Where Am I Going?
Costa Rica (meaning "Rich Coast") is located in Central America. It is bordered by Nicaragua to the North, the Pacific Ocean to the East, Panama to the South and the Caribbean Sea to the West.
Here is some general information about Costa Rica:
- Population: 4.5 million
- Geography: 19,730 sq. miles
- Capital: San Jose
- Languages: Spanish (official), English
- Government: Democratic Republic
- President: Luis Guillermo Solis (2014)
- Flag Colors: Blue, White, Red
- Country Motto: "Pura Vida" meaning great or pure life
- Diversity
- European
- Spaniard
- African
- Asian
- American
Climate
Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons (rainy and dry). During my time in Costa Rica, I will be experiencing the dry season. During the months of December through March, the temperature will range from 70s to 80s, with little rain. The weather does vary depending on which region you are in, however. I am looking forward to experiencing the beautiful weather, that's for sure!
Currency
The form of currency in Costa Rica is called the Colon. Below you can see the Costa Rican exchange rate.
Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons (rainy and dry). During my time in Costa Rica, I will be experiencing the dry season. During the months of December through March, the temperature will range from 70s to 80s, with little rain. The weather does vary depending on which region you are in, however. I am looking forward to experiencing the beautiful weather, that's for sure!
Currency
The form of currency in Costa Rica is called the Colon. Below you can see the Costa Rican exchange rate.
School Systems
Education in Costa Rica can be split into three sections: pre-education (before age 7), primary education (ages 7-12), and secondary school (ages 12-18). Education is generally free and is mandated by law. Because of this, Costa Rica has a very high literacy rate. Primary education is attended by most every child, but once a child hits secondary schooling, he or she has a choice to make; he or she can attend an academic school (5 years) or technical school (6 years). Both types enable students to receive high school diplomas. Students can attend public or private schools as well.
Education in Costa Rica can be split into three sections: pre-education (before age 7), primary education (ages 7-12), and secondary school (ages 12-18). Education is generally free and is mandated by law. Because of this, Costa Rica has a very high literacy rate. Primary education is attended by most every child, but once a child hits secondary schooling, he or she has a choice to make; he or she can attend an academic school (5 years) or technical school (6 years). Both types enable students to receive high school diplomas. Students can attend public or private schools as well.
Popular Dishes
- Casado or Comida Tipica is the most popular dish in Costa Rica. It includes a variety of vegetables, rice, and meat (beef, pork, steak, fish, or chicken). It is important to note the rice and beans are served separate of each other in this dish.
- Ceviche is a popular appetizer. It consists of raw fish marinated in citrus juices with herbs and veggies.
- Gallo Pinto is a popular breakfast dish containing rice, beans, eggs, beef, plantains, and tortillas and is normally served with Salsa Lizano.
Common Phrases
The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish, therefore a majority of the phrases used are in this language. However, there are a few phrases specific to the locals which are used on a normal basis. Below is a chart of the translation, phrase, and pronunciation!\
Holidays
- January 1st: New Year's Day
- Street festivals, food, fireworks to celebrate the new year
- March/April: Easter Week
- Holy week: parades, vacations
- April 11: Juan Santamaria Day
- Honor nation's hero who helped Costa Rica defeat the Fillibusters
- May 1st: Labor Day
- Day off of work
- July 25: Annexation of Guanacaste Day
- Guanacaste chose to be a part of Costa Rica instead of Nicaragua
- Sept. 15: Independence Day
- Celebration of independence from Spain
- Nov. 2: All Soul's Day
- Paying respect to ones who have passed
- Dec. 25: Christmas Day