Costa Rica is a democratic republic with an estimated population of approximaely four million five hundred people on 19,575 sq mi (50,700 sq km). It is bordered to the north by Nicaragua, on the east by the Caribbean Sea, on the south (southeast) by Panama, and on the west (southwest) by the Pacific Ocean. Remember that Costa Rica's location on the Central American Isthmus is not straight north/south, but instead is on an angle.. The capital and largest city is San José with a population of over 3 million people. In addition to the capital, other important cities are Jaco Beach, Alajuela, Heredia, Escazu, Santa Ana, Cariari, Puntarenas, Jaco, Liberia, Limon and Cartago. 

Costa Rica People
Costa Rica is the most stable country in Latin America. Costa Rica has a long traditon of democratic government, an incredible literacy rate of over 90%, and no military. Most of the population of Costa Rica is of Spanish descent. The official language is Spanish, although Costa Rica has become a melting pot in recent years and a variety of languages are spoken. English is unofficially the second language as American and Canadian tourists make up a large amount of the tourish business in Costa Rica. The official religion is Roman Catholic, with 95% of the population, but freedom of religion is open and encouraged.

Costa Rica Resources
Costa Rica is traditionally and still to this day is mostly an agricultural country, but Industry is being developed at a moderate pace. Industries include food processing, medical device manufacturing and the manufacture of textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, and electronics. Intel is now Costa Rica's largest employer. Coffee, bananas, sugar, and beef are exported, as well as manufactured goods such as textiles. Petroleum, machinery, consumer durables, chemicals, and foodstuffs are imported. Tourism and eco-tourism is the second biggest money earner, after agriculture.

Costa Rica Government
The country is governed under the 1949 constitution. The president, a strong executive, serves a four-year term and may not be immediately reelected. In 2010, the forward thinkiing Costa Rican's elected the first woman President, Laura Chinchilla. The legislature is also elected for four years. There are numerous political parties in Costa Rica. There is a national government, state government and local or municipal governments.

Costa Rica Education and Schools
After abolishing its military in 1949, Costa Rica has invested heavily in education and boasts a literacy rate that rivals even developed countries. Every Costa Rican child is required to attend school. Public School days last half day with teachers teaching two separate classes (one in the morning and one it the afternoon). Children are required to wear uniforms. Costa Rica's education system is one of the best in Latin America, though it is well below an average public school in the United State or Canada. There are also many private schools in Costa Rica that are known for education programs that rival private school programs in developed countries.

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