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SURFACE AREA: The territory covers 52,000 square
kilometers, divided by mountain ranges running from the northwest to
south.
CURRENCY:
The Colón (Approximate exchange rate as of January 1998 is ¢250 per
US$)
POPULATION:
Three to three and a half million.
ECOTOURISM:
In 1992 Costa Rica was officially given the "Consejo de la Tierra" award
for its work in the field of conservation of its natural resources. Fully
21% of its total surface area is devoted to protected areas and
reserves. |
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TIME ZONE: Costa Rica is in the Central Standard
Time Zone. Daylight Savings Time is not observed.
POLITICAL
& OTHER: Costa
Rica is a neutral country (armed forces abolished constitutionally in
1948), with a democratic tradition spanning more than 100 years. The World
Health Organization rates Costa Rican health services as some of the best
in the world. The official religion is Catholic, but freedom of practice
is constitutionally guaranteed. Literacy rates are among the highest in
Latin America and rival those of industrialized, developed
countries. |
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CLIMATE: Because of its topography and isthmus
conditions, Costa Rica has only two seasons per year, called the dry
(December through April), and rainy (May through November), seasons.
Temperate climate is the norm year round, with highs in the low 30ºC
during the day and lows of around 20ºC at night. Coastal areas tend to be
slightly warmer, while mountainous areas tend to be cooler.
CLOTHING:
Comfortable, lightweight clothing that can be layered is best. A jacket or
sweater is necessary for visits to higher altitudes.
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