Clint Jhonson asked:


Among those folk who love to travel often. Costa Rica Rental apartments are turning out to be the rage with each passing day. Regular travelers are most often disappointed with the perfect service in luxury and comfort that is provide for by five start hotels and resorts. They miss the informal, relaxed environment which gives you the felling of being at home. The nagging thought at the back of your kind telling you that what ever you choose to do is going to cost you money is removed if you decide to stay in one of the Costa Rica Rentals.

Costa Rica Rentals also provide you with comfort as if you were in your own home as you have rented it from someone for a certain period of time. You can bid goodbye to the intimidating costs that would be billed to you and concentrate on having a relaxed and private holiday as if you were in your own home. Costa Rica Rental apartments are normally situated in well-planned, beautiful localities so you can make the most of the scenic beauty as well as enjoy the multiplicity and culture of the region.

Today, you will find that Costa Rica has become a very popular tourist destination. Whether it is for holiday or business, Cost Rica provides a stylish and athletic atmosphere; what with its beautiful beaches and surfing expeditions. Since Costa Rica Rentals are increasing in popularity, a lot of property investors have begun to look at buying apartments in Costa Rica with the sole aim of renting them out. As a result a tourist will find many a Costa Rica Rental apartment to choose from. The Costa Rica real estate prices are said to be still affordable there and the future in such a business seems pretty bright with practically no risk at all.

Costa Rica rental apartments are quite cheap and easily available. The location of the property is the chief factor that decides the gains from your Costa Rica Rentals. A beautiful location will bring in higher capital gains on the amount you invest. It is no doubt then, that Costa Rica real estate has allured investors from all over the world.

If you are interested in making use of the Costa Rica Rentals or even if you want to buy a Costa Rica rental apartment, you should keep the following in mind. Make sure you look for properties in not only the excellent locations but having easy access to all the basic services. Although the majority of the rental properties take care of this it would be wise to check and make sure. Make sure the apartment is fully furnished and that cleaning and washing services are available. Also, there should be some good restaurants close by so you can order the food if you do not wish to cook. If you would be staying for a long time, then you can check the community around the place so you can have a few social outings.

It has been noticed that here has been a growth over 300 percent in Costa Rica rental apartments over the last decade. This enormous speed foretells that some day soon this growth will reach its peak. So now would be a right time to invest in Costa Rica rentals before the price rises further in the years to come. There are absolutely no restrictions for non-Costa Rican citizens and they have the same ownership rights as the foreigners.

Nick Halverson asked:


It has been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There is nothing more beautiful than viewing the the Pacific Ocean Coast of Costa Rica. Costa Rica beach properties is a 630 mile coastline that features many bays, coves, and inlets that give the coastline its distinctive features. The famous Jaco Beach attracts many tourist to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

One thing for sure there is so much to do for tourist and locales. Hiking at Corvocado National Park and enjoying horseback riding at Rincon de Oso. Those staying on the mid Pacific coast of Costa Rica will have the chance to experience the adventure ATV tours at Quepos-Manual Antonio and the historical areas of Putaraenas. Imagine lying in the sun in Guanacaste on the northern coast which is home to some of the most exquisite Costa Rica beach property. Hermosa, Tamarindo, Nosara and Flamingo beaches are all prime locations. The amenities alone will ensure you of a good time on the Costa Rica Pacific coast.

One of the many great things about Costa Rica is that the Costa Rica economy is benefiting greatly from investors. Since Costa Rica is a real estate hotspot the Costa Rican government is permitting acres of Costa Rica land to be sold. The region is where a majority of the Costa Rica beach properties are currently located. This region is more developed than the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean coastline. Whether it’s for business or pleasure when you visit the Pacific coast remember the best time to go is December through April. If you like the rainy season May through November would be ideal. The funny thing about the country is that it’s only the size of West Virginia.

