Knowing Costa Rica
The fact that more than one million tourists visit Costa Rica each year does not happen by chance. Our country, located in Central America, is an isthmus where life seems to have created its roots. Covering only 0.03% of the surface of our planet, Costa Rica has approximately 6% of the world's biodiversity. Furthermore, Costa Rica is characterized by its impressive scenic beauty, consolidated system of protected areas, social and political stability, high educational levels, and its efficient infrastructure and services. All of this is offered in a territory of only 51 thousand square kilometers, surrounded by both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, at a distance from each other of only three to four hours by land or 45 minutes by air.

The country's strategic position, in the heart of the western hemisphere, the Government's positive attitude towards new business transactions, the infrastructure, the access to international markets, and the quality and cost of its labor, make Costa Rica an ideal place to establish commercial operations.

Heritage and Culture
Costa Rican culture is in many ways a reflection of its racial mix. The predominant influence has long been European, which is reflected in everything from the official language -- Spanish -- to the architecture of the country's churches and other historic buildings. The indigenous influence is less apparent, but can be found in everything from the tortillas that are served with a typical Costa Rican meal to the handmade ceramics sold at roadside stands. A more recent cultural influence is that of the United States, which can be noted in everything from the movie selection at San Jose's theaters to the fast food chains that line some of the capital's streets.

An important aspect of Costa Rica's cultural heritage is their love of peace and democracy. Ticos like to point out that their nation is the exception in Latin America, where military dictatorships long dominated politics. They can boast of having more than one hundred years of democratic tradition, and almost half a century without an army. The army was abolished in 1948, and the money the country saves by not having a military is invested in improving the standard of living for Costa Ricans, which has fostered the social harmony that makes it such a pleasant country to visit.

The People
Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly known, are a fairly mixed bunch. Though the majority of the country's 3.9 million inhabitants are the descendants of Spanish immigrants, many families originated from other parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and Central America. You may be surprised by the number of fair-skinned people you'll see in the country, especially in the Central Valley. In the lowlands, more people are mestizo -- that is mixture of European and Indigenous blood -- whereas the majorities along the Caribbean coast are of African lineage, and much of the Talamanca Mountain Range is inhabited by full-blooded Indians of various ethnicities.

Government
Costa Rica is a democratic republic and its Capital is San José. Under the 1949 constitution, all citizens are guaranteed equality before the law, the right to own property, the right of petition and assembly, freedom of speech and the right of habeas corpus. The constitution also divides the government into independent executive, legislative and judicial branches. The executive branch is composed of the president, two vice presidents and a cabinet. The legislature is the National Assembly, composed of 57 members.

Costa Rica Rainy Season
Costa Rica's seasons are defined by how much it rains during a particular period and not to the four seasons in the Northern Hemisphere. The year can be split into two periods, the dry season known to the residents as summer, and the rainy season, known locally as winter. The "summer" or dry season goes from December to April, and "winter" or rainy season goes from May to November.

Here are some averages (balance between high and low temperatures) for the temperatures in Centergrees and Fahrenheid during summertime:

Currency
The currency in Costa Rica is the Colon. U.S. Dollars and all major credit cards are also widely accepted.  Traveler’s Checks are not accepted everywhere and are not recommended for Costa Rica. The exchange rate is approximately $1 buys 528 Costa Rica Colones (CRC).

Tipping
Every restaurant bill includes a service charge and tax, so you are not obliged to "tip" as such. BUT if you have a friendly server which takes good care of you, then you can tip him/her a little bit, such as leaving the (coins) change or as much as 10% of the total. With Taxicab drivers pretty much the same: if friendly and helpful add "a little". Bellmen we recommend $1/CRC500 per bag. Concierges should be tipped if they got you something which would have been impossible for you to get without their assistance.

Major cities: San José, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Liberia, Limon, Puntarenas

Bordering countries: Nicaragua (to the North), Panama (to the South)

Religions: Costa Ricans are predominately Catholic.