| While you might know that Costa Rica is a small | | | | through April, and green or wet season lasts from May |
| country in the southern portion of Central America, you | | | | to November. The tropical climate of Costa Rica |
| may not realize the rich history that abounds there, or | | | | averages about 72 degrees Fahrenheit although it can |
| the ecologically diverse wildlife living there, or the | | | | be considerably hotter in the coastal or beach areas |
| incredible number of sights to see. | | | | and much cooler in the mountainous regions. |
| Similar to the state of Florida in the U.S. geographically, | | | | 10 Facts About Costa Rica |
| it features two long coastlines as well as several tiny | | | | 1. The capital of Costa Rica is San Jose, a city with |
| islands primarily located on the side of the Pacific | | | | just over one million in population. |
| Ocean. Costa Rica only spans a distance of | | | | 2. It follows Central Standard Time or six hours behind |
| approximately 200 miles in length and a mere 70 miles | | | | Greenwich Mean Time and there is no daylight savings |
| at its narrowest part occupying about 20,000 square | | | | time in the country. |
| miles in area. | | | | 3. Bananas and coffee are the two primary agricultural |
| Bordering the Pacific Ocean on the west and the | | | | exports from Costa Rica. |
| Atlantic on the east, it is home to 20 national parks, | | | | 4. The most popular sport is soccer. |
| eight biological reserves, and a plethora of protected | | | | 5. The democratic government of Costa Rica is the |
| areas teeming with fascinating and exotic flora and | | | | oldest of any Third World country and it is often |
| fauna. And, if you're looking for adventure, in the | | | | referred to as "The Switzerland of the Americas." |
| northwestern portion of the country, the Guanacaste | | | | 6. In 1986 the first Costa Rican/American, Franklin |
| Province is chock full of stunning sights and exciting | | | | Ramón Díaz Chang, traveled to outer |
| activities. | | | | space aboard the space shuttle Columbia. |
| This area draws visitors by the droves thanks to its | | | | 7. The current president of Costa Rica, Óscar |
| beaches, rivers, volcanoes, and waterfalls, not to | | | | Rafael de Jesús Arias Sánchez, was |
| mention all of the wildlife living here, some of which | | | | awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 due to his |
| cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. | | | | great efforts to promote peace throughout the Central |
| Guanacaste, which derives its name from the native | | | | Americas. |
| word for the guanacaste tree, quahnacaztlan, is the | | | | 8. It claims five percent of the earth's biodiversity, |
| national tree of Costa Rica and this particular region is | | | | making it home to one of the richest ecosystems |
| the driest in all of the country receiving less than a | | | | anywhere. |
| scant 55 inches of rain per year. | | | | 9. It boasts one of the world's highest life expectancy |
| There are only has two seasons, dry or wet, and | | | | rates at 77 years. |
| unlike many other areas of Central and South | | | | 10. People from many other countries travel to it |
| America, stays pleasant all year long. | | | | explicitly for receiving quality, low cost health care. |
| High season, or the dry season, is from December | | | | |