Costa Rica Viviendo la “Pura Vida”

Located in Central America, Costa Rica has coastlines on the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. The tropical coastal plains rise to mountains, active volcanoes, and a temperate central plateau where most people live (San José, the capital, is here). The only country in Central America with no standing army, it enjoys continuing stability after a century of almost uninterrupted democratic government. Tourism, which has overtaken bananas as Costa Rica's leading foreign exchange earner, bolsters the economy. A quarter of the land has protected status; the beauty of rain forest preserves draws more and more visitors. Located in Central America, Costa Rica has coastlines on the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. The tropical coastal plains rise to mountains, active volcanoes, and a temperate central plateau where most people live (San José, the capital, is here). The only country in Central America with no standing army, it enjoys continuing stability after a century of almost uninterrupted democratic government. Tourism, which has overtaken bananas as Costa Rica's leading foreign exchange earner, bolsters the economy. A quarter of the land has protected status; the beauty of rain forest preserves draws more and more visitors.

Costa Rica Fast Facts Costa Rica Fast Facts Population 4,331,000 Population 4,331,000 Capital San José; 1,085,000 Capital San José; 1,085,000 Area 51,100 square kilometers (19,730 square miles) Area 51,100 square kilometers (19,730 square miles) Language Spanish, English Language Spanish, English Religion Roman Catholic, Evangelical Religion Roman Catholic, Evangelical Currency Costa Rican colon Currency Costa Rican colon Life Expectancy 79 Life Expectancy 79 GDP per Capita U.S. $8,300 GDP per Capita U.S. $8,300 Literacy Percent 96 Literacy Percent 96

Official Name: The Republic of Costa Rica(Republica de Costa Rica) Capital City: San José (337,000) metro (1.5 mil) People: Costa Rican Official Language: Spanish Languages Spoken: Spanish, English, and French Government: Democratic Republic Geopolitical Structure: 7 provinces; Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain) National Holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821) Official Currency: Costa Rican Colon Religion: Catholic (76%) Land Area: 51,060 sq km (19,714 sq miles) Latitude/Longitude: 9º 93N, 84º 08W Highest Point: Chirripo, 12,533 ft. (3,820 m) Bordering Body of Water - lies between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea Time Zone: UTC Official Name: The Republic of Costa Rica(Republica de Costa Rica) Capital City: San José (337,000) metro (1.5 mil) People: Costa Rican Official Language: Spanish Languages Spoken: Spanish, English, and French Government: Democratic Republic Geopolitical Structure: 7 provinces; Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain) National Holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821) Official Currency: Costa Rican Colon Religion: Catholic (76%) Land Area: 51,060 sq km (19,714 sq miles) Latitude/Longitude: 9º 93N, 84º 08W Highest Point: Chirripo, 12,533 ft. (3,820 m) Bordering Body of Water - lies between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea Time Zone: UTC

Islands: Isla de Caño (Caño Island), Isla de Coco, Isla Tortugas Major Industries: Tourism, agriculture (coffee, bananas, sugar, corn, rice, beans, potatoes; beef; timber), and electronic exports. The national flag: Consists five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical disk on the hoist side of the red band; above the coat of arms a light blue ribbon contains the words, AMERICA CENTRAL, and just below it near the top of the coat of arms is a white ribbon with the words, REPUBLICA COSTA RICA. The blue band symbolizes the blue sky that covers Costa Rica like a protective blanket. The white stands for the peace that characterizes the country as well as the purity of its ideals. Finally, the red band represents the energy, the courage and the generosity with which the Costa Ricans stand up for their principles and ideals. Islands: Isla de Caño (Caño Island), Isla de Coco, Isla Tortugas Major Industries: Tourism, agriculture (coffee, bananas, sugar, corn, rice, beans, potatoes; beef; timber), and electronic exports. The national flag: Consists five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical disk on the hoist side of the red band; above the coat of arms a light blue ribbon contains the words, AMERICA CENTRAL, and just below it near the top of the coat of arms is a white ribbon with the words, REPUBLICA COSTA RICA. The blue band symbolizes the blue sky that covers Costa Rica like a protective blanket. The white stands for the peace that characterizes the country as well as the purity of its ideals. Finally, the red band represents the energy, the courage and the generosity with which the Costa Ricans stand up for their principles and ideals.

