Costa Rica
By Sabina and Bhavya
Geography
Costa Rica is in the heart of Central America. It touches the Atlantic and Pacific ocean covering 19,652 square miles. It only takes 3 hours to travel across Costa Rica and 45 minutes by plane. Costa Rica covers 0.03% of the surface of the globe. North of Costa Rica is Nicaragua and south to Costa Rica is Panama. It is a democratic republic. San José is the capital of Costa Rica.
Tourism
Beaches
Costa Rica is famous for it’s beaches. You can sport fish, snorkel, sunbath and surf. Costa Rica is covered with volcanoes, rain forests, waterfalls and rivers. Adventure travelers choose activities like hiking, rafting and kayaking.
Biodiversity
Costa Rica is divided into 20 natural parks, 8 biological reserves and a number of protected areas. Ecotourism lovers naturally love the turtle nesting that happens every year. Costa Rica has natural canals with protected crocodiles, manatees and otters.
Canopy Tour
The Canopy tour is the perfect way to feel like a monkey traveling through the treetops. It is a zip line. When you go through you can see mountains, rivers, canyons, waterfalls and clouds.
Culture
Languages
The native language is spanish. Traditional languages are Bribri, Maleku, Guaymí, Cabécar and Boruca. However, the native people are not many.
Clothing
Costa Rican woman usually wear frilly dresses with bright colors. Costa Rican men usually wear plain colored shirts and pants with a cowboy type hat.
Food
"Gallo Pinto" and "Aroz Con Pollo" are two national Costa Rican foods.
Religion
Most people in Costa Rica are Catholic, though some are Protestants.
Weather
The summer season is from December through April
President
Laura Chinchilla is the first female president of Costa Rica.
Currency
Colon is the currency of Costa Rica. 1 Ringit equals 165.54 Colons and a US dollar equals 499.75 Colons.
Population
There are 4797498 people in Costa Rica right now. Every hour there 8 births, 2 deaths and 2 immigrants.
Flag
Red-Hardiness, Bravery, Strength & Valor
Blue-Vigilance, Truth, Loyalty, Perseverance and Justice
Coat of arms-Covering the coat of arms are two branches of myrtle representing peace in Costa Rica. The volcanoes represent Costa Ricas mountains. The two oceans represent the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The ships sailing on the oceans represent the cultural and comercial exchange between Costa Rica and the rest of the world. The rising sun represents Costa Ricas prosperity. The seven stars above the volcanoes represent the seven provinces of Costa Rica.
Thank You
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107430.html
http://www.visitcostarica.com/ict/paginas/home.asp?ididioma=2
http://knowaboutcostarica.com/Costa_Rica_Language.html
http://www.tourism.co.cr/costa-rica-art-and-culture/costa-rica-food-and-cuisine/costa-rica-food.html
and Google
P.S. Did you know there was a beach in Cost Rica called Whale Tail beach?!