Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a peaceful country between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and the „Ticos“ (as the Costa Ricans call themselves) are proud to be the oldest democracy on the American continent – freedom, respect and tolerance are in Costa Rica at the top.
The country is considered one of the most progressive in Latin America. Already more than 60 years ago, the military was abolished and later the unarmed neutrality declared and that is why sometimes called “ the Switzerland of Central America“. The funds released from military are invested in education and healthcare. The illiteracy rate is also very low by global standards. The life expectancy of the Costa Ricans is the highest in South America. There is no extreme poverty like in other Latin American countries. Socio-political measures have succeeded in maintaining a democracy that has been stable for decades, free from the social and political unrest of the surrounding Latin American countries.
The small Central American country is no longer just a banana republic or coffee exporter. Costa Rica relies on an ecological development of the country. Almost 100% of the electricity is generated from renewable energy sources.
Mainly the economy is based on tourism today. At the same time, ecotourism is particularly promoted. About 27% of Costa Rica’s area is protected and there are a variety of biological reserves and national parks.
Costa Rica has become a coveted destination for Europeans and Americans. The country is also becoming increasingly popular for student exchanges, internships and volunteer services.
So you get to know a country that has a lot of familiar but is really different from what a normal „Central European or American“ knows: Costa Rica is exotic !! The culture, the tropical climate and the diverse landscape with beaches, mountains, rain and cloud forest, pastures, volcanoes and jungle and the species-rich wildlife are different from anything you have experienced so far – it is a unique experience. Costa Rica is also adventure!
Not only the large natural biodiversity, but also the cultural diversity make the country exciting.
On the Atlantic coast you will experience a colorful bustle of live music with reggae rhythms, Caribbean food, white and black beaches, turquoise water at 28C. The people of Jamaican origin speak patois, an English-based creole language.
In the Central Highlands, the so-called Valle Central – also called the „Valley of Eternal Spring“ – live on about 1100m, the rather quiet city dwellers.
In Guanacaste, on the Pacific side in the north-west, you’ll meet Costa Rican cowboys wearing hat, boots, machete and lasso, gathering their herds on horses …
As you can see, the tropical climate has given rise to the country’s geographic diversity, very different landscapes and different lifestyles.
But nothing affects the friendliness and openness of the people. According to a study by the NEF (New Economic Foundation), Costa Rica is the happiest country in the world with the most content people! This positive attitude to life is not only noticeable, but also contagious and everywhere the Costa Rican motto applies
¡Pura vida!
Costa-ricanisches Tourismusbüro: www.visitcostarica.com
Botschaft von Costa Rica in USA: http://www.costarica-embassy.org.de/
