Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a democratic and peaceful country located in Central America that has unlimited tourist potential and is ranked as one of the most visited international destinations. In this country, the visitor can relax on tropical beaches, enjoy great adventures such as active volcanoes, rain forest, cloud forest, dry forest, and experience our scintillating culture. With all of these necessary components of an ideal vacation, it is no wonder that annually more than a million tourists make Costa Rica their top travel choice.

Although the country is small and it covers only 0.03 % of the surface of the earth, it proudly shelters a 6% of the existing biodiversity in the world. In addition, 25.58 % of the country is composed of natural wildlife preserves and protected territory. As a consequence, the main source of income for Costa Rica is tourism.

Costa Rica is also an attractive country for investment and it offers great potential for the establishment of important multinational companies, thanks to the outstanding academic level of its population as well as the high standard of modern services and social and political stability.

HERITAGE AND CULTURE

Costa Rican culture is in many ways a reflection of its racial diversity. The predominant influence has long been European, which is reflected in everything from the official language -- Spanish -- to the architecture of the country's churches and other historic buildings. The indigenous influence is less visible, but can be found in everything from the tortillas that make part of a typical Costa Rican meal to the handmade ceramics sold at roadside stands.

An important aspect of Costa Rica's cultural legacy is their love for peace and democracy. The Ticos, as Costa Ricans are traditionally called, are proud that their nation is the exception in Latin America, where in other countries military dictatorships have long dominated politics.

Ticos take pride in having more than one hundred years of democratic tradition, and more than half a century without an army. The army was abolished in 1948 and the money the country saves by not investing in military issues is invested in improving the Costa Ricans' standard of living, which has fostered a culture of social peace that makes it such a pleasant place to visit.