About Paradise Brokers

Paradise Brokers www.pardisebrokers.com is really making dream com true for many people. It has now become a full service real estate development and property management company. Paradise Brokers employs licensed real estate agents in all of their offices. Paradise Brokers has purchased over 2000 acres and brokered nearly 4000 acres. Investors can obtain developed land at underdeveloped prices in the South Pacific coastal region. Wow! “we didn’t create paradise, we made it accessible” says Nick Halverson Chief Operating officer. Paradise Brokers can also assist in making your travel, lodging and tourism arrangements plus provide transportation within Costa Rica to view your property. This lucrative program comes with 100% money back guarantee.

Contact:

For more information contact 1-877 CRland 1, (1 877 275-2631) or in dominical, Costa Rica call 506 787-0181. You can get a free report at www.developingparadise.com

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Costa Rica beach properties, Costa Rica real estate, Costa Rica land, Costa Rican economy, Costa Rican government, Pacific Coast, Pacific Coast of Costa Rica

Pacific Ocean Coast of Costa Rica, Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, Quepos, Jaco Beach, Guanacaste, Puntarenas, Corvocado National Park, Hermosa beach, Tamarindo beach, Nosara beach, Flamingo beach, Caribbean Sea, Monteverde, Developing Paradise, Paradise Brokers

This Press Release has been submitted by PREasy.com

Cedric Agravante asked:


When you arrive in Costa Rica, the first thing you may notice is its lush scenery and beautiful landscape. If you have been to this country but have experienced it only from the ground, you haven’t really experienced Costa Rica. Vacation travel takes on a whole new meaning when you arrive, because once the transportation logistics is over, the real fun can begin. How many different ways can you enjoy a vacation? As many as you like: on dry land, in the water, on air or a little of them all.

Many of the sites of Costa Rica are best seen while hiking through the complex system of trails guiding hikers through extensive ecosystems. Because many of the animals and special details of these intricate ecosystems can often go unnoticed to the untrained eye, it is recommended that a guide is hired for the tours. This will help you get the most out of the natural habitats of Costa Rica. The trails travel through wetlands, up and around mountains, in and out of trees and everywhere in between. The guide will also make sure you don’t get lost in all of this.

Experience Costa Rica on Horseback

There are many places in Costa Rica that should be experienced on horseback. It is one of Costa Rica’s most popular activities for tourists and can be found in nearly every single town. The Northern Pacific area, also known as Sabanero Country (cowboy country) is home to horse and cattle ranches that would make a Texan jealous. If a romantic gallop along the beach at sunset is your fantasy, the Central Pacific area is the one for you. You can also ride in and around waterfalls and rainforests. Monteverde and Arenal include a great deal of mountainous terrain and also pass through a few coffee plantations along the way.

It’s hard to think of Costa Rica and not imagine the beautiful ocean waters that rise to the sandy beaches. These waters are full of fun activities like dolphin and whale watching. Canoeing is a good workout and also a fun way to see the sights from the water. Explore the underworld beneath the surface of the ocean with scuba diving and snorkeling. You will be amazed at the colors the ocean hides beneath the waves. Many different species of fish, crustaceans and coral live here and are all intricately decorated by nature. At the end of your long day of hiking and climbing, relax in the natural hot springs heated by the active volcanoes around Costa Rica.

See Costa Rica on a Hot Air Balloon

The luscious greens and crystal blues of the Costa Rican landscape and water is often best seen from above. Float over the rainforests, ocean waters, mountains, volcanic rock and picturesque coffee plantations from the comfort of a hot air balloon. Not to worry, you don’t have to know how to work one. An experienced professional will pilot the craft while you and your companions relax and enjoy the scenery. Parasailing is another amazing adventure in the air that flies you far above the water. It’s incredible how much sea life you can actually see from hundreds of feet above.

