Costa Rica

Costa Rica

area:	51,100sq km (19,730sq mi)
population:	3,906,742
capital (population):	San José (313,262)
government:	Multiparty republic
ethnic groups:	White 85%, Mestizo 8%, Black and Mulatto 3%, East Asian (mostly Chinese) 3%
languages:	Spanish (official)
religions:	Christianity (Roman Catholic 81%)
currency:	Colón = 100 céntimos

Republic in Central America; the capital is San José.

Land and climate

Central Costa Rica consists of mountain ranges and plateaux with many volcanoes. In the se, the densely populated Meseta Central and Valle del General have rich, volcanic soils. The highlands descend to the Caribbean lowlands and the Pacific coast region. San José stands at c.1170m (3840ft) above sea level, and has a pleasant climate with an average annual temperature of 20°C (68°F), compared with more than 27°C (81°F) on the coast. The ne trade winds bring heavy rains to the Caribbean coast. Evergreen forests (including mahogany and tropical cedar) cover c.50% of Costa Rica. Oaks grow in the highlands, palm trees along the Caribbean coast, and mangrove swamps are common on the Pacific coast.

History

In 1502 Christopher Columbus sailed along the Caribbean shore and named the land Costa Rica. Spanish for ‘rich coast’. The first Spanish colonizers arrive in 1561. Spain ruled the country until 1821, when Spain's Central American colonies broke away to join the Mexican empire. In 1823, the Central American states broke from Mexico and set up the Central American Federation. This union gradually disintegrated and Costa Rica achieved independence in 1838. In the 20th century, Costa Rica's reputation for stable, parliamentary government has twice been threatened. First, General Tinoco formed a dictatorship (1917–19). Second, a revolt in 1948 led to the abolition of the armed forces. José Figures served as President from 1953 to 1958 and again from 1970 to 1974. In 1987, President Oscar Arias Sánchez was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end the civil wars in Central America. In 2002 Abel Pancha won the Presidential elections.

Economy

Costa Rica is a lower-middle-income developing country. It is one of the most prosperous nations in Central America (2000 GDP per capita, US$6700). The country has high literacy and life expectancy (average 73.5 years). Agriculture employs 24% of the workforce. Major crops include coffee, bananas and sugar (all exported). Other crops include beans, citrus fruits, cocoa and maize. Cattle ranching is important. Costa Rica has rich timber resources, but lacks minerals (except bauxite and manganese). Tourism is a fast-growing industry.

Political map

Physical map

Websites

http://centralamerica.com/cr