The Republic of Costa Rica is a unique state with a rich nature. This is a country reserve, in which the rarest representatives of the animal and plant world live. This is a country with an amazing landscape: the mountain slopes and volcanoes are adjacent to the golden sandy beaches, evergreen forests - with extensive savannahs. The capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, also has many surprises. Let's find out more about this magical place.
Costa Rica on a Map of Central America
Costa Rica is a small state located in Central America. Its neighbors are Panama and Nicaragua, and it is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean in the southwest and the Caribbean Sea in the northeast. This geographical position gave Costa Rica unique climatic features.
The capital of Costa Rica is the city of San Jose. It is interesting that the country owes its name to an interesting accident. Its discoverer
Christopher Columbus, seeing expensive jewelry on many local residents, found this country incredibly rich and called it Costa del Oro. From Spanish, this translates as "golden coast". Later, the region was renamed Costa Rica. This name has a similar meaning and means “rich coast”. And although there was no gold in the country, this is offset by a truly amazing nature.
Unique natural attractions
Costa Rica is a country famous for its natural resources. Tourists from all over the planet come here to admire the local volcanoes - there are 120 of them, more than half active. Amazing flora and fauna fascinates; 70% of the planet's plants and 850 species of birds are found here. The conservation zone makes up more than a quarter of the entire territory of the republic. In addition, the country is famous for its caves and reserves.
Costa Rica is a country in Latin America, which miraculously combines different climatic zones. Therefore, each part of the republic is rich in its sights. Perhaps the most interesting from this point of view is its northwest. Nature reserves and botanical gardens, a unique whale bay and hot springs invariably attract travelers. It is simply amazing that so much beauty is gathered in one place - the Republic of Costa Rica. The capital of the state is no less attractive and enchanting. Note that this is the largest and most populous city in the country.
San Jose - the capital of the republic
San Jose is the heart of the Republic of Costa Rica. The capital, whose airport, by the way, is the main air gateway to the country and the third in Latin America in terms of quality of service, captivates from the first minutes of its stay. Its inhabitants are invariably benevolent and good-natured, and panoramas are eye-catching and will forever remain in the heart.
This amazing city unites, perhaps, all that Costa Rica is so famous for. The capital of which country, besides this one, boasts such a bizarre combination of unspoiled wildlife and modern civilization? From anywhere in the city you can see picturesque green landscapes and majestic mountains. The capital of Costa Rica is not only rich in flora, but also in an unusual mixture of architecture: old Spanish houses here are adjacent to modern buildings made in the neoclassical style.
Moreover, what is most surprising, they all harmoniously combine and complement each other. Numerous museums, majestic temples and the National Theater, which is a true architectural landmark of the Republic of Costa Rica, can be confidently added to the list of the most interesting places in the city. The capital of San Jose is deservedly considered the most beautiful settlement in Latin America.
The happiest state
Three years ago, British analysts ranked the happiest states in the world. Interestingly, the first position in it was taken by Costa Rica. The "Country of Happiness" has earned this status due to its high economic performance - it is one of the most prosperous countries in Latin America. In addition, the average life expectancy of Costa Ricans is one of the highest on the planet - about 77 years. However, as well as the literacy rate of the population is approximately 96%.
A country without an army
Another of the features of the republic is that Costa Rica is a country without an army. This is the only neutral state in all of America. The republic completely abandoned the use of the army almost 70 years ago. And now the only power agency in it is the police. By the way, this is a safe state, the crime rate in it is extremely low. The greatest danger in Costa Rica is minor pickpocketing that can easily be avoided if the simplest precautions are followed.
Magical holidays in Costa Rica
The unique natural wealth and abundance of attractions make Costa Rica an ideal country for travel. Moreover, there is a place for lovers of both active tourism and beach holidays. The coast of Costa Rica impresses with its beauty: it is covered with incredible snow-white, golden and even black sand. At the same time, you can not only sunbathe here, but also go surfing, diving or fishing.
You can also get great pleasure from shopping. There are few fashion shops, but there are an abundance of craft shops where you can buy wooden and coral jewelry, as well as ceramic products and famous local brands.
The national cuisine of Costa Rica is a bizarre mix of Indian and Spanish gastronomic traditions and is distinguished by its spiciness and richness. The dishes are based on rice, herbs, a variety of fruits and, of course, seafood. The true attraction of the country is coffee - it is famous all over the world.
So unique and amazing appears before us Costa Rica. The reserve country, the happiest state, a unique climate and nature - and at the same time a favorable economic situation and excellent infrastructure. All this makes Costa Rica irresistible in the eyes of travelers from around the world.