For a true nature lover, and certainly not for the faint of heart, a canopy tour is an absolute must-do. They provide an interesting look into the delicate ecosystem of the rainforests from zip-lines and aerial trams. No matter what method you choose to experience your full Costa Rica vacation travel, remember that it doesn’t stop when you reach your destination. If it does you are missing out. See Costa Rica the way it was intended, from all perspectives.

Cerro Fresco asked:


When looking for real estate companies in Costa Rica, there are a wide variety of providers to choose from. Weeding through the different agencies to find the cream of the crop can be difficult, but is necessary if you want to have a positive experience buying real estate. If you are looking for the best in luxury real estate companies in Costa Rica, you can easily bypass the search for the perfect realtor, however. CerroFresco.com gives you access to a team of top real estate professionals, selling the absolute best in luxury properties.

Many real estate companies in Costa Rica can offer you the opportunity to buy a home or piece of land, in a nice location, with a pretty view. However, most buyers are looking for more. What you really need is an agency that has properties that offer fully furnished homes, with state of the art appliances and some of the most breathtaking views anywhere on earth. Your search for the perfect Costa Rican home should not stop until you find exactly these features and more.

Take a look at what the other real estate companies in Costa Rica are offering. You will likely find that none have properties superior to those at Cerro Fresco. With amenities that include a private spa, fully staffed by professionals, and concierge service to cater to their property owners every whim, those who choose to buy here are treated to a true lifestyle experience.

Real estate companies in Costa Rica that offer their residents access to all of the best that the country has to offer, and more, are few and far between. Browse the website at CerroFresco.com and see what luxury really looks like. You will soon find that you need to look no further to get the home of your wildest dreams.

Victor Vendetti asked:


History of Costa Rica

Costa Rica, officially the Republic of Costa Rica Spanish: Costa Rica or República de Costa Rica, pronounced [re?pu?likaðe?kosta?rika]), is a republic in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the east-southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Costa Rica was the first country in the world to constitutionally abolish its army. Costa Rica is among the safest countries in Latin America and is currently the least impoverished Spanish speaking country in the world, with poverty percentages lower than that of Spain and other developed countries and levels of urbanization that nears those ones of countries such as Finland and Norway. In 2007 the government of Costa Rica said it wants to be the first developing country to become carbon neutral by 2021.

The first European to reach what is now Costa Rica was Christopher Columbus in 1502.[4] In Pre-Columbian times the Indigenous people, in what is now known as Costa Rica, were part of the Intermediate Area located between the Mesoamerican and Andean cultural regions. This has recently been updated to include the influence of the Isthmo-Colombian area.

It was the point where the Mesoamerican and South American native cultures met. The northwest of the country, the Nicoya Peninsula, was the southernmost point of Nahuatl (named after Nitin) cultural influence when the Spanish conquerors (conquistadores) came in the sixteenth century. The central and southern portions of the country had Chibcha influences. However, the indigenous people have influenced modern Costa Rican culture to a relatively small degree, as most of these died from diseases such as small pox and mistreatment by the Spaniards.

During Spanish Colonial times, the principal city in Central America was Guatemala City. Costa Rica’s distance from this hub led to difficulty in establishing trade routes and was one of the reasons that Costa Ricans developed in relative isolation and with little oversight from the Spanish Monarchy (”The Crown”). While this isolation allowed the colony to develop free of intervention by The Crown, it also contributed to its failure to share in the prosperity of the Colonies, making Costa Rica the poorest Spanish Colony in Central America.[6] Costa Rica was described as “the poorest and most miserable Spanish colony in all Americas” by a Spanish governor in 1719.[7]

Another contributing factor to this poverty was lack of indigenous peoples to use for forced labor. While many Spaniards in the other colonies had tribal members to work their land, most of the Costa Rican settlers had to work their own land. For all these reasons, Costa Rica was by and large unappreciated and overlooked by the Crown and left to develop on its own. It is believed that the circumstances during this period led to the formation of many of the idiosyncrasies that Costa Rica has become known for, while at the same time setting the stage for Costa Rica’s development as a more egalitarian society than the rest of its neighbors. Costa Rica became a “rural democracy” with no oppressed mestizo or indigenous class. It was not long before Spanish settlers turned to the hills, where they found rich volcanic soil and a climate that was milder than that of the lowlands.

