| About Costa Rica
Officially Republic of Costa Rica, republic (1995 est. pop. 3,301,210), 19,575 sq mi (50,700 sq km), Central America. It is bounded on the north by Nicaragua, on the east by the Caribbean Sea, on the southeast by Panama, and on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean. The capital and largest city is San José . In addition to the capital, other important cities are Alajuela , Heredia , Puntarenas , and Cartago .
People
One of the most stable countries in Latin America, Costa Rica has a long democratic  tradition, a literacy rate of over 90%, and no army. The population is largely of Spanish descent, and the official language is Spanish. About 95% of the people are Roman Catholics.
Resources
Costa Rica is an agricultural country, although industry is being developed at a moderate pace. Industries include food processing and the manufacture of textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, and electronics. Coffee, bananas, sugar, and beef are exported, as well as manufactured goods such as textiles. Petroleum, machinery, consumer durables, chemicals, and foodstuffs are imported. Tourism is the second biggest money-earner, after agriculture.
Government
The country is governed under the 1949 constitution. The president, a strong executive, serves a four-year term and may not be immediately reelected. The unicameral legislature is also elected for four years. There is universal adult suffrage, and voting is compulsory. The country is divided into seven provinces.
*Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition, Copyright (c) 2003.
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National Parks |
1 Santa Rosa
2 Guanacaste
3 Rincón de la Vieja
4 Las Baulas
5 Palo Verde
6 Barra Hondo
7 Arenal
8 Volcán Poás
9 Braulio Carrillo
10 Volcán Irazú
11 Guayabo
12 Tortuguero
13 Cahuita
14 La Amistad
15 Chirripó
16 Manuel Antonio
17 Marino Ballena
18 Corcovado
Biological Reserves are listed on regional maps. |
    
Costa Rica is a Central American success story: since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred its democratic development. Although still a largely agricultural country, it has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism sectors. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.
Costa Rica is the second smallest country in Central America after El Salvador. The country lies between Nicaragua and Panama, and has coastlines on the Caribbean and the Pacific. A low, thin line of hills between Lake Nicaragua and the Pacific is prolonged into northern Costa Rica, broadening and rising into high and rugged mountains in the centre and south. The capital city, San Jose, lies in a central basin set in these highlands.
Costa Rica's basically stable economy depends on tourism, agriculture, and electronics exports. Poverty has been substantially reduced over the past 15 years, and a strong social safety net has been put into place. Foreign investors remain attracted by the country's political stability and high education levels, and tourism continues to bring in foreign exchange.
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