In the last decade the central Pacific coast has seen an explosion of foreign investment. Property values continue to rise as new developments appear around the country. Costa Rica offers investors a financially secured environment outside of the United States.

Background:

Costa Rica has a long history of success & independence with rich cultural traditions. Costa Rica gained it's Independence from Spain in 1821 and celebrates this day on Sept. 15th. The constitution was written in 1949 and has many concepts borrowed from the US constitution.

Economy:

Costa Rica's economy is heavily dependent upon tourism, agriculture and the technology sectors. The economy is stable and the production of textile and general goods is increasing at a rapid rate to meet the needs of this growing nation. The incredible bio-diversity of the land creates an abundance many natural resources. Foreign investors have always been attracted to Costa Rica because of the country's economic and political stability.

The main exports are coffee, bananas, sugar; pineapples; textiles, electronic components, medical equipment and imports are raw materials, consumer goods, capital equipment, petroleum. Their main trading partner is the US which accounts for roughly 50% of the imports and exports.

The People:

The people of this country are a considerate and friendly people characterized by their simple lifestyle. The standard of living is much higher in Costa Rica than in surrounding countries. Land ownership is widespread and demonstrates a growing middle class and social stability. Costa Rica is thus considered an ideal place to live by many ex-patriots from around the world.

Geography:

Costa Rica is nestled in the southern end of the Central American Isthmus, bordering Nicaragua to the North and Panama to the South. The entire Western Coast offers a long expanse of pristine coastline along the deep blue Pacific Ocean. The East coast has white sand beaches and crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. The territory has an area of about 51,000 square kilometers (the equivalent of West Virginia) and a population of 5 million.

Costa Rica is world renowned for its diversity in climate, plant and animal life. This abundance of flora and fauna compliments the majestic natural beauty of the country. The coastlines have numerous virgin beaches that alternate with rocky points and divide each bay as you move along the coastal terrain. Costa Rica has been noted for its efforts in preserving the natural beauty of the country with a well developed national park system and a long list of biological conservation programs that protect over 25% of the country's surface.

The terrain has been sculpted by ages of volcanic activity and there are several famous active volcanoes in the central regions. The country is mainly mountainous in the Central Valley and levels out as you move towards the coastal areas. In these lower areas there are numerous rivers and streams that serve to relieve that enormous amount of rain that can occur in the rainy season.

Climate:

The Central Valley is said to have the healthiest climate in the world for overall health and well-being. This has made Costa Rica an ideal place in which to retire. The climate varies between lush tropical conditions throughout the country during the rainy season (May to November) and sub-tropical and much dryer conditions during the months of December to April. It also varies from the Central Valley to a more mild climate that is found in the coastal and lower lying communities.

Language:

The official Language is Spanish and the Costa Rican dialect is distinct from other Spanish speaking countries. The school system encourages all students to study English and it is often not-surprising that many have mastered the English language.

Currency:

The colone is the official currency. Exchanging US dollars is quite easy and US currency is accepted nearly anywhere in the country. It is always a good idea to know the correct exchange rate but most exchanges are honest and fair.

Religion:

The official religion is Roman Catholic. The Costa Rican Constitution protects ones right to religious freedom.

Government:

The government of Costa Rica is a democratic republic with a Legislative, Executive and Judicial branch. The government of Costa Rica can be praised in many ways. Here is some notable achievements:

• 1821: Costa Rica establishes the what is to become the longest standing peaceful democracy in Latin America.
• 1869: Education is declared free and obligatory for all citizens.
• 1882: Capital punishment is abolished.
• 1949: Armed forces were disbanded and in 1983, a State Of Perpetual Neutrality was proclaimed.
• 1996: costa rica was awarded the nobel price for peace.
• 2003: Several prestigious international human rights organizations are headquartered in Costa Rica.

Communications:

Comminications in Costa Rica has undergone rapid improvement in recent years. Phone service, cell phone services, internet access, Dish Network and Direct TV are all now readily available in ever expanding areas. High speed access is available in many areas of San Jose and surrounding municipalities and is rapidly expanding its service area.

Transportation:

All international travel is done through the heart of the country, the Juan Santa María Airport in Alajuela, near San José. The Liberia International Airport in the Guanacaste (Northern) province has also been getting increased use as the area is rapidly growing. Charter air services are readily available in many of these airports, such as: Bejuco, Esterillos, Hermosa, Palmar Sur, Jiménez, Tamarindo, Barra del Colorado, Limón, Quepos, Golfito, Coto .. etc. The main form of public transportation in the country is the bus system. This is a cost efficient and punctual way in which you can travel around the country.

Health & Medicine:

CIMA is a new high tech hospital with state of the art equipment, located in Escazu, a suburb of San Jose. There are regional hospitals and smaller clinics in many parts of the country. Plastic surgery has been on the rapid increase as many foreigners have found that while the results are the same, the cost of the procedures is greatly below that of the United States prices.