ABOUT COSTA RICA

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is like an ecological microcosm of the rest of Latin America, with lush jungles, high mountains and coastal plains, although visitors will also see that the country faces many environmental problems in both urban and rural areas. Many individuals refer to Costa Rica as Central America's jewel, as it is an oasis of calm among its turbulent neighbors and a haven of ecotourism. It's also mostly coastline, which means great surfing, endless beaches and a climate built for relaxation.

Costa Rica's enlightened approach to conservation has ensured that lush jungles remain home to many breeds of monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, lizards, poison-dart frogs, and a mind-boggling assortment of exotic birds, insects and butterflies. Meanwhile, endangered sea turtles nest on both coasts and cloud forests protect rare birds and jungle cats. While there are many environmental protection laws, poachers, illegal development, corruption, and limited resources make enforcement a challenge.

As a whole, Costa Rica is a small, varied and accessible country, which offers opportunities for a wide variety of experiences for the students. It is an ideal location as a departure point for the rest of the region since it comprises so many of the characteristics common to other countries.

Geography Costa Rica is bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Costa Rica is ten degrees north of the Equator in Central America. At its narrowest point from east to west, there are just 75 miles separating the Caribbean from the Pacific Ocean. This means that it is possible to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean, catch an early bus, and arrive in time for the sunset on the Pacific coast. The landmass of the country is 20,000 square miles - about the size of West Virginia. A series of volcanic mountain chains runs from the Nicaraguan border to the Panamanian border, splitting the country in two. In the centre of these ranges is a high-altitude plain, with coastal lowlands on either side. Over half the population lives on this central plain, where farming is successful because of the rich volcanic soils. The Caribbean coast is 212km (131miles) long and is characterized by mangroves, swamps and sandy beaches. The Pacific coast is much more rugged and rocky, and because of a number of gulfs and peninsulas is an incredible 1016km (630miles) long.

People annd Culture

Costa Rica is known for its natural beauty and friendly people. The overwhelming European influence erased almost all indigenous culture, and because Costa Rica was a country of subsistence agriculturalists until the middle of the 19th century, cultural activity has mostly begun to blossom in the last 100 years.

The population of Costa Rica is about 4 million, about 90% of whom are a mix of Spanish and Indigenous descent, or Mestizo. There is also a black population of Jamaican descent, as well as about 3000 indigenous people living on land set aside by the government. Significantly, there are now as many North American retirees here as there are Indigenous people, and in recent years Costa Rica has become a haven for political and economic refugees from other Latin American countries.

By some estimates, more than 75% of Costa Ricans are Roman Catholics and 14% are evangelical Christians. In practice, most church attendance takes place at special events such as christenings, funerals and marriages. Blacks on the Caribbean coast tend to be Protestant, and there is a sprinkling of other denominations in San José, including a small Jewish community. Spanish is the official language, though English is understood in almost all tourist areas. Many Caribbean blacks speak a lively dialect of English, known as Creole. Indigenous languages are spoken in isolated areas, primarily Bribrí, which is estimated to be understood by only about 10,000 people.

Cuisine in Costa Rica is a true reflection of its globalizing population. Although traditional dishes run to the South American staples of beef, chicken and fish dishes, with rice, corn or beans and fresh fruit as supplements, an influx of foreigners has given way to the ubiquitous pizza and burger option. Within Costa Rican homes, however, meals will usually be of the traditional variety, and will typically be fresh and well-balanced. An additional perk is Costa Rican coffee, which is sublime. Even the coffee from fast-food joints is a cut above your average North American cup of coffee.

Climate 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, although regions differ depending on altitude. The Caribbean coast tends to be wet all year. Temperatures vary little between seasons; the main influence on temperature is altitude. San José at 1150m (3772ft) has a climate that the locals refer to as 'Eternal Spring': lows average 15°C (60°F); highs average 26°C (79°F). The coasts are much hotter, with the Caribbean averaging 21°C (70°F) at night and over 30°C (86°F) during the day; the Pacific is a few degrees warmer still. The humidity at low altitudes can be oppressive.