Costa Rica is located in Central America:

• Nicaragua to the north

• The Caribbean Sea to the northeast

• Panama to the southeast

• The Pacific Ocean to the southwest

• A maritime border with Ecuador south of Cocos Island

Population: 5,044,197 (2022 census)

Land area: 51,180 km² (19,760 sq mi)

Capital and largest city: San José, with approximately 352,381 residents and nearly two million in the metropolitan area

Government: Presidential republic with a stable democracy. Executive power, legislative and judicial. Elections every 4 years.

Education:

• Costa Rica invests over 5% of its budget in education (higher than the global average of 4.4%). Free and mandatory.

Economy:

• Initially agriculture-based, now diversified into finance, corporate services, pharmaceuticals, and ecotourism

• Hosts many international companies in Free Trade Zones with investment and tax incentives

Independence:

• Did not fight for independence; gained it on September 15, 1821, when Guatemala declared Central America’s independence

• Nicoya joined Costa Rica on July 25, 1824, through a plebiscite for economic and safety reasons

Military:

• Abolished the army in 1949 after a brief civil war in 1948, becoming one of the few countries without a military

Indigenous population:

• Approximately 2.5% (104,000) of the population, with 7 major ethnic groups:

  • Quitirrisí (Central Valley)

  • Chorotega (Guanacaste)

  • Maleku (northern Alajuela)

  • Bribri (southern Atlantic)

  • Cabécar (Cordillera de Talamanca)

  • Ngäbe (southern Costa Rica, near the Panama border)

  • Boruca (southern Costa Rica)

Some of the Positive Global rankings (2022):

• 58th in the Human Development Index (HDI)

• 5th in Latin America for HDI

• 8th for press freedom

• 35th in democratic governance

• 23rd in the 2023 World Happiness Report

Recognized by the UN Development Programme for strong human development and low inequality compared to similar-income countries.

WEATHER

Costa Rica is known for its tropical climate characterized by two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season, although the conditions vary from one place to the other.

Dry Season (Verano)

• Duration: Usually from December to April.

• Characteristics: The dry season is marked by clear, sunny skies and little to no rainfall along the Pacific Coast and Central Valley where temperatures can be warm, ranging from 24°C to 35°C (75°F to 95°F), depending on the region. This time is also the high tourist season due to the warmest conditions.

• Regional Differences:

  • Pacific Coast: Receives ample sunshine and experiences higher temperatures.

  • Central Valley: Enjoys a warm and less humid climate, by most, considered the most temperate part of the country.

Rainy Season (Invierno)

• Duration: Normally goes from May to the end of November.

• Characteristics: The rainy season brings more frequent and intense rainfall, especially in the afternoons. Mornings tend to be nice and warm, with showers and possible thunderstorms in the afternoons. In part, thanks to this large period of rains, Costa Rica has a lush and green tropical forest that has been recognized as being one of the most biologically intense places on earth, with almost 5% of the total biodiversity of the world.

• Regional Differences:

  • Caribbean Coast: This side of the country has a more consistent rainfall throughout the year, with slightly drier periods in May and October.

  • Northern Lowlands: The weather can be more unpredictable, with a mix of sunshine and rain throughout the year.

  • Pacific Coast: Heavy rains can lead to temporary flooding, due to the topographical formation of the territories, especially between September and October.

Temperature and Microclimates

• Temperature Variations: Costa Rica's has a very diverse topography, including mountains, valleys, and coasts, that contributes to the formation of multiple microclimates. Mid-elevations areas like Monteverde and the Central Valley, enjoy cooler temperatures, often ranging from 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F). On the highest peaks of the Talamanca Mountain Range temperatures can go as low as 2°C (35°F). Down on the coast can get as high as 35°C (95°F)

• Microclimates: The country's mountainous terrain creates unique weather patterns, with some areas receiving more rain or wind than others. The temperature ranges vary from one area to the next one just a few hundred feet higher or lower.

• Hurricanes: Costa Rica is generally shielded from direct hurricane impacts due to its location, but it can experience heavy rainfall and strong winds from nearby tropical storms.

• El Niño and La Niña: These phenomena significantly impact weather, with El Niño typically bringing drier conditions and La Niña causing increased rainfall and cooler temperatures.