 Costa Rica, one of the most unique locations on the planet, is nestled in the midst of Central America, bordered to the north by Nicaragua and to the south by Panama. It is an oasis of peace set between two oceans, the Pacific to the west and the Caribbean to the east. Although it occupies a mere .03% of the earth’s landmass, this ecological paradise is home to an amazing 6% of the world’s biodiversity. Its treasure trove of flora and fauna, pristine beaches, emerald green rainforests, active volcanoes and teeming wildlife sanctuaries are significant not only to the well-being of our planet, but also to the future of this incredible little country. It is no wonder that eco-tourism has become Costa Rica’s chief source of income, as visitors from around the globe have experienced the delights Costa Rica has to offer.
 As Latin America’s longest standing democracy, Costa Rica and her history are a testament to its social and political stability. Ranked as one the highest in the region on the Human Development Index, Costa Rica is also proud that her current President, Oscar Arias Sanchez, was the 1987 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. The country’s Gross National Product is considerably higher than that of its Latin American neighbors and its literacy rate (96%) is an example to the rest of the region, if not the world. Costa Ricans or “Ticos”, as they are fondly called, are a warm, friendly, highly educated, hardworking people, who enjoy a life expectancy (77 years) comparable to that of many industrialized nations.
The recent increase in foreign investment is related as much to Costa Rica’s political, economic and social stability as to its breathtaking natural beauty. It is no wonder that Costa Rica is known around the world as an ecologically friendly country since over 25% of its entire land mass is protected under a national park system. Ranked as one of the 10 most popular places to live by Future Brands, Costa Rica is also one of the top 10 supporters of environmental protection.
See Tamarindo |
