The state religion is Catholicism, which is practiced by 85% of the population. Protestantism is also widespread (professed by about 10% of the population).
Transport in Costa Rica
The best means of transportation both in the country and in the cities is the bus. The network of routes covers almost the entire territory of Costa Rica, and buses run regularly. It should be borne in mind that buses must be boarded at bus stations or final stops. From San Jose, none of the routes goes through the airport, so you will have to take a taxi to the bus station located in the center of San Jose. A trip from the city to the airport (about 20 km) will cost 20 – 25 $.
During the rainy season, the roads are often washed out, so it is better to travel by plane. Domestic transportation is carried out by the national airline SANSA. It is also possible to hire a helicopter.
The railway network is practically non-existent.
There are both international and local car rental companies in the country. Some of the rental companies: ADA, Adobe, Mapache. Depending on the car class, the rental price can vary from $25 to $100 per day ($250 – $500 per week). The price also depends on the season, during the period of greatest attendance it can be one and a half times more. The rental price does not include the cost of gasoline. At the end of the machine’s useful life, it must be returned with a full tank. A valid driver’s license and passport is required to rent, and the driver must be over 21 years of age. To rent a car, you need a credit card balance of more than $1,000. If you do not know the city well, then you should not take a car – the city road network is quite complicated, and there are no signs. For trips outside the cities you need to take an SUV,
Plant and Animal World in Costa Rica
The flora and fauna of Costa Rica is truly unique. Its small territory contains 70% of all existing plant species, 850 bird species and 5% of the biodiversity of the entire planet.
2/3 of the country’s territory is covered with forests. In the lowlands and up to an altitude of 650 m, evergreen humid tropical forests dominate, in which palm trees, red, pink, and ebony trees are found. They reach 40 – 45 m in height. The lower tier of forests is occupied by vines, epiphytes, flowers and mosses. Here grows the largest number of species of orchids (over 1200). From an altitude of 1800 m, evergreen forests give way to oak forests with laurel undergrowth. On volcanic cones there are meadows used for pastures. The Pacific coast is characterized by mimosas savannahs and forests shedding their leaves during the dry season. On the central plateau, almost all the forests have been cut down, and the land has been plowed up.
Characteristic representatives of the fauna of Costa Rica are monkeys, puma, jaguar, tapir, armadillo, porcupine. In coastal waters there are a large number of fish (flying fish, swordfish, tuna, sailfish). In the north-east of the country, in the Tortuguero region, there are beaches that are one of the few and largest places on Earth where huge endangered green sea turtles lay their eggs.
Minerals in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is not rich in minerals. Iron ore, sulfur, bauxite, copper, manganese are mined here, there are small deposits of silver and gold.
Banks in Costa Rica
Banks are open from Monday to Friday, from 9.00 to 17.00. In San Jose, banks may remain open until 6 pm, and some even later. On Saturday banks are open from 9.00 to 14.00. Sunday is a day off.
Money in Costa Rica
The monetary unit of Costa Rica is the colon (CRC). There are banknotes in circulation in denominations of 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 colones, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 colones.
Currency can be exchanged at the airport, any bank, at an exchange office, at a hotel. A passport is required for the exchange. Hand exchange is illegal.
Credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, American Express) are accepted in restaurants, shops, hotels and car rentals.
Rate: 1000 Costa Rican Colon (CRC) = 1.59 USD
Political State in Costa Rica
According to politicsezine, Costa Rica is a republic. The head of state and government is the president, who is elected every 4 years. Legislative power is vested in a unicameral legislature. The current constitution was adopted in 1949. According to the constitution, the country does not have a regular army. Costa Rica is considered the most stable democratic country in Latin America.
The country is a member of the UN, FAO, IMF, WHO, ILO and the Organization of American States.
Population in Costa Rica
The population of Costa Rica is 3.8 million people. This country accounts for the largest number of descendants of Spanish immigrants than the rest of Central America. Their share, together with mestizos (descendants of Europeans and local residents), is 94% of the total population. About 3% of the population are blacks, 1% are Indians. About 1% of the population are Chinese, Germans, Americans and Italians.
Language:
The official language is Spanish. Many residents speak English, especially in tourist centers.
Cuisine in Costa Rica
The cuisine is based on rice, black beans and meat. Then there are various variations with sauce, onions and vegetables. Few spices are put in dishes, but there is always a bottle of chili or ketchup on the table. The tastiest thing is casados (casados) – a mixture of rice and beans with various vegetables. This mixture is eaten with beef, pork or chicken. Worth a try: baked fish a la plancha (a la plancha); patties stuffed with beef, cheese or chicken arreglados (arreglados); sea fish boiled in lemon juice, seasoned with onion and coriander ceviche (ceviche) and shells conchas (conchas). Due to the diversity of the climate in Costa Rica, a wide variety of fruits (from apples to pineapples) and vegetables are grown.
The main alcoholic drink is rum. The best rums are Centenario, Abuelo, Cacique and Platino. Coffee liqueur Cafe Rica is popular, as well as light beers Imperial, Bavaria and Pilsen.
