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Pedro Bidegaray
pbidegar@earth.ac.cr

Mayela Bonilla
mbonilla@earth.ac.cr

Melissa Arce
marce@earth.ac.cr

About Costa Rica

"A natural paradise"

General Information

Official Name: Republic of Costa Rica
Government: Democratic Republic
Independence: September 15, 1821
Capital: San José
Major cities: Alajuela, Cartago, Puntarenas, Heredia, Limón, Liberia
Official Language: Spanish
Monetary unit: Colón
Official religion: Catholic
Area: 51,100 km2

The country has as marine territory the Isla de Coco, world natural heritage, located 548 km from Cabo Blanco in the Pacific Ocean and measuring 2400 km terrestrial and 73,100 km marine.

Biodiversity

Although Costa Rica is a small country that covers only 0.03% of the world’s surface, it is home to 6% of the biodiversity in the world; 25.58% of its territory is protected by various conservation programs.

Costa Rica is also one of oldest democratic societies in America and the only country in the world that does not have an army.

Costa Rica has a territory of only 51,000 km2 (19,730 square miles) and is limited by both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans on the West and East coasts respectively.

With charming beaches, majestic volcanoes, and extensive system of national parks and biological reserves that cover over 25% of the national territory, Costa Rica is a tropical country with varied climatic areas.

Geography and Climate

Costa Rica has two seasons: the dry season from December to March and the rainy season, also called the “green” season, from April to November. The average temperature in the Central Valley is approximately 72°F (22°C), while on the coasts and beaches it can range from 70° to 90°F (21° to 32°C).

Costa Rica has a tropical climate that is characterized, in general, by high temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year.

Rains

The most important annual variation in weather patterns is due to the rain which develops from the interaction of different wind systems that affect the people and its topography.

To obtain more information about the climatic conditions in Costa Rica, please visit the web site of the Costa Rican Meteorological Institute at http://www.imn.ac.cr/