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Though a small country, Costa Rica is rich its people: good
education level and learning abilities, and high specialty
standards. Its natural richness lies in its fauna, flora,
rivers, beaches on both oceans, its land and its climate which
permits all year round production.
There are no political or social events that can break the
country's stability. Costa Rica's army is formed by its teachers
and a vast working class who, from the simplest worker to
a specialized biotechnician, live together peacefully. Costa
Ricans are known for their proverbial cordiality and their
friendly nature. The vast majority of the inhabitants descend
from Spanish and European colonists. Spanish is the official
language, nonetheless, an increasing percentage of the population
speaks English.
Due to these special characteristics, Costa Rican exports
have steadily grown since more than twelve years ago, recently
holding a first place In Latin America. Local and foreign
investments have permitted such development.
Production ranges from the best and finest coffee to ostrich
meat and beautiful butterflies that rejoice European markets.
Program development ranges from software to plantation of
pejibaje, heart of palm, now being reproduced by other countries.
With an extension of 51.000 km2 Costa Rica is home to 3.303.809
friendly spirited inhabitants who invite you to get to know
their country.
History
Costa Rica was discovered by Cristopher Columbus in 1502,
on his fourth trip to the Americas. His sailing ships anchored
off the coast of Cariari Island, dose to what today is know
as Port Limón ,on the Caribbean coast. Impressed by
the exuberant vegetation and abundance of gold jewelry and
adornments worn by native inhabitants, Columbus called this
land Costa Rica (Coast of Plenty).
Costa Rica celebrated its 100th anniversary of democracy
in 1989. The army was abolished In 1948 by means of a new
Constitution promoted by Mr. Jose Figueres Ferrer. Ever since,
Costa Rica has had no army; its General Quarters were transformed
into the National Museum. The country has been 12 times nominated
for the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1989 Dr. Oscar Arias Sanchez,
President at that time, was granted this prestigious prize
for his efforts in the negotiations to end the civil wars
in other Central American countries.
Political Division
Costa Rica is administratively divided into seven provinces:
San Jose, its capital city, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Guanacaste,
Puntarenas and Limón.
Location
Costa Rica borders to the North with Nicaragua, to the South
with Panama, and to the East and West with the Caribbean Sea
and Pacific Ocean respectively. The Caribbean coast is 255
kms. long, while the Pacific coast is 1.103 Kms.. long. Both
coasts are abundant on first class beaches and exuberant vegetation.
Climate
Costa Rica enjoys a spring like weather all year round. The
average temperature in the Central Valley is 72o F (22oC).
The temperature near the coasts and on the beaches ranges
between 7 to 900 F(21-0to 32oC-0C).
Due to the abundance of microclimates, there are more than
12 ecosystems according to the scale of Holdrieschl. The abundance
of microclimates has produced one of the richest fauna and
flora found in the planet. The greenery and climate make Costa
Rica an everlasting spring country.
Depending on altitude ranges, climates are as follows: from
0 to 609 meters: Tropical from 610 to 1,1 19 meters: Summer
from 1,120 to 1,829 meters: Spring-like from 1,830 meters
and above: Autumn-like
Education
Costa Rica has one of the highest literacy rates in the continent
Ninety-four percent of the population is literate.
Transportation
Due to its convenient location, Costa Rica is readily accessed
by land, sea and air. Visitors from Canada, United States,
Mexico and the rest of the Latin American countries can travel
all year round by land via the interamerican Highway. There
are also many airlines flying into Costa Rica, among which
are: LACSA, AERO COSTA RICA, COPA SAHSA, TACA, SAM, AMERICAN
AIRLINES, CONTINENTAL, UNITED, CONDOR and LTU from Germany,
CANADIAN NATIONAL AIR, LADECO, IBERIA, MEXICANA, KLM, AVIATECA,
VARIG, SERVIVENSA. Located on the Central American Isthmus,
Costa Rica has ready access to the farthest reaches of the
world thanks to its ports on both oceans which have high-tech
infrastructure, accordingly to international requirements.
Such is the case of Port Moín on the Caribbean, and
Port Caldera on the Pacific.
Communications
Costa Rica has satellite connections with all the Central
American countries, the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico,
South America, Asia and Africa. Apart from direct dialing,
fax and telex communications to most of the countries in the
world, it has an efficient mailing system and offers several
courier services.
The Government
The 1949 political Constitution guarantees Its citizens legal
equality, freedom of expression, of meeting, of press, and
the right to form organizations; furthermore, it guarantees
these rights to all Costa Rican citizens and to all foreigners
living in Costa Rica, saving the right to vote for nationals,
only.
The Constitution prohibits the establishment of an army,
which places Costa Rica among the very few, if not the only
country in the world, free from military forces and interests.
Social order is efficiently safeguarded by the police force.
The present political structure is divided into three main
branches: the Legislative Branch (a single house Congress)
is made up of 57 Congressmen, popularly elected fur a 4 year
term; the Executive Branch includes the President, two Vice-Presidents
and 18 Ministers, whose Ministries form the Presidential Cabinet;
the Judicial Branch includes the Supreme Court of Justice,
4 appeal courts, and the Criminal, Civil and Special Courts.
Each Branch is independent and they have a check and balance
system similar to that of the United States of America.
Elections take place every four years; the President, Congressmen
and Municipal Representatives are then popularly chosen. The
Constitution prohibits presidential reelection.
In addition to the three Branches, and functioning with
them, the Supreme Tribunal of Elections is considered to be
a fourth Branch. This body has both the responsibility and
authority to organize and supervise all activities related
to national elections. This protection of the right to vote
is very cherished by all Costa Rican citizens.
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