Located between Nicaragua and Panama in Central America, the democratic republic of Costa Rica is one of the region's most stable and least corrupt countries. With an area about 50,000 square kilometers, the country is about the size of Switzerland and as scenic. The words 'Costa Rica' mean 'rich coast' in Spanish, and the country boasts many beautiful beaches both along the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean.

Under Spanish dominion for close to 300 years, Costa Rica became independent on 15 September 1821, though it became a republic only three years later.

Eighty percent of the country's 4 million population is of Spanish origin. The official language is still Spanish, while more than 75% of the population follows the Roman Catholic faith. The large numbers of foreigners who have made their home in Costa Rica ensure that English is also widely spoken. San José, the capital, and its surrounding areas are home to more than half the population. The Republic of Costa Rica is divided into seven administrative provinces, with the President acting as head of government.

A prosperous and largely agricultural country with a high standard of living, Costa Rica has thriving tourism and technology sectors. A founding member of the United Nations, the country is committed to economic growth and social development. Though the government has to tackle a large deficit and internal debt, poverty has been significantly reduced over the past two decades. The country has a literacy rate of 96% and an unemployment rate of approximately 6%. The monetary unit of Costa Rica is the colon. The country's political stability attracts many foreign investors, while tourism brings in substantial foreign exchange.

The topography of Costa Rica is rich and varied, ranging from beaches to coastal plains, and lush forests to imposing mountains with several major volcanoes. The country has a tropical and subtropical climate with two major seasons: a dry season from December to April; and a rainy season from May to November.

Once home to a large population of native Indians, Costa Rica is today known as the jewel of Central America - peaceful, beautiful and eminently livable.

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