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Capital: San Jose
Language: Spanish. But most of the people speak and understand English.
Population: There are approximately 3.7 million inhabitants
Climate: A small tropic country, Costa Rica lies between two oceans. This, combined with its complex mountainous topography, gives rise to a extensive variety of habitants. These range from tropical dry forest and lowland rainforest to páramo, with a corresponding difference in climatic conditions. In general, temperatures vary between 14 and 22 degrees Centigrade in the high Central Valley and between 22 and 28 Centigrade in the lowlands. Temperatures remain relatively stable throughout the year, although some slight changes take place according to whether it is "Summer" (the dry season) or "Winter" (the wet season). Summer usually prevails from December to April and Winter from May to November. These seasons are clearly defined on the Pacific side of the country but are much less noticeable on the Caribbean side where the precipitation is much more evenly distributed throughout the year. |
Religion: The Catholic Faith is the official religion, although the right to practice other religions is guaranteed.
Geography: Located in the Central America isthmus, immediately north of Panamá, with ports in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and 153 highway miles between them. Our country holds a privileged place in the world, being found in the center of the Central American Isthmus. On its east lies the Caribbean Sea and to its west, the Pacific Ocean. It is bordered by Nicaragua
tothe North and Panama to the South.
Electric Power: Costa Rica has a nationwide power grid standard 110 volt, 60 Hertz electricity.
Public Transportation: The country has a large fleet of taxis, easily identified by their red color. In rural areas, the taxis are often 4-wheel drive vehicles in order to give easy access to farming zones. Orange colored taxis provide service to and from the Juan Santamaría International Airport. Bus services are very available, both within and between provinces, as well as internationally.Interurban train services cover two routes, Heredia - San José. A river ferry provides regular service across the Tempisque River while a seagoing ferry service (Coonatramart) connects Puntarenas with the Nicoya Peninsula across the Gulf of Nicoya. |
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Banking & Currency: Both local and international banking services are available at numerous state and private institutions. Banking hours are from9 AM to 3 PM with continuos service. Evening banking services are often available from 4PM to 6PM. The national currency is the "colon" which has a varying exchange rate against the US dollar. Dollar can be exchanged at any of the National Banking System banks. Most international credit cards are accepted in many establishments throughout the country.
Office Hours: These vary with the company or institution. Most government offices open to the public from 8 AM until 4 PM while private companies tend to open from 8 AM to 5 PM. Many shops and businesses open from 9 AM to 7 PM. Other keep a 8 AM to 6 PM working day. In the capital there are even supermarkets open right around the clock.
Telephone System: Costa Rica has one of the most advanced telephone systems is Latin America. International calls can be dialed directly from almost any point in the country. There are public telephones throughout the country, and in the few rural populations where these are not available one can find operator assisted phones.
Postal System: There is a Central Post and Telegraph Office and a network of local post offices, many of which offer modern facsimile services.
Television: Television channels are available in both Spanish and English, as is true with cable television. Some hotels have their own satellite dishes.
TOURIST SERVICES: Costa Rica caters to call classes of tourists, offering services to make its visitors stay a most enjoyable experience.
Air Travel: Flights of more than 17 airlines land each day at Juan Santamaría International Airport. Domestic airline services are available between important points within the country. Air taxi and charter aircraft are also easily obtained.
Car Rental: Upon arriving in Costa Rica you can rent a car at any of the agencies at Juan Santamaría International Airport, in San José or in most provincial capitals. Considering the different terrain types and different tourist needs, car rental companies offer late model vehicle including sedans, 4-wheel drive, vans, limousines, etc.
Travel Agencies: A large number of travel agencies offer different tours in order for you to truly enjoy Costa Rica Tourist Board "I.C.T." information office will provide more details on tours, hotels and others services.
Accommodations: In Costa Rica you will find a wide range of hotel services, catering to all taste, styles and budgets. There are large hotels providing full services; swimming pools, restaurants, discotheques and conference rooms-either in the city itself, its outskirts or out in the countryside. Also you may choose from a long list of small, friendly hotels or bed & breakfasts located in beautiful, old converted homes. In addition there is a wide selection of mountain lodges and inns, beach hotels, jungle lodges and cozy cabins. May lodges offer facilities for every type of event, such as conventions, business meetings, etc.
Restaurants: Restaurants in Costa Rica offer the tourist a wide variety of international cuisine and, for those wishing to try Costa Rican cooking, there are manyplaces which serve typical regional dishes.
Crafts And Shopping: Costa Rican craftsmanship is found in a wide variety of goods which reflect the country's typical traditions and features, ranging from replicas of pre-columbian objects, or the traditional Costa Rican cart up to the modern, elegant designs. Wood and clay sculptures, pottery, leather goods, jewelry and wickerwork are also to be found. Articles can be bought in the center of San José and in other places such as Moravia, Sarchí (Alajuela) and Guaitil (Guanacaste).
Good to know:
Emergency calls:
Emergencies . . . . . . .911 (Metropolitan area)
Fire Department and
Rescue Units. . . . . . .118
Traffic Police. . . . . .222-9330/ 222-9245
Police Department . . . .117
Rural Police Department .127
Red Cross . . . . . . . .128 |
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