FACTS ON COSTA RICA

Population: 4.7 million (2013)* CIA World Factbook Capital City: San Jos (337,000) metro (1.515 million) Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain)
The only official language is Spanish. There are two main accents native to Costa Rica, the standard Costa Rican and the Nicoyan. The Nicoyan accent is very similar to the standard Nicaraguan accent due, in part, to its vicinity. A notable Costa Rican pronunciation difference includes a soft initial and double [r] phoneme that is not trilled as is normal in the Spanish speaking world. A peculiarity of the Spanish in Costa Rica is the relative lack of the use of the pronoun t, which is considered rather informal by native Costa Ricans. Instead, Costa Ricans use vos or usted. The conjugation of vos in Costa Rica is practically the same as in Argentina, with the exception of the subjunctive forms.

Official Currency: Costa Rican Coln Major Industries: Tourism, agriculture (coffee, bananas, sugar, corn, rice, beans, potatoes; beef; timber), and electronic exports.

In 2007 the government of Costa Rica stated that they want Costa Rica to be the first country to become carbon neutral by 2021.
The highest point in the country is Cerro Chirrip, at 12,532 ft, and is the fifth highest peak in Central America. The highest volcano in the country is the Iraz Volcano 11,257 ft. The largest lake in Costa Rica is Lake Arenal.

FACTS ON COSTA RICA

Education: The literacy rate in Costa Rica is of 96.3% (CIA World Factbook, February 2011), one of the highest in Latin America. Elementary and high schools are found throughout the country in practically every community. Universal public education is guaranteed in the Constitution. Primary education is obligatory, and both preschool and high school are free. There are both state and private universities. Location: Costa Rica's location provides easy access to American markets as it has the same time zone as the central part of the United States. They are one hour behind Eastern Standard time. Size: slightly smaller than West Virginia. It borders Nicaragua to the North and Panama to the South.

Typical breakfast with gallo pinto.

PEOPLE
Unlike many of their Central American neighbors, present-day Costa Ricans are largely of European rather than mestizo descent; Spain was the primary country of origin. However, an estimated 10% to 15% of the population is Nicaraguan, of fairly recent arrival and primarily of mestizo origin. Descendants of 19th-century Jamaican immigrant workers constitute an English-speaking minority and--at 3% of the population--number about 119,000. Few of the native Indians survived European contact; the indigenous population today numbers about 29,000 or less than 1% of the population.

Military: Costa Rica does not have one.

Holidays: March 19th is St. Josephs Day, patron saint of San Jose and San Jose province.

FOOD: People eat frequently, especially snacks as they walk down the street. These include gallos (filled tortillas), with meat and vegetables. The staple dish is rice and beans which is eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Costa Ricans eat a lot of meat - beef, chicken, pork. Eating fish is considered a luxury although fish marinated in lemon juice and spices is a cheap delicacy. Vegetables and fruits are also popular and cheap. Imported apples and grapes are considered a special treat. There are restaurants in all the major towns serving a variety of cuisines. Local food can be found in small 'sodas'. Popular restaurant dishes include: olla de carne (soup of beef, plantain, yuca, nampi and chayote), sopa negra (black beans and poached egg); and picadillo (meat and vegetable stew). Fresh juice stands are very popular and these juices are called refrescos. WATER: Water in Costa Rica is generally safe to drink, unlike water in many of the neighboring countries. To be on the safe side, drink bottled water or fill your water bottles each meal at the hotel.

CRIME: About two and a half million foreign tourists, the majority American, visit Costa Rica annually. U.S. citizens are encouraged to exercise the same level of caution they would in major cities or tourist areas throughout the world or here in the US. LEAVE ANY VALUABLES AT HOME. Travelers should avoid carrying passports, large amounts of cash, jewelry or expensive photographic equipment. Tourists are encouraged to carry photocopies of the passport data page and Costa Rican entry stamp on their persons, and leave the original passport in a hotel safe or other secure place. Some good hints: Do not carry anything of value in your back pockets. If you must carry a purse, tuck it under your arms and hold it tightly. Carry only the cash you need. Stay in groups. You will find that being in San Jose is much like being in any large American city. Mind your business and others will mind theirs. Cameras should be kept close to you and covered if possible.