Although the technology sector is the newest source of profit for Costa Rica's economy, tourism continues to keep the economy strong.
Annually, more than 1 million visitors feed its booming ecotourism business by flocking to its 20 natural parks, 8 biological reserves, and numerous reserved areas.
Capital: San Jose. There are 7 provinces: Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, and San Jose
Population: 4,075,261 (as of July 2006)
Language: Spanish is the official language but there are quite a bit of Costa Ricans who speak English.
Land Size: Slightly smaller than West Virginia
Economy: Economic money makers are from tourism, agriculture and electronics exports
Climate: Dry season from December to April; rainy season from May to November; cooler in highlands; tropical and subtropical climate
Natural Disasters: Two active volcanoes; earthquakes and hurricanes along Atlantic coast; flooding in the lowlands from rains.
Travel Requirements:
- Passport is required
- Return ticket is required
- Visa not required for visits less than 90 days if coming from these countries: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France and Germany dependencies, Greece, Holland and dependencies, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, United States of America, Czech Republic and Uruguay.
Airlines:
The following airlines offer daily flights to Costa Rica:
- American: Flights from Los Angeles, Miami, JFK in New York, and Dallas-Fort Worth America West: Flights from Phoenix Continental Airlines: Flights from Houston and Newark
- Delta: Flights from Atlanta
- United: Washington, D.C., L.A., and biweekly flights from Chicago O'Hare
- US Airways: Flights from Charlotte
Vaccinations: Although there are no required vaccinations for Costa Rica, your doctor might recommend getting a malaria vaccine if visiting the provinces of Alajuela, Guanacaste, Heredia and Limón.
