Alex's Essay

                                   Costa Rica

 

Factfile:

Location - Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama.
Climate - tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands.
Background - Costa Rica is a Central American success story: since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred its democratic development. Although it still maintains a large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.
 Country Name -

Population - 4,075,026 Religion - Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.3%, other Protestant 0.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2% Languages - Spanish (official), English Capital - San Jose Government Type - Democratic Republic Environment - deforestation and land use change, largely a result of the clearing of land for cattle ranching and agriculture; soil erosion; coastal marine pollution; fisheries protection; solid waste management; air pollution Airlines - Iberia via Madrid Flight time from UK - 13 1/2 hours via Madrid Visa requirements - None required for UK passport holders

conventional long form: Republic of Costa Rica
conventional short form: Costa Rica
local long form: Republica de Costa Rica
local short form: Costa Rica

Area -

51,100 sq km

People -

96% Spanish descent, 2% African descent, 1% indigenous, 1% Chinese

Independence - 15th September 1821 (from Spain) they also celebrate their independence day on this day every year too.

Exports -

coffee, bananas, sugar, pineapples; textiles, electronic components, medical equipment

Costa Rica is a country located in Central America that has unlimited tourist potential and is ranked as one of the most visited international destinations. One of Costa Rica’s main sources of income is tourism. Costa Rica is a democratic and peaceful country, and it has not had an army since the year 1949. Although the country is small and it covers less than 1% of the surface of the globe, it proudly shelters a 6% of the existing biodiversity in the entire world. 25.58 % of the country is composed of conservation and natural protected territory. The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish with the second official language being English. The official religion is Catholic but with freedom is given to religious choice. The official currency is the Colon.

  The Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly known, are famous for their hospitality, and are quite happy to live up to their reputation. They are well-educated and hardworking people, who are quick with a handshake and a smile. They are well aware of the special land they have, and most likely they will help foreigners when they get lost, even explaining things that might seem bizarre to foreigners, and making their stay as enjoyable as possible.

  In general, the climate in Costa Rica is very pleasant not only during the dry season, which extends from December to April but also during the rainy season, which runs from May to November. During the rainy season rain can be expected in the afternoons, on the other hand the mornings are usually sunny.

Top Attractions:

·         Corcovado National Park – Where you can hike in the tropical rainforest

·         Cerro Chirripó – Discover some of Costa Rica’s history in a day.

·         Spirogyra Butterfly Garden – Over 30 different species of butterflies flutter around you.

·         El Pueblo – Costa Rica’s best nightlife spot which is made to look like an old Spanish village.

·         Pueblo Antiguo (Parque Nacional de Diversiones) – Costa Rica’s amusements and Theme Parks.

·         Plaza de la cultura – Downtown, which hosts performances, celebrations and demonstrations.

Restaurants:  

·         Restaurant L’ancura – Offers a great range of Italian food for a reasonable price.

·         Restaurant Meridiano al Este Steak House – An amazing range of steaks, burgers and grilled food.

·         Soho Bar & Grill – Gorgeous grilled/barbequed food.

    Beaches:

·         Nicoya Peninsula – Golden sands go on for miles.

·         Manuel Antonio – One of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches and voted one of the best in the world.

·         Playa Domincal – One of the best beaches for surfing.

·         Jaco – Well recognised by surfers.

  Nightlife:

·          Marlintini’s restaurant and bar – Features the freshest seafood in town and the best cocktails.

·         Castro’s – Top club playing the latest songs.

·         Utopia – Open until the sun comes so you can dance your night away.

·         Jazz Café – Want a more relaxing night? Jazz Café is the place to be.

·         El Observatorio – One of the best pubs to be seen in.

·         Casinos – Short of money and fancy your luck? Why not head down to one of the many casino’s in Costa Rica and try your luck at many games including, Baccarats, Texas Hold ‘Em and Bingo.   

Did you know?

• Costa Rica was one of the first countries in the world to make education free and required for all children.
• Costa Rica has more than 1,250 types of butterflies. That's about 10% of all known butterfly species. Farms in Costa Rica breed the insects and sell them to zoos.
• Many butterflies have markings on their wings to protect them from hungry animals.