Costa Rica Local Facts
Costa Rica, a democratic, free and independent republic, is a small 
country in territory, but big in ecological diversity and in tourist destinations. Our mountains, forests, beaches and rivers continue to draw visitors from all over the world.
Our country is divided in 7 counties: Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limón, Puntarenas and San José, the capital and economic center. The monetary unit is the colón, that is divided in 100 cents (at the moment 500 colones are equal to 1 American dollar).
The Costa Rican territory measures near 31,727 square miles. It borders to the southeast with Panama, to the north with Nicaragua; to the east with the Caribbean Sea and to the south and west with the Pacific Ocean.
Cocos Island, transformed into a national park and located about 300 miles to the Southwest of the Osa peninsula, in the Pacific Ocean and is part of the Costa Rican territory.
The country possesses two important air accesses. One is the international airport Juan Santamaría, located in Alajuela, 18 kms from San José and Daniel Oduber Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste, 234 Kms from San José.
In addition, there is an airport located just minutes from Quepos which receives charter commuter flights from both San Jose and Guanacaste. 
Costa Rica’s location allows for an abundance of tropical forests at various altitudes. This makes Costa Rica home to a great quantity of animal species. Costa Rica is committed to protecting species in danger of extinction.
Twenty-five percent (25%) of its total surface is protected as national parks and natural reservations.
Surfing lovers also flock to Costa Rica. The climate, easy access, and great waves attract thousands of visitors every year to enjoy their favorite sport.
