“Rich coast” is the English translation for Costa Rica. It is an apt name for this amazing country, for it is rich in so many ways. Heralded for the beauty of its climate and landscape, Costa Rica’s topography varies from its lush green landscape and aqua waters in its Caribbean Coast to its eternally spring-like Meseta Central region with its volcanic mountain range and the grand Lake Arenal and the crashing bluer-than-blue surf of the Pacific Coast.

Whether Columbus discovered Costa Rica in 1502 and gave it its name due to the thin gold necklaces the natives wore, or if it was discovered by Fernández de Córdoba who established a colony there in 1539 is unclear. Conditions for the Spanish colonists were difficult as the indigenous inhabitants were proud and for the most part, chose to retreat into the rainforest rather than work for the Spanish nobles. The Spanish aristocracy chose to work the land themselves in order to survive. Eventually, this behavior and mentality lead to a more egalitarian society between the Europeans and the aboriginal community. By the time Costa Rica became a democratic government in the late 1800’s Costa Ricans easily and readily embraced the new ideologies.

Costa Rica has been a stable, peaceful democratic nation ever since, with excellent relations with the U.S. Based on the Spanish Judicial System with checks and balances similar to those of the United States, Costa Rica ballots for one president and two vice presidents, has a Supreme Court with 22 members and a 57 member Legislative Branch who serve eight and four years, respectively.

Such governmental stability has allowed Costa Rica to focus on worldwide competition and economic progress. Exporting coffee was recognized early on as a means of national growth. Since the 1990’s, progress has moved from agriculture to high tech.

In preparation for global corporate investments, the government poured money into their already excellent school system towards computer sciences and other sciences and lowered taxes for business investment. These changes make venture capital opportunities in Costa Rica attractive. Many companies such as Intel, Proctor & Gamble, the Marriott Corporation and others, have moved divisions there and are investing in Costa Rica.

Ecotourism, too, is a large industry in Costa Rica. And no wonder. Every area of Costa Rica offers something unusual and exciting to explore. Costa Rica’s ecology is divergent. Located between two oceans, the Pacific and the Caribbean, it has a range of volcanoes, mountains, rainforests, plains, and valleys. The weather varies from spring-like conditions in the Central Region to tropical in Guanacaste.

Because of distinctions in its ecosystem, it is home, also, to a variety of wildlife, from great cats like cougars and jaguars to 3,000 species of butterflies. Horticulturists tour Costa Rica in search of the native orchid, which abounds throughout the countryside and come in shapes and colors well beyond the few variations in that grow in hot houses in the U.S. It is not unusual to see a profusion of deep purples, oranges, and reds in front of a backdrop of large dark green leaves growing throughout Costa Rica.

As well, Canopy tours in rainforests, kayaking mangroves, hiking volcanoes not to mention sunbathing and every type of water sports, all factor in the ecotourism growth spurt in Costa Rica. – People from all over the world with differing interests, from research to jet skiing, visit Costa Rica to explore its environment.

Medical care in Costa Rica is another contributor to the economy. And rightly so. Healthcare in Costa Rica is excellent. In 1995, the World Health Organization placed Costa Rica third in life expectancy right behind Japan and ahead of France. Hospitals in Costa Rica are standard or above. The quality of medicine in Costa Rica parallels that of the U.S. In addition, many physicians continue their education in the U.S. and all over.

Medical care is nearly free for citizens and very low cost for foreigners including immigrant retirees. Because of the low cost and exceptional treatment, many foreigners seek Costa Rica for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

As a society, Costa Ricans are very western in attitude and cultural interests with education as their number one priority. Costa Ricans proudly exclaim that they have more teachers than police. Schooling is free and obligatory to citizens and the literacy rate is higher than that of the U.S. In addition to public education, private schools offer an alternative for those who can afford them. People wishing to advance their education may choose from any number of degrees from the many excellent universities Costa Rica has.

Costa Ricans support three symphonies, including the National Symphony in San José. Theater and art also receive wide backing and encouragement, especially the dramatic arts where most towns and villages have their own theaters.

Costa Ricans love dance and dancing, especially, and will get together often in discos, street parties, or any time there is an opportunity to dance. Although they will not avoid any type of dancing, the various Latin dances head the list.

Native folk dancing enjoys a great deal of popularity, too. Native folk dances are colorful and lively and performances can be found throughout the country.

What would entertainment and the arts be without fine dining? Many restaurants throughout Costa Rica parallel the finest restaurants in the world. What makes dining so good in Costa Rica is its wonderfully fresh foods, from beef from the cattle ranches in Guanacaste to fish from both the Caribbean and Pacific Coasts. Their exquisite homegrown coffee and fresh exotic fruit that grow year round adds to the sumptuousness of the food.

Costa Rica is an exceptionally beautiful and exciting place in which to live. Rich with color, fragrance, vistas, climates, and forward thinking, it is a place of abundance for likeminded people.