COSTA RICA COUNTRY INFORMATION - FACTS AT A GLANCE
Costa Rica - Country of Extremes
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.
Costa Rica - Country of Biodiversity
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.
Costa Rica - Country of Democracy and Political Stability
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. Costa Rica - Honest, Friendly and Joyful Country The Ticos and Ticas are friendly and hospitable, one who meets them with respect and friendliness will always be welcomed.
Costa Rica - Honest, friendly and joyful country The Ticos and Ticas are friendly and hospitable, one who meets
them with respect and friendliness will always be welcomed.
COSTA RICA COUNTRY INFORMATION - FACTS & NUMBERS
Name
Republic of Costa Rica /
República de Costa Rica
Location
82º W - 86º W / 8º N - 11º N, borders Nicaragua in the north and Panamá in the south; Pacific Ocean in the west and Atlantic Ocean in the East.
Elevation extremes
Lowest point: Pacific Ocean
0 m; highest point: Cerro Chirripó 3,810 m
Luis Guillermo Solís, Presidente de la República (2014 - May 2018)
Administrative divisions
7 provinces (provincias);
Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas,
San Jose
Military
Costa Rica has no military
(since 1948)
Main sources of income
Tourism, Electronics, Coffee, Bananas
Environment & Protection
about 25 % of the country
under protection
Economy
Prior to the global economic crisis, Costa Rica enjoyed stable economic growth. The economy contracted by about 2% in 2009. While the traditional agricultural exports of bananas, coffee, sugar, and beef are still the backbone of commodity export trade, a variety of industrial and specialized agricultural products have broadened export trade in recent years. High value added goods and services, including microchips, have further bolstered exports. Tourism continues to bring in foreign exchange, as Costa Rica's impressive biodiversity makes it a key destination for ecotourism. Foreign investors remain attracted by the country's political stability and relatively high education levels, as well as the fiscal incentives offered in the free-trade zones, however, many business impediments remain. Costa Rica has attracted one of the highest levels of foreign direct investment per capita in Latin America. Poverty has remained around 20% for nearly 20 years, and the strong social safety net that had been put into place by the government has eroded due to increased financial constraints on government expenditures. legislature.
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