Costa Rica Maps

Costa Rica is often called the gem of Central America. The small country is one of the most diverse in the world, with climates ranging from beaches, to dessert, to lush and tropical forests.

Costa Rica, which has the largest density of species in the world, protects 23% of its land within the Protected Areas system. Although the country only holds about .1% of the world’s land mass, it contains 5% of the planet’s biodiversity.

With the banishment of the army in 1948, Costa Rica is a considered a peaceful nation with a flourishing democracy.

Costa Rica was given high ranks by the 2008 World Bank investment analysis. And it’s no wonder since the real estate market alone has doubled if not tripled in recent years, only just another great reason to invest here.

Environmentally, Costa Rica ranked number five in the world for its Environmental Performance Index in the study done by Yale and Columbia 2008.

Costa Rica is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south-east. Rich beaches surround most of the country to the East and West. Bordered by both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, a diversity of sand and sun await you.

Costa Rica attracts the most tourists in the region, with a $1.9 billion a year industry. Tourism went up again in 2007 with nearly 2 million foreign sight seers, according to country’s tourism institute.

Despite all the visitors, Costa Rica manages to preserve its miles of beaches and secluded wonders. It’s still possible to relax on a practically deserted beach, or swim under a waterfall in the emerald forest.

Adventure tourism is a big industry and eco-tourism is growing. But there are also hundreds of opportunities to relax in luxury. New 5-star resorts and spanning golf courses await travelers ready for relaxation.

For a simpler traveler, small quaint towns around the country host a slew of inexpensive lodgings, all kinds of food, and great ways to enjoy the countryside or beach.

For the adventurer, there are plenty of great activities all over the country. White water rafting, zip-line canopy tours through the rain forest, bungee jumping over raging rivers, kayaking, and hiking or mountain biking in some of the most beautiful areas of the world, are just some of the many adventures Costa Rica has to offer.