Geography

Costa Rica is situated in Central America , and it has an extension of 51000 Km2. It has an administrative division of seven provinces. Costa Rica’s territory is formed by valleys, mountain chains and volcanoes, four of which are active: Arenal, Rincón de la Vieja, Irazú and Poás. Its territorial limits to the north with Nicaragua, to the South with Panama, to the West with the Pacific Ocean and the East with the Atlantic Ocean.

Our country is gifted for having beautiful beaches of white sand, rivers, lakes, valleys and mountain chains presenting an amazing ecological panorama. The country has a biological system of conservation areas to preserve the species.

Population

Costa Rica has a population of 4 million inhabitants and approximately 1% of those are indigenous people.

History

Regardless of being a small country, both in geographical extension and population, Costa Rica stands out for having a democratic government. This is a country without army that instead of wasting money keeping an “armed team” spends its income on education and other topics of interest for the whole nation.

The democratic system states that power must be distributed in different bodies. This explains that existence of the three “powers” executive, parliament and judiciary and the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (body in charge of the presidential elections). Each one has specific functions and powers.

These bodies are not independent for they have the responsibility of controlling each other to assure their actions are in benefit of the citizens and not in benefit of a few.

In our country there are more than 12 zones of life, according to Holdrieschl’s scale. This occurs as a result of the abundance of micro-climates. This abundance has produced richness of flora and fauna transforming them in two of the richest of our planet. For its greenness and climate this is a country of eternal spring.

North Pacific.

This region includes the province of Guanacaste, one of the most folkloric ones of the country. Nowadays, it is one of the most visited zones in our country . In the city of  Liberia , you can find the second most important airports in Costa Rica. Many travelers, who want to visit and enjoy the marvels of the wonderful area, enter every day through this airport . One of the main features of this province is the great amount of beautiful beaches that are famous for the big quantity of tourists who visit them. Some recommended beaches are Flamingo , Punta Islita ,Playa Hermosa, Conchal, Tamarindo Beach and Samara. by the way , most of them are great spots for surfing..

Central Pacific.

One of the regions with the ''quickest access'' to beaches, it includes all Puntarenas and Caldera , Jaco and Playa Hermosa , as well as Quepos and Manuel Antonio Beach. In this area you can find  plenty of National Parks, among them we can find : Carara National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, which is a mandatory stop for all touristis , national and foreign. This region has many hotels located in the Peninsula of Nicoya. For getting there you will need to use the ferry. This tourist zone has a group of islands, nature reserve areas, natural refuges and beaches . Some of the better know tourist attractions are Isla Tortuga, and Reserva Unica Absoluta de Cabo Blanco. Lots of activities can be practiced by the visitors in the Central Pacific area, such as snorkeling, kayaking , diving , and horse back riding , among may others.

South Pacific.

One of the farthest zones of the country , and it is the '' cradle'' fo Corcovado National Park . It includes San Gerardo de Rivas home of the challenging Chirripo Hill ; Puerto Jimenez, Isla del Caño and the area of San Pedrillo of Corcovado National Park. The region has many accommodations places, either to visit Chirripo National Park or to visit Corcovado National Park, and to live an adventure it this marvelous places. In this area you can also find:

• La Amistad International Park
• Marino Ballena National Park
• Isla del Caño Biological Reserve.

Central Valley.

The Central Valley is located in the center of the country; it holds the Capital city and its sorroundings . In this area you will find all the hotels  of San Jose, Cartago, Heredia. Some other hotels are located in the Central Mountain Range. Talamanca`s Mountain Range and the surroundings of the Central Valley, Juan Santamaria International Airport is the most important of the country and it is located 2 kilometers from Alajuela and 17 kilometers from San Jose downtown.

Caribbean.

This region goes from the North Border (Nicaragua) to the South border (Panama). This is a zone of immigrats in which Caribbean rhythms from Jamaica , Trinidad and Tobado converge. In this region you will find the hotels of Tortuguero, Limon , Puerto Viejo of Talamanca, Bananito,Punta Cocles and Manzanillo Beach. The parks that stand out are Tortuguero National Park , Cahuita National Park and the protected area of wild life Manzanillo.

North Region.

The North region and the plains are at the north side of the Central Volcani Mountain Range System. This region is internationally famous for being the house of the most active volcano of the country, Arenal Volcano. It also has the hotels of Monteverde, San Carlos and those of the plains in the area of the Sarapiqui river. Some of the main tourist destinations in the zone are:

• Caño Negro Wild Life Refuge
• Arenal Volcano National Park
• Monteverde Cloud Forest
• Santa Elena Forest Reserve.