COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is a small, yet remarkably influential country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
Internationally acclaimed for its extraordinary natural beauty, Costa Rica is equally recognized for its enduring social stability, peaceful governance, and commitment to human development.
The country has upheld a democratic political system for over a century, with active participation from both women and men in national leadership and decision-making. Notably, Costa Rica abolished its army in 1949, choosing instead to invest in its people.
Today, the country allocates approximately 6% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to education and healthcare – among the highest in Latin America.
Its Political Constitution guarantees free and compulsory primary education, reflecting a national commitment to equal opportunity.
Nearly 100% of school-age children are enrolled in primary education, and around 80% continue into secondary education; forming the foundation of a literate, skilled, and civically engaged population.
This is significantly higher than many other Central American countries, where secondary education enrollment often doesn’t exceed 30%.
The Blue Morpho butterfly
(Morpho peleides)
Costa Rica is globally recognized for its rich biodiversity, with the highest species density per square kilometer in the world. Its diverse flora and fauna, along with scenic landscapes, make it a unique ecological gem.
Thanks to its geographical location, Costa Rica enjoys a tropical climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons. The dry season lasts from December to April, while the rainy season extends from May to November.
Costa Rica boasts a high standard of healthcare, ranking #1 in Latin America for health services, according to the World Health Organization.
The official language spoken in Costa Rica is Spanish, although most tourism industry employees and many locals also speak English.
