About Costa Rica
Located in Central America between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica is one of the oldest democracies in the Western Hemisphere. Home to fewer than 5 million people and about the size of West Virginia, the country is known for its high standard of living, stable government and incredible biodiversity.
Culture
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Costa Rican culture is largely characterized by indigenous heritage and Spanish colonial influence. Food and custom have also absorbed characteristics of Caribbean nations like Jamaica and Haiti and far-off trade partners like China and India. Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica, but English is also widely spoken along with Creole, Mandarin and a variety of indigenous languages.
Climate
Costa Rica's reputation as a tropical paradise is no exaggeration. The country's overall temperature generally varies between 70 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, and its proximity to the equator means the Winter is as warm and pleasant as the Summer. Rainfall in Costa Rica is around 100 inches per year on average, but precise tallies vary based on local geography. Some Pacific coastal regions receive considerably less rainfall, while some mountain locales and low-lying rainforest areas can see up to 25 feet in a single year. With hundreds of microclimates based around ocean currents, native flora and altitude, the difference between a raincloud and a sunny day is often just a short drive.
Nature
Visitors, expats and native Costa Ricans all enjoy the country's wide variety of beaches, mountains and protected areas. With over 800 miles of coastline on the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica offers everything from calm, white-sand beaches to world-renowned surfing destinations. Partnerships between local organizations and the Costa Rican government have resulted in the formation of over 160 areas dedicated to protect the environment. These include cloud forests, rainforests, wetland areas and marine sanctuaries.
Building in Costa Rica
All applications for construction permits must be presented by a licensed architect or engineer. Referrals for reputable firms are available on request. You must also file for a building permit from the municipality in which your property is located. Because each municipality is responsible for ensuring all construction complies with building regulations, you can expect regular visits from the municipal building inspector, who must certify construction is proceeding according to code. Information on local builders is widely available on the Internet and in most towns. You can also find builders through local licensed architects and civil engineers.
