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Costa Rica is a unique country in many ways—from its diverse environment to its government views (it does not have an army). Costa Rica is most noted for its natural beauty and friendly people. It is located in the Central American isthmus. While covering only 0.03% of the surface of our planet, it contains approximately 6% of the world's biodiversity. It is viewed as one of Latin America’s hidden gems because of its relaxed lifestyle, democratic government, cultural diversity, diverse wildlife and lush and varied vegetation. Costa Ricans made a choice to abolish their army in 1948. This has allowed its government to invest in improving the Costa Ricans’ standard of living, which has fostered a culture of social peace.
Costa Rica's enlightened approach to conservation has ensured that lush jungles are home to endangered and unique animals. From playful monkeys, languid sloths, crocodiles, countless lizards, poison-dart frogs and exotic birds, insects and butterflies, (yes, they even have butterfly “zoos”) one never knows what one will see.
Mostly coastline, Costa Rica is a tropical country and experiences only two seasons: wet and dry. The dry season is generally between late December and April, and the wet season lasts the rest of the year—which is when you will be there.
San José is the capital of Costa Rica. Temperatures vary little between seasons due to the altitude; it is situated at an altitude of about 1170 m (about 3840 ft). It has a climate that locals refer to as 'Eternal Spring': lows average 15°C (60°F); highs average 26°C (79°F). San Jose is the nation's largest city and a commercial, manufacturing, transportation and cultural center for the surrounding agricultural region, in which coffee, sugarcane and livestock are raised. Government activities and tourism are also important to the city's economic base.
A small community in northwestern Costa Rica, it was founded by Quakers in 1951 and is now a popular and interesting destination for both local and international visitors. In Spanish, Monteverde means "green mountain". Best known for the world famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, it also offers a number of other reserves and activities in this area.
The Osa Peninsula juts out into the Pacific Ocean in the southwest corner of Costa Rica. It is a remote region that includes multiple protected areas including Piedras Blancas National Park. The Osa Peninsula encompasses lush primary rain forests and a complex system of freshwater and marine resources.
The geological formation of the Osa Peninsula developed independently from the rest of Costa Rica. It then joined the isthmus several million years ago. Its unique formation and naturally wet systems - which differ from the rest of the dry Pacific - have produced high levels of biodiversity. Costa Rica saw the importance of protecting this area and in 1975 the Conservancy helped the Costa Rican government create the more than 100,000-acre Corcovado National Park on the western part of the peninsula.
The area hosts a rich array of fauna. The wildlife include jaguar, the Central American squirrel monkey, the Baird's Tapir, and three species of sea turtles (Olive Ridley, Pacific Green, and Leatherback). More than 375 bird species are found on the Osa Peninsula, including the country's largest population of the threatened Scarlet Macaw.
The Osa Peninsula also supports more than 4,000-5,000 vascular plant species, many of which are found nowhere else on earth. A fourth of Costa Rica's tree species are found on the Osa Peninsula and the rain forest is made up of 700 species - the greatest tree species diversity in all of Central America.
Last modified on 9/11/08 | Content maintained by International Programs
