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Guanacaste is the northwest part of Costa Rica. The capital city is Liberia with 35000 people. Since the last decade Guanacaste has become the most popular destination in Costa Rica because of its naturals wonders, climate and tourist facilities. Costa Rica's North Pacific is also well know for its folklore, music, color and traditional food.

Location: The Republic of Costa Rica is located in Central America. Together with Panama is an important natural bridge that unites North & South America. It borders Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, flanked by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

The country size is pretty much like West Virginia in the United States, Nova Scotia in Canada or it is slightly larger than Switzerland. Costa Rica´s population is approximately 4 million people and it is mostly concentrated in its capital city: San Jose.

The country is divided by 3 mountains ranges creating a great variety of habitats and microclimates.

Climate: Costa Rica has a wonderful climate due to location ( Tropical Region ). The weather varies throughout the year, most of the variation in temperature comes from differences in elevation. However the Costarrican territory has two well defined seasons.

Dry season: Normally called verano, It goes from November through May. Temperatures are from 60 F to 95 F depending on the area. There is not much rainfall, except in the highlands & the Caribbean area. In the Pacific lowlands it rarely rains.

Rainy season: Normally called invierno, It goes from May through November. Humidity is very high.Temperatures drop a little bit. Rainfalls increase significantly.The Pacific side is usually dry & sunny in early mornings with good probabilities of rain in the afternoon. In the Caribbean area rainfalls are expected any time.

Language: The official language is Spanish, although many people speak English as a second

language.

Religion: There is freedom of worship, however most of the population practices the Catholic

religion.

Currency: The national currency is the colon, even though USA dollars & major credit

cards ( Visa, Master Card, American Express ), are well accepted.

Democracy: Costa Rica is considered the purest democracy in the

region, it also has the highest standard of living, the fastest

population growth and the most advanced social welfare

system. The literacy rate is 97%. No army since 1948.

Airport Departure Tax: Departure Tax must be paid

cash (Costarrican or USA money) and the costs

is $26 us dollars per person.

Infants and children must pay it, too.