 Another popular retreat for travellers, taking a gap year, why not explore Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is Central America's special jewel. It has a reputation for being an oasis of calm among its turbulent neighbors, but there's more to Costa Rica than a stable status quo. The country's natural attractions, wildlife and reputation for enlightened conservation draw tourists from all over the world, and the Ticos know it. Successive governments have made a real effort to preserve the country's image as ecotourism heaven, making Costa Rica one of the best places to experience the tropics naturally and with minimal impact.
But if trudging through knee-deep streams for hours on end to catch a glimpse of some lazy three-toed tree-hanger isn't your idea of a good time, don't write Costa Rica off as a waste of 51,100 sq km (19,929 sq mi). Not surprisingly for a country which is mostly coastline, Costa Rica has some of the region's best surfing, beaches galore and a climate that encourages slothfulness in all species.
Warning
Locals and frequent visitors have noted an increase in tourist-oriented crime in recent years - the increase in tourism is a likely cause of this. Most crimes are nonviolent, including pickpocketings and house and car break-ins, but criminals are showing a greater willingness to use violence. Don't get paranoid: Costa Rica is still a reasonably safe country.
 Full country name: Republic of Costa Rica
Area: 51,100 sq km (19,929 sq mi)
Population: 3,710,558 (growth rate 1.7%)
Capital city: San José (pop 333,000)
People: 96% Spanish descent, 2% African descent, 1% indigenous Indians, 1% Chinese
Language: Spanish, Creole English and Indian dialects
Religion: 85% Roman Catholic, 14% Protestant
Government: Democracy
President: Miguel Angel RodrÃguez (1998-2002)
GDP: US$26 billion
GDP per head: US$7100
Inflation: 10.8%
Annual growth: 7%
Major industries: Coffee, bananas, sugar, food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products, tourism
Major trading partners: USA, Germany, Italy, Japan, Guatemala, Mexico
Provided by The Student Zone (United Kingdom)
|
|
