Costa Rica

Costa Rica Background

Costa Rica is a Central American success story: since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred its democratic development. Although still a largely agricultural country, it has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism sectors. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.

Costa Rica Information

• Population: 3,956,507 (July 2004 est.)
• Nationality: noun: Costa Rican(s) adjective: Costa Rican
• Location:: Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama
• Religions:: Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.3%, other Protestant 0.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2%
• Ethnic Groups:: white (including mestizo) 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%, Chinese 1%, other 1%
• Land Boundaries:: total: 639 km border countries: Nicaragua 309 km, Panama 330 km
• Area: total: 51,100 sq km water: 440 sq km note: includes Isla del Coco land: 50,660 sq km
• Coast Line: 1,290 km
• Climate: tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands
• Terrain: coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes
• Maritime Claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm
• Land Use: arable land: 4.41% permanent crops: 5.88% other: 89.71% (2001)
• Environmental Issues: deforestation and land use change, largely a result of the clearing of land for cattle ranching and agriculture; soil erosion; coastal marine pollution; fisheries protection; solid waste management; air pollution
• Natural Resources: hydropower
• Highways: total: 35,892 km paved: 7,896 km unpaved: 27,996 km (2000)
• Railways: total: 950 km narrow gauge: 950 km 1.067-m gauge (260 km electrified) (2003)
• Ports & Harbours: Caldera, Golfito, Moin, Puerto Limon, Puerto Quepos, Puntarenas
• Airports: 149 (2003 est.)