Ticos, as the friendly, warmhearted Costa Ricans are known, pride themselves on having more teachers than policemen, a higher male life expectancy than does the United States, an egalitarianism and strong commitment to peace and prosperity, and an educational and social-welfare system that should be the envy of many developed nations. . . . The telecommunications system is the best in Latin America. In 1990, the United Nations declared Costa Rica the country with the best human-development index among underdeveloped nations; in 1992 it was taken off the list of underdeveloped nations altogether. No wonder National Geographic called it the "Land of the happy medium".
Moon Publications, Inc.
There are no political or social events which have broken the country's stability. Costa Rica's has no army, because it needs none. It is a very peaceful place. 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.
Costa Rican exports have steadily grown over the past twelve years, recently holding a top place in Latin America. Local and foreign investments, like the new $500,000,000 Intel plant, have contributed greatly to this development.
Exports range from the best and finest coffee to ostrich meat and beautiful butterflies that excite European markets. Development ranges from computer software and chips to plantations of pejibaje, or heart of palm, now being reproduced by other countries.
With a land area 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 Christopher Columbus in 1502, on his fourth trip to the Americas. His sailing ships anchored off the coast of Cariari Island, close 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, the Rich Coast).
Costa Rica celebrated its 100th anniversary of democracy in 1989. Its 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. The Army's 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, Costa Rica's President, was awared this prestigious prize for his efforts 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 1103 Kms.. long. Both coasts are abundant in first class beaches and exuberant vegetation.
Climate
Costa Rica enjoys, and we do mean 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 70 to 90 F(21to 32oC).
Due to the abundance of microclimates, there are more than 12 ecosystems according to the scale of Holdrieschl. This abundance of microclimates has produced one of the richest espressions of fauna and flora found on the planet. There are more species of birds in Costa Rica than there are in the rest of North America combined. The greenery and climate make Costa Rica feel like everlasting springtime.
Depending on altitude ranges, climates are as follows: Tropical from 0 to 609 meters; Summer from 610 to 1119 meters; Spring from 1120 to 1829 meters; like Autumn above 1830 meters. The Central Valley with the capital city, San Jose, is at approximately 1000-1500 meters.
Education
Costa Rica has one of the highest literacy rates in the Western Hemisphere, Ninety-four percent of the population is literate.
Transportation
Due to its convenient location (about 2.5 hours away from Miami), 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 Inter-American Highway. There are also many airlines flying into Costa Rica, among them 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, meeting international requirements. Two major ports are: 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 postal system and offers several courier services.
The Government
The 1949 political Constitution guaranteed citizens legal equality, freedom of expression, of meeting, of press, and the right to form organizations. Furthermore, it guaranteed these rights to all Costa Rican citizens and to all foreigners living in Costa Rica, saving only the right to vote for nationals.
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 for 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.
Weather Down in Costa Rica
Costa Rica's temperatures are moderate. In the capital city, San Jose the temperature is around 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. On the lowlands and beaches it is warmer. Higher up it can get quite cold. The humidity is quite high throughout the country, although it is drier in the North Pacific region..Guanacaste.
The INTERNET
E-mail in and out of Costa Rica and Net Access
There are several bulletin boards operating nationally with somewhat limited e-mail services but they will do for most cases. If you have a friend at a local university, you can get e-mail access thru them also. This is free.
CICo - Costa Rica Home Pages parent company is now offering e-mail services in certain areas of Costa Rica. These are great accounts because you get to sign up in one day, you don't have to own a telephone in Costa Rica like Racsa accounts, and they only last the amount of time you are down in Costa Rica. Cost: $20/month. They accept credit cards. Note to Spanish School students: These e-mail accounts are ideal for Spanish school students. If your school doesn't have this service tell them to get in touch with them at 227-0422 in San Jose or E-mail: CRHP CRHP@WESTNET.COM
Some providers in Costa Rica:
The net panorama, as elsewhere, is changing daily. To keep up you can try Acceso.
The company that can help you with the details and set you up with access in one day is Acceso. They are a non-profit organization funded by the Ford Foundation. They can be reached at facceso@sol.racsa.co.cr.