About Costa Rica

There is no better place on earth than Costa Rica to fully embrace, feel and live what sustainable development is about, and how it can positively change society and the world around us.
Read more on this topic in the Sustainable Development section of the website.

• Flora and Fauna
• Climate
• The Capital - San Jose
• Its People - the Ticos
• Politics
• Business environment
• Culture - Pura Vida
• Facts and Figures
• Link Collection

Covering only 0.03% of the surface of our planet, Costa Rica hasapproximately 6% of theworld's biodiversity. It is characterized not only by impressive scenic beauty and a consolidated system of protected areas but also by social and political stability, a high educational level, as well as an efficient infrastructure and services, and one of the most business-friendly environments in Latin America.

Flora and Fauna
The land – especially the flora and fauna – is extremely diverse and has countless natural wonders to see and experience. With 10,000 species of plants, 850 of birds, 218 of reptiles, 205 of mammals, 160 of amphibians and 160 of continental fish, Costa Rica deserves its name, “The Rich Coast”.

Climate
The climate is tropical and subtropical, depending on the region, and very pleasant throughout the year. It is hot in the level coasts, the climate is more moderate in the Central Plateau, and the highest places are quite cool. In San Jose students can usually expect warm temperatures during days and cool temperatures at night. The city is blessed by a moderate climate where it never gets really hot but also nothing more than a sweater or lightweight jacket and an umbrella are all the protection from the elements you'll need.

The Capital - San Jose
San Jose is for sure not as beautiful as some of Europe’s cities, but with its slightly bedraggled office towers, shopping malls and restaurants, busy main streets, universities and schools, well-kept parks and excessive traffic, San José is more cosmopolitan than other Central American capitals. INEX has chosen San Jose for its comparatively high living standard and safety, its good infrastructure, great eateries, museums, theatres and cinemas and know that many students also enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city. Some might need a second look to discover the city’s charm, but it is the hub of Costa Rican life and has proven to be an ideal spot for our academic programs in Latin America.

Its People - the Ticos
Costa Rica’s society is well educated considering the rate of alphabetization, which is the highest within Central America. People are extremely friendly and hospitable, and the country displays a great number of races and creeds. Family tradition is very important and many activities revolve around the family. We are convinced that you will enjoy staying with the locals and spending time with them!

Politics
Costa Rica is proud of its peaceful political situation, of being one of the oldest and most stable democracies in Latin America and of being the only country in the world (other than Iceland) without an army. This has allowed the country to achieve positive indicators in health and education while remaining a neutral country with a tradition of non-violence. Costa Rica’s President Oscar Arias received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for the work during his first presidency and has been reelected in 2006. Taking a look at the website of the Arias Foundation for Peace and Human Progress will show the reader one of his key statements: “Because our country is a country of teachers, we closed the army camps, and our children go with books under their arms, not with rifles…”
Arias' presidency saw the transformation of Costa Rica's economy from one based on traditional cash crops (such as coffe and bananas) to one focused on non-traditional agriculture, tourism and technology. Costa Rica’s economy flourishes, and especially electronics, pharmaceuticals, financial outsourcing, software development and ecotourism have become the prime industries in Costa Rica's economy. High levels of education among its residents make the country an attractive investing location.

Business environment
Costa Rica's location provides easy access to American markets as it has the same time zone as the central part of the United States and direct ocean access to Europe and Asia. Costa Rica is an active member of the United Nations and the Organization of American States. Costa Rica is seat of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and seat of the United Nations University of Peace and many other international organizations related to human rights and democracy. The country's strategic position in the heart of the western hemisphere, the government's positive attitude towards foreign investment, its infrastructure, access to international markets, and the quality and cost of labor make Costa Rica an ideal place to establish commercial operations.

Culture - Pura Vida
The very popular Costa Rican expression “Pura Vida!” derives from a movie named Pura Vida which was first shown in 1956. Nowadays you hear this expression at every corner in Costa Rica. People use these two short words to express the state of happiness, peace and tranquility that the political stability and freedom in Costa Rica brings. It has become a meaningful expression in informal Spanish and has even been added to the dictionaries. By using these magic words, Costa Ricans identify themselves with their beautiful country, and addressing people with these words brings a smile to their faces. Use it in business and private situations and you will spread friendliness everywhere you go!

Facts and Figures

• Country name: Republic of Costa Rica
• Capital: San José
• Total area: 51,100 sq km
• Population: 4.327,000 inhabitants
• Location: Central America
• Climate: tropical and subtropical
• Highest point: Cerro Chirripo; 3,810 m
• Currency: Costa Rican colon (CRC)
• Exchange rate: 1 USD = ~500 CRC
• GDP per capita: $ 11,100
• Exports/Imports: $ 7.005 billion/$ 9.690 billion
• Major exports: coffee, bananas
• Major imports: raw materials, consumer goods
• Unemployment rate: 6.6%
• Literacy rate: 96%
• Major ethnic group: white 94%
• Major religion: Roman Catholic 76.3%

Link Collection

Program related links:
ULACIT - The Latin American University of Science and Technology
LOGOS Language Institute
Costa Rica Green Travel

Costa Rican Newspapers:
La Nacion
Ticotimes
Tiempos del Mundo

General Information about Costa Rica from third parties:

Wikipedia on Costa Rica

CIA - The World Factbook on Costa Rica
Features a map and brief descriptions of geography, economy, government, and people.

Costa Rica - No Artificial Ingredients
The official website of the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism ICT with information in many different languages.

Lonelyplanet travel information on Costa Rica
Including facts and figures, culture, history and tourist information.

Costa Rica Travel Blog
This website has a blog about Costa Rica, talks about feelings and adventures of Costa Rica and features free wallpapers.