisite and promising tourist destination. Located in Central America , this part of the Isthmus covers a minuscule 0.01 per cent of the planet's surface, and yet holds approximately 6 per cent of the world's entire biodiversity.
This country is reknowned for its amazing scenery, well developed national parks and biological reserves, as well as many other advantages related to social aspects and infrastructure.
Its 32.000 square miles are bathed on the coastlines by both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. You will be surprised: it only takes three to four hours by land (or 45 minutes by air), lo go from one coast to ilie other.
This geographical situación can also cause quite an impact on the climate. There are only two distinct seasons year round: from May to November (rainy) and December to April (dry). The average temperature in the Central Valley is 72ºF (22ºC). Along the coasl, ii can vary from 70 lo 90ºF (21º to 32ºC).
The facts
Location: Bordered on the North by Nicaragua and to the South by Panamá.
Time zone: In the Ceniral standard time zone. Does not observe daylight savings time.
Population: Approximately 4 million inhabitants.
Language: Spanish is official, but English is widely spoken.
Currency: The official currency is the colon. However US dollars are widely accepted. Government: The three branches of government are the Executive, Legislative and Judicial. The President and members of the Legislative Assembly serve four-year terms. The current head of state is Dr. Abel Pacheco.
Education and he al the are: Education is an important part of the nacional budget. The country has a literacy rate and average life expectancy that resemble more a Western European nation than most Latín American countries. A socialized medical systern has been in place for nearly half a century, and schools and clinics are found throughout the country.
Telecommunicatíons: One of the most advanced teiecommunications systems in Ladn America can be found hete, wiih tdcphones and fax machines all over the country, and an increasing number of businesses online.
Transportation: Getting around Costa Rica is simple, and the use of public transpon is quite inexpensíve. There is bus service to practically every town and cíty, and buses thai serve main tourist destinations are of high quality. Taxis are also plentiful. Hoivever, the quickest way to reach far away lonrist destinations is by a¡r. Car rental agencies are easy to come upon, and most rent four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Main cides: The capital is San José, head of one of seven provinces. The otbers are Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Guanacaste, Puntarenas, and Limón.
Entry requirements: Citizens holding valid passports from a wide range of cotintrics are permitted to stay in Costa Rica from 30 lo 90 days withoul a visa. Once in the country, it is possible in some cases lo apply for an extensión. Olher nationalities reqnire a visa before arrival. Make sure to contact a Costa Rican embassy or consulate while making your iravel plans.
Dates to remember:
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March/April - Easter Week
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April 11th - Juan Santamaría Day
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May 1st - Labour Day
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Juh/ 25th - Annexation of Guanacaste Celebration
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August 2nd - Celebration for the Virgen de Los Angeles
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Augiist 15th - Mother's Day
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September 15th - Independence Day
Some holidays can be great opportunities for tourists. During the last week of the year, parades and other activities are held in San José and throughout the country. The Caribbean pon of Limón holds its annual Carnival during the week of October 12, and is a deliglufully colorful affair.
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