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COSTA RICAAlthough explored by the Spanish early in the 16th century, initial attempts at colonizing Costa Rica proved unsuccessful due to a combination of factors, including: disease from mosquito-infested swamps, brutal heat, resistance by natives, and pirate raids. It was not until 1563 that a permanent settlement of Cartago was established in the cooler, fertile central highlands. The area remained a colony for some two and a half centuries. In 1821, Costa Rica became one of several Central American provinces that jointly declared their independence from Spain. Two years later it joined the United Provinces of Central America, but this federation disintegrated in 1838, at which time Costa Rica proclaimed its sovereignty and independence. Since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred the country's democratic development. Although it still maintains a large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread. WHEN TO GO The best time to visit Costa Rica depends on what you plan to do there. If the focus is on scuba diving and not much else, the dry season, December to April, will provide better visibility. FACTS ABOUT COSTA RICA - Location: Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama
- Geographic coordinates: 10 00 N, 84 00 W
- Area: 51,100 sq km
- Coastline: 1,290 km
- Max elevation: Cerro Chirripo 3,810 m
- Population: 4,195,914
- Capital: San Jose
- Government: Democratic republic
- Currency: Costa Rican colon (CRC)
- Internet Country Code: .cr
- Calling code: 506
- Ethnic groups: white (including mestizo) 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%, Chinese 1%, other 1%
- 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%
- Major Industries: Microprocessors, food processing, medical equipment, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products
- Natural resources: Hydropower
- 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
- Climate: Tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands
- Average sea surface temp: 28 °C
- Average annual rainfall: 1,100 mm in the central valley to 4,300 mm in the Pacific and Atlantic coastal regions
- Average annual tourist arrivals: 1,905,331
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