Costa Rica is a country full of surprises. There are many things that may astound people who wish to visit this beautiful piece of paradise. Costa Rica has been without an active army since 1948. Costa Rica has used the resources formerly devoted to the military to advance education and provide one of the best social service systems in Latin America. Primary, Secondary, and even Public Universities make free education available for those who dedicate themselves to their studies.
Costa Rican Pineapple
Many people think of coffee when they think of Costa Rica, but the country is also the biggest supplier of pineapple to Europe, the US, and Russia. Costa Rica accounted for 82% of all EU, US, and Russian imports in 2010. This is an increase of 78% from 2009
Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast is populated by people of Jamaican and west indies decent and it feels like a Caribbean Island and is almost a Country in and of itself.
Costa Rica has a commitment to a greener future. Costa Rica’s goal of becoming the first carbon-neutral country is set to be realized in 2021. 90% of Costa Rican electricity comes from renewable sources, such as wind, hydro, and geothermal. Approximately 25% of Costa Rican land has been preserved as national parks. Costa Rica’s highest peak is Mount Chirripo at 12,500 feet above sea level.
Costa Rica has 13 microclimates. From high plateau cloud forests, huge grasslands, to Caribbean mangrove forests, Costa Rica has it all. 6% of the world’s biodiversity lies within Costa Rica. 10% of all known butterflies can be found in Costa Rica as well.
The Money of Costa Rica is the Colon. Dollars are accepted in almost all locations. Euro’s might only be exchanged in Large Supermarkets and Banks. The approximate Currency Conversion is 500 Colones to 1 Dollar which fluctuates somewhat. The Printing of the 50,000 Colon Bill as an equivalent to a 100$ bill is further proof that the Costa Rican National Bank is committed to maintaining the exchange rate as close to ($C)500 to (US)$1 as they can.