by Lisa Khajavi
Quick Guide
Updated October 10, 2008
General Information:
Country Name: Republic of Costa Rica
People:
Nationality: Noun and adjective–Costa Rican(s). Locally known as ‘Ticos’ (Tica for female singular and Tico for male singular). Unlike many of their Central American neighbors, present-day Costa Ricans are largely of European rather than Mestizo descent; Spain was the primary country of origin. However, an estimated 10% to 15% of the population is Nicaraguan, of fairly recent arrival and primarily of Mestizo origin. Descendants of 19th-century Jamaican immigrant workers constitute an English-speaking minority and–at 3% of the population–number about 119,000. Few of the native Indians survived European contact; the indigenous population today numbers about 29,000 or less than 1% of the population.
Population (2006): 4.299 million.
Annual growth rate (2006 est.): 1.3%.
Ethnic groups: European and some Mestizo 94%, African origin 3%, Chinese 1%, Amerindian 1%, other 1%.
Religion: Roman Catholic 70.5%, Evangelical Protestant 13.8%, other 4.3%, none 11.3%.
Education: Years compulsory–9. Attendance–99% grades 1-6, 71% grades 7-9. Literacy–96%.
Health: Infant mortality rate–9.45/1,000. Life expectancy–men 74.61 years, women 79.94 years.
Work force (2006 est., 1.866 million; this official estimate excludes Nicaraguans living in Costa Rica legally and illegally): Agriculture–13%; industry–22%; services–64%.
Languages Spoken:
The official language is Spanish. On the Caribbean Coast, a small minority of Jamaican descendants speak a local dialect of Creole-influenced English. Even in rural areas most Costa Ricans can understand and speak a fair amount of Standard English. Quite recently all public schools made mandatory the learning of a second language. Many people in the tourism sector speak English quite well and are proud and happy to practice!
Geography:
Area: 51,100 sq. km (19,730 sq. mi.) about the size of the states of Vermont and New Hampshire combined. Cities: Capital–San Jose (greater metropolitan area pop. 2.1 million, the greater metropolitan area as defined by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Policy includes the cities of Alajuela, Cartago, and Heredia). Other major cities outside the San Jose capital area–Puntarenas, Limon, and Liberia. Terrain: A rugged, central range separates the Eastern and Western coastal areas.
Climate:
Mild in the central highlands, tropical and subtropical in coastal areas. Costa Rica has a stunning array of flora and fauna, and for a petite country boasts an incredible diversity of micro-climates. Costa Rica is blessed with very pleasing and generally mild weather. The year-round average in the Central Valley is 74° F and 85° F at the beaches. There are two seasons, Summer and Winter. Summer, or Verano in Spanish, is also called dry season which is from December to April and is characterized by beautiful, bright and sunny weather. Winter, or Invierno in Spanish, is also called wet or green season which is from May to November and is characterized by daily afternoon showers. There is a ‘little summer’ in July called ‘Veranillo San Juan’. Some areas significantly change from the lush greens abundant in rainy season to a drier palette of beiges and brown in dry season, such as in the dry rainforest areas of the Guanacaste Province. Winter used to be considered low season and Summer high season. These terms are still used; however, even though there are generally fewer crowds and lower prices in low season, the popularity of Costa Rica has been so steady, that the most popular destinations are busy year-round. Each season has its intense beauty and highlights, and because there is so much to see and do, one visit is usually not enough!
Currency:
Costa Rican Colon
Code: CRC
Symbol: ¢
Most major credit cards as well as traveler’s checks are widely accepted. The colon exchanges at approximately 554 per US Dollar (October 3, 2008) and 762 per Euro (October 3, 2008). Travel costs are significantly higher here than in most Central American countries, but less expensive than in the US or Europe. The value is very high for distinctive experiences, service and diversity. More than a million tourists visit each year to indulge in volcanoes, beaches and rainforest activities, to name a few!
Electrical Plugs:
No Adaptors required for US/Canadian standard plugs
120 V 60 Hz
Time Zone:
Costa Rica is six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is equivalent to Central Time in North America. There is no daylight saving time.
GMT/UTC -6
Country Dialing Code:
+506
Weights & Measures:
Metric
Entry Requirements:
With a valid passport and round trip or continuing ticket, citizens of the United States of America, Canada, Germany, Spain and Italy can travel to Costa Rica for a 90-day stay without a consular visa. Passports should be in good condition; Costa Rican immigration will deny entry if the passport is damaged in any way. To stay legally beyond the period granted, travelers will need to submit an application for an extension to the Office of Temporary Permits in the Costa Rican Department of Immigration. There is a departure tax for tourists of $26 per person, payable at some local banks or at the airport before check-in. Tourists who stay over ninety days without receiving a formal extension can expect to pay a higher departure tax at the airport or land border, and may experience some delay at the airport. Persons who have overstayed previously may be denied entry to Costa Rica.
Vaccinations:
As of this time, Costa Rica does not require visitors to have any particular vaccinations, although you should make sure that all your normal vaccinations are up to date. For more information visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx
For a wide variety of detailed traveler’s information visit: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1093.html
Medical Facilities & Services:
Any foreigner who is temporarily in the country has the right to receive health attention at hospitals and clinics in case of an emergency, sudden illness or a chronic disease. Costa Rica boasts a modern and renowned medical health system, under the administration of the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS). Two well known hospitals in the Central Valley are Clinica Biblica and CIMA.
To speak with an expert who lives, works and plays in Costa Rica contact:
http://www.naturevacations.com/
What to Bring:
• Sunscreen and insect repellent, deet-based recommended if you are planning to hike in parks/rainforest/cloud forest, etc.
• Shirts: cotton or light fabric, long- and short-sleeved.
• Pants: cotton or light synthetic pants
• Hiking shorts
• 2 swimsuits
• Light summer wear if you are heading for the beach: sarongs for the ladies are great and multi-purpose, shorts, tank tops, etc.
• Footwear: waterproof, light-weight hiking boots, river sandals (Teva or Reef-type sandals), tennis shoes/running shoes. If you do not bring hiking boots, make sure you bring TWO pairs of tennis shoes so that you will always have a dry pair. The former are recommended no matter where your destination for any activities you wish to experience. If heading to the beach bring flip-flops and/or light sandals as well.
• If you are traveling to turtle nesting areas bring dark pants and shirt, and closed-toe shoes without reflective material.
• Socks: bring extra
• Rain gear: poncho, raincoat and umbrella.
• Hats with brim for rain and sun protection.
• Plastic water bottle: especially for hikes and to refill to minimize waste.
• Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb, especially for remote destinations.
• Camera and plenty of film and extra batteries/battery charger and plenty of memory for a digital.
• Ziplock plastic bags for gels and liquids, and plastic garbage bags for wet items.
• Back-up prescription glasses and medication (if applicable).
• Small day pack or fanny pack for hikes.
• Light sweater or jacket for in and out of San Jose, or some of the higher elevation locations like Monteverde
• Heavier Jacket if you plan to visit Mt. Chirripo
• Extra Underwear.
• Sunglasses.
• Soft bag or backpack for souvenir shopping
• Binoculars
• Field guides for those interested in the local flora and fauna
• Casually elegant evening wear for dinner depending on location
• Adventurous spirit and smile!
Costa Rica Vacation Information