Costa Rica: the capital. Where is Costa Rica?

The Republic of Costa Rica is a uniquethe state with the richest nature. It is a country-preserve in which the rarest representatives of the animal and plant world dwell. This is a country with an amazing landscape: mountain slopes and volcanoes here coexist with golden sandy beaches, evergreen forests - with extensive savannahs. A lot of surprises are also hidden in the capital of Costa Rica - San Jose. Let's find out more about this magical place.

Costa Rica on the map of central America

Costa Rica is a small country,located in Central America. Its neighbors are Panama and Nicaragua, and it is washed by the waters of the Pacific in the southwest and the Caribbean Sea in the northeast. This geographical position gave Costa Rica unique climatic features.

The capital of Costa Rica is the city of San Jose. Interestingly, the country owes its name to an interesting accident. Her discoverer, Christopher Columbus, seeing expensive decorations on many local residents, found this country incredibly rich and called her Costa del Oro. From Spanish it translates as "golden shore". Later, the region was renamed Costa Rica. This name has a similar meaning and is translated "rich coast". And although there was no gold in the country, it is compensated by a truly amazing nature.

Unique natural attractions

Costa Rica is a country famous for its naturalwealth. Tourists from all over the world fly here to admire the local volcanoes - there are 120 of them, and more than half are active. The amazing flora and fauna fascinates, 70% of the planet's plants and 850 species of birds are found here. The nature protection zone is more than a quarter of the entire territory of the republic. In addition, the country is famous for its caves and reserves.

Costa Rica is the country of Latin America, in whichsurprisingly combined different climatic zones. Therefore, every part of the republic is rich in its sights. Perhaps the most interesting from this point of view is its north-west. Reserves and botanical gardens, a unique whale cove and hot springs invariably attract travelers. It's amazing that so much beauty is gathered in one place - the Republic of Costa Rica. The capital of the state is no less attractive and fascinating. Note that this is the largest and most populous city in the country.

San Jose - the capital of the Republic

San Jose is the heart of the Republic of Costa Rica. The capital, whose airport, by the way, is the main air gateway to the country and the third in Latin America for the quality of service, fascinates with the first minutes of staying in it. Its residents are invariably benevolent and good-natured, and the panoramas rivet the eye and remain forever in the heart.

This amazing city unites in itself,perhaps, all that is so famous for Costa Rica. Which country's capital, besides this, can boast such a bizarre combination of untouched wildlife and modern civilization? From anywhere in the city you can see picturesque green landscapes and majestic mountains. The capital of Costa Rica is distinguished not only by the rich variety of flora, but also by an unusual mix of architecture: the ancient Spanish houses here adjoin modern buildings made in neoclassical style.

At the same time, what is most surprising, they allharmoniously combined and complement each other. In the list of the most interesting places in the city you can confidently make numerous museums, majestic churches and the National Theater, which is a true architectural landmark of the Republic of Costa Rica. The capital of San Jose is deservedly considered the most beautiful settlement in Latin America.

The happiest state

Three years ago, British analystsrating of the happiest countries in the world. Interestingly, Costa Rica took the first place in it. "Country of Happiness" deserved this status thanks to high economic indicators - it is one of the most prosperous states of Latin America. In addition, the average life expectancy of Costa Ricans is one of the highest on the planet - about 77 years. However, as well as the level of literacy of the population - about 96%.

Country without army

One more feature of the republic is that,that Costa Rica is a country without an army. This is the only neutral state in the whole of America. The Republic completely abandoned the use of the army almost 70 years ago. And now the only law enforcement agency in it is the police. By the way, this is a safe state, the crime rate in it is extremely low. The greatest danger in Costa Rica is small pocket theft, which can easily be avoided if you observe the simplest precautions.

A magical vacation in Costa Rica

Unique natural resources and abundancesights make Costa Rica an ideal country for travel. And here there is a place for lovers of both active tourism and beach holidays. Impressive beauty of the coast of Costa Rica: it is covered with incredible snow-white, golden and even black sand. In this case, you can not only sunbathe, but also go in for surfing, diving or fishing.

A great pleasure can be obtained from shopping. There are few fashion shops here, but there are plenty of handicraft shops where you can buy wooden and coral jewelry, as well as ceramic products and famous local brands.

The national cuisine of Costa Rica is aa bizarre mixture of Indian and Spanish gastronomic traditions and is distinguished by its sharpness and richness. The dishes are based on rice, herbs, various fruits and, of course, seafood. The true landmark of the country is coffee - it is famous all over the world.

Such inimitable and amazing appears before thewe are Costa Rica. The country-preserve, the happiest state, the unique climate and nature - and at the same time a prosperous economic situation and excellent infrastructure. All this makes Costa Rica irresistible in the eyes of travelers from all over the world.