The national coat of arms: It shows three volcanoes representing the country's three mountain ranges and a valley. These divide two oceans where ships are sailing, symbolizing the sea ports of the Pacific and the Caribbean Ocean. The seven stars stand for the seven provinces of Costa Rica, and the rising sun commemorizes the birth of the new nation. At the top of the coat of arms there is an inscription saying: "Central America"! The national coat of arms: It shows three volcanoes representing the country's three mountain ranges and a valley. These divide two oceans where ships are sailing, symbolizing the sea ports of the Pacific and the Caribbean Ocean. The seven stars stand for the seven provinces of Costa Rica, and the rising sun commemorizes the birth of the new nation. At the top of the coat of arms there is an inscription saying: "Central America"!

The national flower: In Costa Rica, cattleya skinneri is one of the most common orchids. When in 1937 a vote was organized to choose the national flower of Costa Rica, nobody was surprised that cattleya skinneri was the winner. Not only scholars and horticulturists participated in the vote, but also secondary school and university students. The national flower: In Costa Rica, cattleya skinneri is one of the most common orchids. When in 1937 a vote was organized to choose the national flower of Costa Rica, nobody was surprised that cattleya skinneri was the winner. Not only scholars and horticulturists participated in the vote, but also secondary school and university students.

National bird: The so called Yigüirro (clay- colored robin) was declared national bird of Costa Rica on January 3rd, 1977, as a tribute to its powerful and melodious call that signals the beginning of the rainyseason.This bird was chosen especially because it is so familiar to Costa Ricans as it tends to live near people's homes. National bird: The so called Yigüirro (clay- colored robin) was declared national bird of Costa Rica on January 3rd, 1977, as a tribute to its powerful and melodious call that signals the beginning of the rainyseason.This bird was chosen especially because it is so familiar to Costa Ricans as it tends to live near people's homes.

National Tree: On August 31, 1959, the Guanacaste tree (enterolobium ciclocarpum) was declared the national tree of Costa Rica. It was chosen as a tribute to the people of Guanacaste, which was the last province to join the Republic in With the giant shade it provides, this tree symbolizes the protection that Costa Ricans enjoy from the State. The name "Guanacaste" originates from a native language called "náhuatl" and means "tree of the ears". This is because the fruits of the tree are similar to the shape ofthe human ear. National Tree: On August 31, 1959, the Guanacaste tree (enterolobium ciclocarpum) was declared the national tree of Costa Rica. It was chosen as a tribute to the people of Guanacaste, which was the last province to join the Republic in With the giant shade it provides, this tree symbolizes the protection that Costa Ricans enjoy from the State. The name "Guanacaste" originates from a native language called "náhuatl" and means "tree of the ears". This is because the fruits of the tree are similar to the shape ofthe human ear.

Unofficial Motto: "Pura Vida."- the words convey the state of happiness, peace, and tranquility that the political stability and freedom bring to Costa Ricans. The phrase actually comes from a 1956 Mexican movie, "Pura Vida!" By 1970 Costa Ricans were using the expression on a daily basis. The expression "Pura Vida" has become so popular that has been added to Costa Rican Spanish dictionaries as an idiom to greet, or to show appreciation. Unofficial Motto: "Pura Vida."- the words convey the state of happiness, peace, and tranquility that the political stability and freedom bring to Costa Ricans. The phrase actually comes from a 1956 Mexican movie, "Pura Vida!" By 1970 Costa Ricans were using the expression on a daily basis. The expression "Pura Vida" has become so popular that has been added to Costa Rican Spanish dictionaries as an idiom to greet, or to show appreciation.

Cities in Costa Rica Alajuela Alajuela Arenal Arenal Cahuita Cahuita Golfito Golfito Heredia Heredia Jaco Jaco Liberia Liberia Limon Limon Monteverde Monteverde Puerto Quepos Puerto Quepos Puerto Viejo Puerto Viejo Puntarenas Puntarenas San Jose - la capital San Jose - la capital Tamarindo Tamarindo Tortuguero

Impressive Sites of Costa Rica Arenal Volcano, gorgeous sunsets and coves

Tha basilica, sunset, and impressive gardens

Dead volcano - Irazu Dead volcano - Irazu

Tabacon Hot Springs

Sulfur pool

La negrita and her gifts La negrita and her gifts

Herbs for cures at the market

La Paz waterfall La Paz waterfall

Pigs Head in the market

Fruit – Mamon chino

Costa Rica Canopy Tours Video -- National Geographic Costa Rica Canopy Tours Video -- National Geographic