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Costa Rica

Capital: San Jose

Costa Rica | Flag Costa Rica | Political Map Costa Rica | Locaton Map Costa RIca

A country in Central America, Costa Rica, along with several Central American provinces, declared its independence from Spain in 1821. In 1823 the country joined the United Provinces of Central America. However, with the disintegration of the federation in 1838, Costa Rica became a sovereign nation. Barring two incidents of violence the country is a peaceful one and is reputed to have been the first country in the world to constitutionally abolish its army.

Though contribution of agriculture to its economy is large, tourism and high tech industries are also making their presence felt in a large way. Its strategic location in the Central American isthmus has been one of the most potent reasons for the expanding business.

Travel overview
A famous eco tourism destination, Costa Rica has been attracting for its serene beaches, dense rainforest and striking wildlife. Ccontaining 5 % of the world’s biological diversity, the country boasts over 15 different ecosystems. Its several national parks and biological reserves including the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve are inhabited by a wine number of birds, mammals and reptiles.

The Wilson Botanical Garden is home to more than 1000 varieties of plants. The Parque Nacional Santa Rosa and the Butterfly Farm at La Guacima are other attractions. The nightlife of the capital city San Jose is another attraction for modern traveller while you can relax at the idyllic beaches on Peninsula de Nicoya.

Capital: San Jose
Location: Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama
Climate: tropical and subtropical,
Total Area: 51,100 sq km
Total Population: 4,133,884
Population Growth Rate: 1.412%
Sex Ratio: 1.02 male(s)/female
Literacy: 96%
Ethnic Groups: white including mestizo, black , Amerindian , Chinese
Irrigated land: 1,080 sq km
Languages: Spanish (official), English
Time Zone: UTC-6
Currency: Costa Rican colon
Type of govt.: democratic republic
Head of Govt.: President Oscar Arias Sanchez
Major Political Parties: Authentic Member from Heredia, Citizen Action Party or PAC, Costa Rican Renovation Party or PRC, Democratic Force Party or PFD, General Union Party or PUGEN, Homeland First or PP, Independent Worker Party or PIO, Libertarian Movement Party or PML, National Christian Alliance Party or ANC, National Integration Party or PIN, National Liberation Party or PLN, National Patriotic Party or PPN, National Restoration Party or PRN, Nationalist Democratic Alliance or AND, Patriotic Union or UP, Social Christian Unity Party or PUSC, Union for Change Party or UPC, United Leftist Coalition or IU

Participation in International Organizations: BCIE, CACM, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Major Agricultural Products: bananas, pineapples, coffee, melons, ornamental plants, sugar, corn, rice, beans, potatoes; beef; timber

Natural Resources & Minerals: bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, gold, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, petroleum

Industry & Transport: microprocessors, food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products
Airports: 157
Railways: 278 km
Roadways:
35,330 km
Waterways: 730 km
Major Trade Partners: US 42.6%, Hong Kong 6.9%, Netherlands 6.4%, Guatemala 4.2% (2005)
Exports: $7.931 billion
Imports: $10.88 billion