Central Americas Hidden Treasure
Although Costa Rica's economy depended heavily on coffee exports until just recently, tourism in Costa Rica is by far the most profitable business in Costa Rica, bringing over 1.1 billion dollars into the country. This tourist industry is only expected to increase in the coming years. Foreign visitors are primarily interested in ecotourism while visiting Costa Rica, with common travel destinations such as tropical canopy tours, and scuba diving.
Discovered by the Spanish (specifically, by Christopher Columbus), Costa Rica's primary language is Spanish, but a surprisingly high number of natives also speak English fluently. The highest number of English speaking residents is on the beaches, whereas the inner areas of Costa Rica have the lowest number of English speaking residents.
Although located in a tropical zone, Costa Rica has perhaps the best weather balances. Featuring an average temperature of just 73 degrees Fahrenheit, Costa Rica has perhaps the most perfect weather than anywhere else in the world.
Costa Rica's flag consists of the three main colors associated with freedom across the world- red, white, and blue. Costa Rica's flag consists of two blue stripes on the top and bottom, two white stripes on the inner top and bottom, and a large red stripe in the center. The flag was adopted in 1964, although it was originally adopted in 1906.
Costa Rica facts are abundant in the rainforest areas. The Costa Rican forests are home to thousands of different species, claiming 5% of the world's total plant and animal species. In addition, exotic animals ranging from poison dart frogs to crocodiles make their homes in Costa Rica's rainforests. Biodiversity is high in these rainforest areas, with over 11,000 different species of plants and over 3,000 different species of animals.
Costa Rica's history as a country first began when Christopher Columbus (who named the country) landed in 1502. Christopher Columbus was on his fourth journey to America. This voyage was also his last. A shipmate noticed the extravagant natives which were paddling out to meet their ship as it arrived, and he thus called the area Costa Rica, which means "Rich Coast" in Spanish.
Costa Rica, while not exactly the largest country in Internet usage, contains over 800,000 Internet users. This means that almost 1 in every 4 people in Costa Rica uses the Information Superhighway on a regular basis.
Costa Rican citizens experience a number of the same rights as citizens in the United States. For instance, any citizen within Costa Rica can vote, as well as posses a firearm.
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