Costa Rica offers political stability, a highly educated workforce, and strong sustainability practices. Its strategic location and modern infrastructure support business growth. Numerous free trade agreements make it ideal for global investment.
Costa Rican culture reflects its racial diversity, with a strong European influence visible in the official language, Spanish, and in the architecture of churches and historic buildings. While the indigenous influence is less prominent, it can be found in everyday elements such as tortillas in traditional meals and handmade ceramics sold at local markets.
A key aspect of Costa Rica's cultural legacy is its deep-rooted commitment to peace and democracy. Costa Ricans take pride in their nation’s over 100 years of democratic tradition and nearly half a century without a military. The army was abolished in 1948, and the resources saved are invested in improving the standard of living, fostering a culture of social peace that makes the country a pleasant and welcoming place to visit.
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Costa Rica's cultural richness stems from the diversity of its people. Throughout its history, the indigenous population has been joined by waves of immigrants from Europe, primarily Spain, as well as Africa, Asia, and other parts of the Americas, creating a vibrant blend of cultural influences.
Today, alongside the predominant mestizo population, there are various ethnic and immigrant groups preserving their cultural heritage, including African descendants, Chinese, Lebanese, Italian, and Hebrew communities, as well as indigenous groups such as the Bribri, Cabecar, Maleku, Teribe, Boruca, Ngöbe, Huetar, and Chorotega.
Costa Rica has one of the most advanced telecommunications infrastructures in Latin America, with fiber optic broadband offering speeds up to 1000 Mbps. Major providers like ICE (Kolbi), Liberty, and Tigo offer a range of services including cable, DSL, and fiber optics. The country is also in the process of deploying 5G networks, supported by the U.S., enhancing its digital economy. Costa Rica generates 99.9% of its electricity from renewable sources, primarily from hydroelectric, wind, and geothermal energy. The Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) manages most generation and transmission, making the country a global leader in clean energy and reducing its reliance on oil.
Water distribution is reliable across industrial and commercial sectors, with services provided by Acueductos y Alcantarillados, municipalities, and private companies. In regions like Heredia and Cartago, utilities like ESPH manage water supply, and SENARA grants permits for private wells. Costa Rica offers affordable public transportation, with extensive bus services and taxis. The focus is shifting towards more eco-friendly transport options in tourist areas, while domestic flights are popular for reaching remote destinations.
Are there Modern Medical Facilities?, Yes, Costa Rica has modern medical facilities, especially in the greater San José area, where several state-of-the-art hospitals operate with English-speaking doctors, including some from North America. Costa Rica is known for its excellent healthcare system, which combines both public and private sectors, providing high-quality medical care to locals and visitors alike. In case of emergencies, dialing 911 offers immediate assistance across the country.
Despite its small size and being a developing country, Costa Rica continues to lead in public healthcare development in 2024. The Costa Rican Social Security Service (CCSS) remains the backbone of healthcare, pensions, and social security. It offers two types of insurance: universal coverage, ensuring 100% of the population has access to healthcare, and contributory insurance, covering 87% of the population.
In 2024, Costa Rica maintains its position as a leader in health outcomes, with a life expectancy of 80 years, one of the highest in Latin America, and a low infant mortality rate of 8 per 1,000 live births. Advances in prenatal care and public health initiatives contribute to these successes
Costa Rica is widely recognized for its continuous investment in public education. By 2024, the country has around 6,200 schools and over 60 universities. The University of Costa Rica, established in 1940, was the only higher education institution until the creation of the Technological Institute of Costa Rica in 1971. Growth in the sector continued with the founding of the National University of Heredia (UNA) in 1973 and the Distance Education University (UNED) in 1977. The rise of private universities began in 1979 with the Autonomous University of Central America (UACA).
Costa Rica's political system continues to operate under three branches: the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Powers. Additionally, the Supreme Elections Tribunal (TSE), responsible for overseeing elections, is often referred to as the fourth power of the Republic due to its crucial role in ensuring fair and transparent elections. National elections are held every four years, during which the President of the Republic and other representatives are chosen through a direct, secret ballot system. Costa Rica remains a strong democracy, consistently ranked as one of the most stable in Latin America
Most government offices and banks in Costa Rica close on national holidays, but travelers can still exchange currency at hotels. It’s recommended to avoid street exchanges for safety. Major closures happen during Christmas, New Year's, and Holy Week, from Wednesday to Easter Sunday. Some holidays offer cultural festivities, like the Annexation of Guanacaste on July 25 and Carnival in Limón around October 12, both featuring vibrant parades and local traditions.
Costa Rica's official currency is the Costa Rican colón, but US dollars are widely accepted. Banks and hotels offer currency exchange services, and major credit cards are commonly used. Cash advances are also available at many banks. Government offices are typically open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, while most banks close between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Stores generally operate from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, with grocery stores open until 8:00 pm. Agriculture, including coffee, bananas, and pineapples, remains crucial, but tourism has become the leading source of revenue, contributing to job creation and biodiversity conservation.
Costa Rica is centrally located in the Americas, sharing the Central Time Zone with the USA. A direct flight from San José to Miami takes approximately 2.5 hours. This ideal geographic positioning makes Costa Rica a convenient hub for trade and business. The country has seven key customs points, located at the borders with Panama and Nicaragua, and at major Atlantic and Pacific ports, including the Juan Santamaria International Airport. These points are strategically important for international trade. Costa Rica's access to both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans makes it an attractive destination for over 236 major carriers. The Moin Port in Limon handles 60% of this traffic, while Caldera Port on the Pacific coast handles the rest. Transportation times from these ports to San José are relatively quick, taking about 5 to 6 hours.
