COSTA RICA GENERAL INFORMATION Costa Rica is a small country located in Central America with an area of 51,100 km2, just larger than El Salvador and Belize, but from many points of view, is a major destination for visitors. It is a country of great tourism potential and it is listed as one of the most visited international destinations. Tourism is one of the main sources of income. PEACE AND DEMOCRACY: A COUNTRY WITH NO ARMY SINCE 1949. Costa Rica has a wide variety of animals and plants, a common feature of the intertropical zone, which makes up countries located within the geographical coordinates 8° 02′ 26″ and the 11° 13′ 12″ north of the equator and the los 82° 33′ 48″ west of Greenwich. Costa Rica, due to its itsthmic location hast become a biological and cultura bridge that allowed the gathering of forest and animal species, as well as cultures of North and South America. Diversity presented in flora and fauna has been acknowledged as the world´s highest. It´s isthmic position allowed species to migrate between the northern and southern continental masses. Although the country is small and it covers only 0.03% of the planet's surface, it has the privilege of being the habitat of 5% of the existing biodiversity in the world; 25.58% of its territory is protected under various forms of conservation. Costa Rica is also a great scenario for foreign investment and the establishment of extremely relevant multinational companies, thanks to the outstanding academic performance of its population, the smooth standard of modern services along with the social and political stability LOCATION Costa Rica has a special location on the world map, occupying the center of the Central American Isthmus. On the eastern and northern parts of the country you will fin the Caribbean Sea, to the west and south it is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, to the southeast by Panama and Nicaragua to the north. Location of Costa Rica in the World SURFACE It has an area of 51,100 square kilometers, a variety of rivers, plains, mountains, valleys, flora, fauna, volcanoes, beaches, protected areas, biological reserves and many more attractions for tourists, along with a variety of climates. APPROXIMATE POPULATION AND LANGUAGE Costa Rica has an average population of 4,500,000 inhabitants whose native language is Spanish. However, other languages such as English, French, German and Italian, are often used and foreign visitors will be spoken to fluently in those languages. RELIGION Catholicism is the official religion, but freedom of worship is guaranteed. WEATHER Costa Rica is a tropical country located between two oceans and it has a complex geography that originates a variety of climatic conditions, leading to life zones ranging from a tropical dry forest to the moor. Generally, temperatures range from 14 and 22 degrees Celsius. Although the country has no defined seasons and each region´s climate is relatively stable throughout the year, slight changes during "summer" (dry season) or "winter" (rainy season) can occur. The season most commonly known as "summer" usually presents itself from December to April, and "winter" from May to November. HERITAGE AND CULTURE Costa Rican culture is a reflection of a mixture of races that coexist in the country. It was mainly influenced by Europeans, which can be reflected in everything from the official language, Spanish to the architecture of churches and other historic buildings. The indigenous influence is less visible, but is present in food such as “tortillas” which are part of typical Costa Rican food and also in crafts like ceramics. A more recent influence is coming from the U.S., which can be seen in many areas from movie listings in San Jose to fast food chains that abound in the cities. An important aspect of Costa Rica's cultural legacy is their love for peace and democracy. “Ticos” like to proclaim that their nation is the exception in Latin America, with democracy ruling politics for many years. “Ticos” are proud to have over a century of democratic tradition and more than 50 years without an army. The army was abolished in 1948 and the money saved by not having one is invested in improving the standard of living, helping the country achieve social peace, which is characteristic of a pleasant place to visit "PURA VIDA" This is the most common greeting in Costa Rica. You can hear people say it from the moment they arrive to the country. Literally “pura vida " means that all is well. LOS TICOS “Tico” is how a foreign usually calls a person from Costa Rica. Ticos are known for being hospitable, hard working, educated people. They also like to greet you with a smile and a handshake. Ticos know that their land is special, generally they accept to guide visitors who are lost, sometimes they may even explain things that might be surprising to a stranger and they will make sure your stay is as pleasant as possible. They say Ticos are the best asset of this nation and once you’ve experienced their friendliness and spontaneity, there will be no doubt about it. GOVERNMENT Being a democratic republic, its political system is divided into three branches: Executive: President elected by direct suffrage every four years and it may be reelected after eight years; two Vice Presidents. A Presidential Cabinet composed of the Ministers of State, who take over the leadership in economic, social, environmental , production and cultural aspects. Legislature: composed of 57 deputies (elected representatives, responsible for making laws). Judiciary: it consists of a Supreme Court, which has four rooms. Also, is composed of the Supreme Court and other tribunes of the matter. As provided in Costa Rica´s Constitution, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, independent of other branches in the government, is responsible for the organization, direction and supervision of the electoral processes that takes place every four years. GASTRONOMY The country is purely agricultural and has a diverse cuisine including steaks, seafood, very good fish, vegetables and many tropical fruits. We have a Costa Rican food offered always combined with international cuisine. You can be very please with the quality and quantity served in many of the country´s restaurants which will also offer you a wide variety of food to suit your taste. CLIMATE AND CLOTHING Costa Rica is located 10 degrees north of the equator and it has no seasons or temperate zones. The temperature is kept constant throughout the year with very slight variations. In the Central Valley, specifically in San Jose where the event will take place, there is an average temperature of 21 degrees Celsius. Although heavy rain is not common during the month of April, due to the fact that it is a tropical country, rain may occur during the afternoon. On the coast, the temperature can be between 24 and 30 degrees. During December, January and February the temperature can drop about 3 to 5 degrees Celsius due to a northerly breeze. Clothing for warm climate can be worn throughout the country. Only in very high places, like some volcanoes and shelters in the mountains, a sweater or clothing for cold weather is recommended. Visitors should carry the following implements for their trip: Coat or jacket for rain Tennis shoes or hiking boots Mosquito repellent Sunscreen Swimsuit Sweater or jacket for the cold as places to visit At least one pair of jeans CURRENCY The local currency in Costa Rica is called the Colón , being equivalent to 100 cents. Small coins are available in denominations of 5 , 10, 25, 50 , 100 and 500 colones. Bills can be found in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, and 50000 colones. The exchange rate is 515 colones per U.S. dollar, but it may vary according to the date and the establishment´s regulations. To see exact economic indicators go to: www.bccr.fi.cr U.S. dollars are received in many restaurants and most hotels. It is recommended to exchange money in banks, which are generally open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:00. Some may also be opened on Saturdays from 09:00 to 12:00. Renowned hotels also offer a currency exchange service although at a lower exchange rate than the one offered by banks, so you will end up paying for the convenience. Hotel rates usually are in U.S. dollars and they can be paid in that currency. Credit cards are accepted by most shops, hotels and restaurants. TIPS You can tip taxi drivers, waiters and bellboys, but it is not required, due to the fact that a 10% tip is included in restaurants and bars and it will be automatically charged to your account TRANSPORT Red Cab and Orange There are two types of taxis. Airport cabs are very safe and they are usually painted orange. The cost of the trip to San Jose is around $ 25. Red cabs with a yellow triangle are the ones authorized by the government. All taxis are required to carry and use a meter. Also there is a good and safe bus transportation system which can be used throughout the national territory. CUSTOMS Customs rules are quite flexible and visitors entering Costa Rica are allowed to bring 500 grams of tobacco, 5 liters of liquor, and $500 worth of other goods. Cameras, computers and other electronic devices for personal use can be classified as tax-free. ELECTRICITY 110V AC at 60 Hz, a plug with two blades. HEALTH All travelers intending to visit the country, or those who come a layover at any of the following countries must present a valid international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever to enter Costa Rica.