Full name: Republic of Costa Rica
Population: 4,000,000
Capital: San Jose
Size: 19,929 square miles, approximately the size of the state of West Virginia
Political System: Social Democracy
President: Abel Pacheco de la Espriella (term ends May 2006)
Provinces: San Jose, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Limon
Currency: Colón (named after Christopher Columbus) but the dollar is widely accepted
Language: Spanish
Major Industries: Tourism, coffee and banana exports, sugar cane processing, textiles, clothing production and electronics.
National Tree: Guanacaste Tree
National Flower: Guaria Morado Orchid

VOLCANOES
There is a large volcanic mountain range that spans the entire country of Costa Rica from north to south. In this mountain range, there are 112 volcanoes and there are 5 active or sem-active volcanoes. They are: Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja, Poás, Irazú and Turrialba. The others are non-active volcanoes. There are various tours and activities available and each of these different volcanoes, and at Irazú and Poás trails to the edge of the crater are open to the public.

TAXIS
There is some important transportation information you as a traveler should consider while in Costa Rica. If you do not have a planned transfer with private driver, and you need to use public transportation in Costa Rica, there are a couple options. You can use the city buses, which travel to virtually every place within the capital city of San Jose, and to the outskirts. You can also call or flag a taxi.

All taxis are red, and they use meters to record mileage and the charges. Rates may go up after 10 pm.

There are some taxis that may or may not be legal, so unless you are learned enough to identify one, the best idea is to call for a cab from your restaurant or hotel.

DAYLIGHTS HOURS
Costa Rica is only 10 degrees from the equator, and daylight savings times rules do not apply to this country. This country’s clock is set the same as Central Standard Time in the United States.

WATER
Unlike most countries in Central America, it is safe to drink the water in Costa Rica in every region of the country. However, it is always safe to err on the side of caution and buy bottled water if you are a wary traveler.

DEPARTURE TAXES
Before leaving Costa Rica, you will be required to pay a departure tax of $26 per person before you can check in to your flight at the airport. All Costa Rican nationals leaving the country are required to pay $46 per person.

CUISINE
Some of the most basic dishes in Costa Rica will mostly likely include rice and beans with a serving of salad and meat and/or fish.

Some popular dishes include: Gallo Pinto, which is a variety of condiments mixed with rice and beans and served for breakfast with eggs, cheese and toast, and Casados, which are typically a lunch or supper dish that is a side of rice and a side of beans accompanying a salad and steak.

Restaurants in San Jose:
La Princesa Marina, Ram Luna, Tiquicia, El pueblo, Le Monaster