Costa Rica At a Glance
(Click on links to the left for more detail)

Area: 50,895 square kilometers

Capital: San José (pop. 300,000)

Population: 3,834,934

Location: Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama

Climate: Tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands

Terrain: Coastal plains separated by rugged mountains

Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is spoken in many tourist areas.

Electricity: 110-volt AC is found nationwide

Water: Safe to drink in all areas of the country.

Currency: Costa Rican Colon

Time Zone: Standard Time (GMT -6), no daylight savings.

Business Hours: Government offices - 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Commercial offices - 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Stores and other businesses - 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Churches: Predominantly Catholic

Religion: 90% Catholic

Communications: Direct-dial service, facsimiles, telex, radio, Internet access, cable television, bilingual operator assistance

Government: Democratically elected republic.