Costa Rica Information

Long controlled by Spain, Costa Rica gained its independence in 1821, and became a true Central
America success story.   Since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred its
democratic development.  Driven by agricultural products (especially coffee), and strong technology and
tourism industries, Costa Rica has a high standard of living, especially when compared to other nearby
countries.   Land ownership is widespread.  Dominated by mountains ranges replete with volcanoes, the
country has suffered through its share of eruptions, as well as devastating earthquakes.

Costa Rica is a stunning land, with much of it heavily forested. The coastal areas are ringed with mangrove
swamps, and beautiful white, sand beaches.

The overall climate is generally hot and rainy, with moderating conditions in the higher elevations.   The dry
season is from December to May and the wet season is from May to November.

Facts and Figures

• Official Name The Republic of Costa Rica
  

• Population 4,148,500
  

• Capital City San José (337,000) metro (1.5 mil)
  

• Languages Spanish (official), English
  

• Religions Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.3%, other Protestant
  0.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2%
  

• Land Area 51,060 sq km (19,714 sq miles) slightly smaller than West Virginia
  

• Highest Point Chirripo, 12,533 ft. (3,820 m)
  

• Terrain  Coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which
  several are major volcanoes.  Two active volcanoes rise near the capital of San Jose in the center of
  the country; one of the volcanoes, Irazu, erupted destructively in 1963-65.
  

• Natural Resources  Hydropower
  

• Land Use  Arable land (4.4%), permanent crops (5.9%), other (89.7%)
  

• Age Structure  0-14 years 29.5%; 5-64 years 65%; 65 years and over 5.5%
  

• Infant Mortality Rate  10 deaths for every 1000 live births
  

• Life Expectancy at Birth  Total population  76.6 years; male 74 years; female 79.3 years
  

• Ethnic Groups  White (including mestizo) 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%, Chinese 1%, other 1%
  

• Literacy defined as those age 15 and over who can read and write.  Total population 96% (2003 est.)
  

Government  Democratic republic

• Executive Branch  President Abel Pacheco, First Vice President Lineth Saborio, Second Vice
  President Luis Fishman (all elected May 2002).  President is both chief of state and head of
  government.  Cabinet is selected by the president.  President and vice presidents are elected on the
  same ticket by popular vote for four year terms.
  

• Legislative Branch  Unicameral Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa), 57 seats.  Members
  are elected by direct, popular vote to serve four year terms.
  

• Judicial Branch  Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) with 22 justices elected for eight year terms by
  the Asamblea Legislativa
  

Economy Overview  Costa Rica's basically stable economy depends on tourism, agriculture, and
electronics exports. Poverty has been substantially reduced over the past 15 years, and a strong social
safety net has been put into place. Foreign investors remain attracted by the country's political stability and
high education levels, and tourism continues to bring in foreign exchange. Low prices for coffee and
bananas have hurt the agricultural sector. The government continues to grapple with its large deficit and
massive internal debt. The reduction of inflation remains a difficult problem because of rises in the price of
imports, labor market rigidities, and fiscal deficits. Costa Rica recently concluded negotiations to
participate in the US - Central American Free Trade Agreement, which, if ratified by the Costa Rican
Legislature, would result in economic reforms and an improved investment climate.

• GDP per Capita  Purchasing power parity $9100 (2003 est.)
  

• Population Below Poverty Line  20.6% (2002 est.)
  

• Agriculture Products  Coffee, pineapples, bananas, sugar, corn, rice, beans, potatoes; beef; timber
  

• Industries  Microprocessors, food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer,
  plastic products
  

• Exports  Coffee, bananas, sugar; pineapples; textiles, electronic components, medical equipment
  

• Imports  raw materials, consumer goods, capital equipment, petroleum
  

• Currency Costa Rican Colon
  

• Exchange Rates  Costa Rican colones per US dollar - 398.663 (2003)
  

Sources:

• www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/cs.html
  
• www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/camerica/cr.htm