Costa Rica: Introduction

Costa Rica is one of the rare Empire Age colonies that were simply left to develop naturally and since gaining independence in 1821, it has carved out a reputation for being ecologically advanced and preserving the beautiful lands God gave it. Located in Central America slap bang on the Equator, it boasts vast dual coastlines of both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. So well preserved it has been that over 23% of its density is protected by the republican government, homing the largest variety of wildlife on the planet.

Its democratic republican system is a vastly generous one that some say has given the country an uninterrupted 114 years of democracy. Its literacy rate is one of the highest in South America with over 95% and it also has a state welfare system with something its global neighbours should have thought of earlier – nationalized commercial banks. The country is divided into seven provinces and its climates range depending on location. Whilst cities at higher climates like Montverde have a misty and foggy pattern, Guanacaste at a much lower level has a dry, arid one and capital San José enjoys an average temperature of 22 degrees with a cool coastal breeze. This makes the Costa Rican capital a true paradise destination anytime of the year. The heavily-Spanish influenced Costa Ricans have a saying – Pura Vida, which literally translates as Pure Life. It is an ethos of the country’s strong community, perseverance, good spirits, enjoying life slowly and celebrating good fortune – no matter how significant it may be. It is a world away from many of its violent Latin American cousins and the state doesn’t even have an army – by constitution.