Tourism has a big role to play in the economy with 3 million people visiting there in 2023. When one considers the support industries involved and the numbers they employ in hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, visitor centres, foodstuff manufacturing facilities, maintenance crews, transportation, staff at various sites, the construction industry, finance and insurance companies, it has a major impact on the economy of the country. A small number of cruise ships dock there. The languages spoken are Spanish, English and many languages of the indigenous people.

The Industrial sector is attracting some worldwide companies, Intel, the semiconductor chip manufacturers employ 2,000 personnel, Proctor and Gamble the health and hygiene products company, and Baxter Health equipment, are opening up avenues for graduates from universities.

Farming and agriculture production accounts for 9% of GNP. Bananas, and pineapples that are the most traded fruits in the world and are grown in abundance in Costa Rica, coffee is also a major crop. Natural resources are Hydroelectric power, forestry, and fisheries.

The district is famous for its biodiversity, there are 30 national parks, with the tropical and volcanic influences on the climate of the region hundreds of different species of animals and birds, flora and fauna, plants and fungi and other microorganisms working together in ecosystems to maintain balance and support life. There are 5 Blue Zones in the world and Costa Rica has been recognized as 1. A blue zone is an area of extreme longevity, in the Nicola Peninsula, Costa Rica we have the world’s lowest rates of middle age mortality and the second highest concentration of male centenarians. The Blue Zones are areas where people live longer but they are the healthiest, happiest and fittest of people. Have a purpose to live, be it light work, friendships, rest regularly, and diet. That was the sound advice from one centenarian recently.

Costa Rica is one of the top 3 destinations in the world for surfing. For recreational activities it was here that zip lining was first introduced. The term Adventure Tourism was conceived here, with the water activity, hiking trails, mountain climbing and the occasional camping and food cooking. San Jose is the capital city with an international airport, there are two other international and 14 domestic airports. Most international airports are flying directly to Costa Rica.

In 1502 Christopher Columbus landed in this area, it was his fourth and last voyage to the Americas. Costa Rica was populated by the Spanish in 1522. For three centuries Spain ruled the area. The countries sought independence in the 1820s, Costa Rica was granted sovereignty in the 1830s. The country is a democratic republic, with a president as head of government and a constitution that was drawn up in 1949. A civil war had broken out earlier and when it ended a decision was made to abolish the military. The country has a Public Force, it’s the Costa Rican national law enforcement force which performs policing and border patrol functions.

The economy is in reasonably good shape. Unemployment is at 6.5% and inflation at 9%. Education is very highly rated having a literacy rate of 97%. Education is free from kindergarten to the end of high school, with students receiving free books and supplies. Health care is free for Costa Rican citizens who are most financially most in need. Visitors should have health insurance cover. There is no minimum wage. There is social security and pensions for people who have been working in the country and paid a subscription towards their social security.

The Costa Rican culture is a vibrant blend of indigenous heritage with a Spanish colonial influence, mix a dash of Jamaican, some Chinese and other cultures combined with festivals galore, plenty of beer, a horseback riding parade and a bloodless bull fight. Now you know you’re in Costa Rica. October 12th is Columbus Day and a cause for celebration. 

With the Spanish influence here for so long, the main religion is Catholicism. The particular days through the child to adult stages are celebrated, Baptism of a baby, Penance and Eucharist meaning thanksgiving, Confirmation coming of age, Weddings, Holy Orders the ordination of a priest and Funerals. Each festival or Sacrament marks the stages of life. Read the book “Twenty Years A-Growing” by the Irish author Maurice O’Sullivan. When life expectancy was not as long, an old man declared your life is twenty years in bloom, twenty years stooping and twenty years declining.