Costa Rica

The Costa Rican people live by a philosophy ofcommunity, perseverance, and positivity, named Pura Vida: the purelife, the full life. The country is internationally recognized for its natural beauty, rich biodiversity and environmental friendliness.In fact, although Costa Rica covers only .03% of the planet’s surface, it has about 6% of the world’s bio-diversity. Costa Rica boasts more than half a million species of plants and wildlife, includingmore than 850 kinds of birds, 600 categories of butterflies, 1200 varieties of orchids, and 237 species of mammals.The vibrant culture, abundant wildlife and vegetation, Caribbean beaches, and live volcanoes have sparked a tourism industry to which the country’s economy is largely dependent.

As one of the smallest countries in the Americas, Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948 and has enjoyed a longer period of peace and a more stable economy than many of its neighbors. Its reputation as a peaceful and socially stable country has instigated an influx of immigrants from neighboring countries. Although, it is one of the more affluent countries in the region, Costa Rica does face pervasive challenges such as a badly deteriorated public infrastructure in the urban areas, an increasing economic divide,loss of indigenous cultures, and a complete lack of public infrastructurein some ofthe more rural areas.