Costa Rica - Country Information

Costa Rica is a country of mountains and green valleys, sleeping and active volcanoes, rain and cloud forest, dry areas and mangrove swamps, unspoiled beaches on both the Pacific and Atlantic coast as well as mountain ranges with peaks up to almost 13000 feet. Cosmopolitan cities and rural villages as well as the National Park are easily accessible.

Due to its function as a land bridge between North and South America, Costa Rica is one of the countries with the largest biodiversity in the world on a very small territory.

850 species of birds, more than in the USA and Canada together, about 1200 species of butterflies, 10% of all species in the world, more than on the entire African continent, 237 species of mammals, including all 6 cat species of the American continent, 378 species of amphibians and reptiles and 130 species of freshwater fish. 12000 species of known plants: still not completely recorded.

Since 50 years a democracy without a standing army and declared as politically neutral, economically developed, Costa Rica offers the highest standard of living within Central America.

The Ticos and Ticas are friendly and hospitable, one who meets them with respect and friendliness will always be welcomed.