ABOUT COSTA RICA

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Coming to Costa Rica: culture, clothing and some other general details.
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http://www.unibe.ac.cr/ccip/img/arrow.gifCOSTA RICA

Costa Rica has become an international destination for travelers who seek an understanding of its bio-ecological environment, walk the rain forests, enjoy its beautiful beaches, roam its volcanoes, explore its lovely smaller communities, and experience some of the country's national holidays. Planned excursions on weekend trips allow participants to acquire an understanding of the country outside San Jose.

http://www.unibe.ac.cr/ccip/img/arrow.gifSize and Location

In a territory of only 51,100 km2 (19,929 square miles), located in Central America, Costa Rica is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Nicaragua to the north and Panamá to the south. Although Costa Rica has such a small territory, it has approximately 6% of the world's biodiversity.

http://www.unibe.ac.cr/ccip/img/arrow.gifClimate/Weather

So what is the weather like? Because of its location, Costa Rica has a tropical climate, with an average temperature of 27º C / 80º F year round. Its rainy season begins in May and ends late November. The dry season starts in December and ends in early May. By the end of June, there’s a three-week summer called “Veranillo de San Juan,” which is a meteorological phenomenon with a few summer-like days.

For the current weather conditions go to:
http://www.visitcostarica.com/ict/paginas/incNew/clima.asp

http://www.unibe.ac.cr/ccip/img/arrow.gifPolitical Division

Costa Rica is divided into seven provinces or provincias: Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limón, Puntarenas, & San José. San José City, the Capital City is located in the province of San José.

http://www.unibe.ac.cr/ccip/img/arrow.gifGeography

Costa Rica has a very diverse geography. Long coastlines and beaches along the Pacific, pristine beaches by the Caribbean coast, perfect surfing spots, several active volcanoes, rugged highlands for hiking, many rivers suitable for white-water rafting and kayaking, unique national parks and wildlife areas invite you to enjoy Costa Rica to the fullest!

http://www.unibe.ac.cr/ccip/img/arrow.gifOfficial Language

Spanish is the official language in Costa Rica. Other native languages are Bribri, Cabecar, Guaymi, and Maleku which are only spoken by a small minority and mostly in indigenous reserves.
English is spoken in many businesses and service providers in San José, as well by hotels/resorts employees and clerks throughout the country.

http://www.unibe.ac.cr/ccip/img/arrow.gifPopulation

About 4.500.000

http://www.unibe.ac.cr/ccip/img/arrow.gifLocal currency

Colón. Exchange money and check out the most up-to-date exchange rate in local banks.

http://www.unibe.ac.cr/ccip/img/arrow.gifWhat to bring and wear

Pants, shorts, T-shirts, hiking shoes, socks and extra socks, bathing suit, sandals, waterproof sunblock, sunglasses, light-weight hat or baseball cap, light raincoat, flashlight, insect repellent, umbrella, casual attire for nights, and camera. A strap-on money holder is recommended when traveling/touring.

http://www.unibe.ac.cr/ccip/img/arrow.gifWant to learn more?

We encourage you to visit Costa Rica's Board of Tourism website for further information. Go to http://www.visitcostarica.com/ict/paginas/home.asp or http://www.who.int/countryfocus/cooperation_strategy/ccsbrief_cri_en.pdf.
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