Things to know about Costa Rica
Posted in Costa Rica on Oct 22nd, 2008
Some things to know about Costa Rica
- Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948. Jose Figueres Ferrer, the founder of the modern Costa Rican state, was influenced by H.G. Wells’ “Outline of History” which he read in 1920 while studying at MIT. Figueres believed that “The future of mankind cannot include armed forces; Police, yes, because people are imperfect.” Costa Rica has no armed forces and has not had a civil war or guerilla insurgency plague its people since 1948. Costa Ricans are a people who are used to peace.
- Costa Rican spending on its social programs is on par with those of Scandinavian countries.
- Intel’s only microprocessor factory in latin America is located in Costa Rica. This factory accounts for 20% of Costa Rica’s exports.
- Costa Rica is trying to become a carbon neutral nation by 2012.
- It provides most of its own power through hydro-electric and wind technology.
- It has only about 0.1% of the world’s landmass, it contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity.
- Costa Rica has designated 25% of its land mass as protected areas and parks. This is the highest percentage in the world.
Arenal Volcano Costa Rica
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Very interesting Costo Rica is one of my favorite countries came very close to buying some land there but the deal fell through.
Claude
Sorry to hear that. If you have the cash this is a good time to buy land. You can buy beach front property for a fraction of what you pay in the US. More and more land is being being protected against development so now is the time to get in.
I enjoyed your post on Costa Rica - it is certainly one of the places I have heard alot about in this past year. I especially appreciate your first point in your post - a peaceful country - WOW! imagine that.
Are you writing as a resident - or have you experienced Costa Rica as a visitor?
Nan
My history with Costa Rica goes way back. My father is North American and my mother is Costa Rican. We lived in South America and Africa when I was a kid. Every summer the company paid for us to fly home. We would stop in Costa Rica and stay with relatives. In spent my junior year in high school in Costa Rica. Since graduating I have returned many times for visits, weddings and vacations.
I’m well acquainted with the country but there is still a lot I haven’t seen. Costa Rica is a small country but it has a bewildering amount of scenery and landscape. I see something new every time I go which thus far is usually once a year. My visit in December will be my second this year.
It helps that airfare from Florida to Costa Rica is relatively cheap and that the dollar goes a long way down there (if you know how to travel).
I also quite like Costa Rica. I had the pleasure of going there a few years ago and plan on going back in March 09.
It’s such a beautiful place and the fruits and fish make it a MUST place to visit … of course the fact that it’s almost paradise on earth doesn’t hurt either.
Miss Gisele B.
Costa Rica is a great place to visit. I’ll be going there in December. Can’t wait!
I agree Costa rica is a good place to visit, my family is going there soon.
I’ve wanted to go to Costa Rica ever since I started college ( all of 2 years ago. ). But I know next to nothing about it, other than it’s supposed to be beautiful and fairly safe to visit.