The Republic of Costa Rica is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south-southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Costa Rica was the first country in the world to constitutionally abolish its army.
Costa Rica is located on the Central American isthmus, 10° North of the equator and 84° West of the Prime Meridian. It borders both the Caribbean Sea (to the east) and the North Pacific Ocean (to the west), with a total of 1,290 km (802 mi) of coastline (212km [132 mi] on the Caribbean coast and 1,016 km [631 mi] on the Pacific).
Costa Rica's economy is mostly based on agriculture (coffee, bananas, pineapples), but in recent times ecotourism and electronics are rapidly expanding sources of business. Costa Rica's location in the Central American isthmus provides easy access to American markets as it has the same time zone as the central part of the United States and direct ocean access to Europe and Asia.
The economy has been booming for Costa Rica in part because the Government had implemented a seven year plan of expansion in the high tech industry. They have tax exemptions for those who are willing to invest in the country. With their high level of educated residents, they make an attractive investing location. Several global high tech corporations have already started developing in the area exporting goods.
The unit of currency is the colón (CRC), which trades around 500 to the U.S. dollar.
Costa Rica was the point where the Mesoamerican and South American native cultures met. The north of the country was the southernmost point of Mayan influence when the Spanish conquistadores came in the 16th century. On the opposite, the central and southern portions of the country had Chibcha influences. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Atlantic coast of the country was populated with African slaves. In the meantime, thousands of Chinese families came to the country to work on the railroads. So all of these influences have developed the extremely varied culture of Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is referred to as the "Switzerland of the Americas". In Costa Rica, the locals refer to themselves as tico, maje or mae (sort of "man", actually maje means "dumb") idiom in a very popular and "only with close friends" way, or tica (female). "Tico" comes from the locally popular usage of "tico" diminutive suffixes (eg. 'momentico' instead of 'momentito'). The tico ideal is that of a very friendly, helpful, laid back, unhurried, educated and environmentally aware people, with little worry for deadlines or the "normal" stresses of United States life. Visitors from the United States are often referred to as gringos, which is virtually always congenial in nature. The phrase "Pura Vida" (literally pure life) is a motto ubiquitous in Costa Rica. It encapsulates the pervading ideology of living in peace in a calm, unflustered manner, appreciating a life surrounded by nature and family and friends.
Costa Rican traditions and culture tend to retain a strong degree of European (especially Spanish) culture. The accent is the most Spanish- sounding among Central America, if not in Latin America altogether. Costa Rica boasts a varied history. Costa Rica was the point where the Mesoamerican and South American native cultures met. The northwest of the country, Nicoya, was the southernmost point of Nahuatl cultural influence when the Spanish conquerors (conquistadores) came in the 16th century. The centre and southern portions of the country had Chibcha influences. However, the indigenous people have influenced modern Costa Rican culture to a relatively small degree, as most of the Indians died from disease and mistreatment by the Spaniards. The Atlantic coast, meanwhile, was populated with African slaves in the 17th and 18th centuries. During this 19th century, thousands of Chinese and Italian families came to the country to work on the construction of the railroad system connecting the urban populations of the Central Plateau to the port of Limon on the Caribbean coast.
Things you should know when travelling to Costa Rica
An increase in petty theft affecting foreigners has been noted throughout the country. Tourists are frequently the victim of armed robberies. Theft from hotel room safes and car break-ins occur throughout the country. Airports, bus stations (especially "Coca Cola" station in San José), car rental lots, and the inner downtown area of San José are areas vulnerable to theft. Park vehicles in commercial parking lots only and ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.
Foreigners have been sexually assaulted at beach resorts as well as by taxi drivers in San José. Use only official taxis. Avoid taxis that do not have working door handles, locks, and meters. At the airport, licensed taxis are orange. Taxi vouchers (fixed prices) can be purchased at the official taxi stand located in front of the airport building. Other official taxis are red with a yellow triangle on the side. Do not ride in the front seat with the driver. Most taxi drivers do not speak English or French.
Beware of "good Samaritans" offering their help to change a flat tire, as they are often the cause of the situation and may take advantage. Carjackings, often at gunpoint occur. Remain vigilant in a stopped car (e.g. at traffic lights) and always drive with the doors locked and windows closed. Do not travel after dark and avoid stopping en route to your destination.
