THE COUNTRY AND ITS PEOPLE

Trough a small country, Costa Rica is rich for 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 colonist. 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 "pejibaye" heart of palm, now being reproduced by other countries.

 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 springlike weather all year round. The average temperature in the Central Valley is 72§ F (22§ C). The temperature near the coasts and on the beaches ranges between 70§ to 90§ F (21§ to 32§ C).

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.

 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 satelite 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.