Costa Rica joined other Central American provinces in 1821 in a joint declaration of independence from Spain. After a brief time in the Mexican Empire of Agustín de Iturbide Costa Rica became a state in the Federal Republic of Central America from 1823 to 1839. In 1824 the capital was moved to San José, but due to an intense rivalry with Cartago, violence briefly ensued. Although the newly independent provinces formed a Federation, border disputes broke out among them, adding to the region’s turbulent history and conditions.

Costa Rica’s membership in the newly formed Federal Republic of Central America, now free of Spanish rule, was short lived; in 1838, long after the Central American Federation ceased to function in practice, Costa Rica formally withdrew and proclaimed itself sovereign. The distance from Guatemala City to the Central Valley of Costa Rica, where most of the population lived and still lives, was great. The local population had little allegiance to the government in Guatemala City, in part because of the history of isolation during Colonial times. Costa Rica’s disinterest in participating as a province in a greater Central American government was one of the deciding factors in the break-up of the fledgling federation into independent states, which still exist today. However, all of the Central American nations still celebrate September 15th as their independence day, which pertains to the independence of Central America from Spain.

Most Afro-Costa Ricans, who constitute about 3% of the country’s population, descend from Jamaican immigrants who arrived during the 1880s to work in the construction of railways connecting the urban populations of the Central Plateau to the port of Limón on the Caribbean coast. US convicts and Chinese immigrants also participated in the construction project, conducted by US businessman Minor C. Keith. In exchange for completing the railroad, the Costa Rican government granted Keith large tracts of land and a lease on the train route, which he used to produce bananas and export them to the United States. As a result, bananas came to rival coffee as the principal Costa Rican export, while foreign-owned corporations (including the United Fruit Company) began to hold a major role in the national economy.

Historically, Costa Rica has generally enjoyed greater peace and more consistent political stability compared with many of its fellow Latin American nations. Since the late nineteenth century, however, Costa Rica has experienced two significant periods of violence. In 1917-19, Federico Tinoco Granados ruled as a dictator until he was overthrown and forced into exile. Again in 1948, José Figueres Ferrer led an armed uprising in the wake of a disputed presidential election. With more than 2,000 dead, the resulting 44-day Costa Rica Civil War was the bloodiest event in Costa Rican history during the twentieth-century. Afterwards, the new, victorious government junta, led by the opposition, abolished the military and oversaw the drafting of a new constitution by a democratically-elected assembly. Having enacted these reforms, the regime finally relinquished its power in 8 November of 1949 to the new democratic government. After the coup d’etat, Figueres became a national hero, winning the country’s first democratic election under the new constitution in 1953. Since then, Costa Rica has held 12 presidential elections, the latest being in 2006. All of them have been widely regarded by the international community as peaceful, transparent, and relatively smooth transitions.

Geography

Costa Rica is located on the Central American isthmus, 10° North of the equator and 84° West of the Prime Meridian. It borders both the Caribbean Sea (to the east) and the North Pacific Ocean (to the west), with a total of 1,290 kilometers (802 mi) of coastline (212 km / 132 mi on the Caribbean coast and 1,016 km / 631 mi on the Pacific). It is about the size of West Virginia and shares that state’s reputation for excellent whitewater kayaking/rafting opportunities.

On the Río Savegre, just below San Gerardo de Dota in the Talamanca Highlands of Costa Rica.

Two of the country’s most renowned rivers in that regard are the Rio Pacuare and the Rio Reventazon located near the city of Turrialba about two hours east of San Jose. Other notable whitewater areas are the Sarapiqui Valley area, several Pacific coast rivers near Quepos, and the southern Pacific drainage area around San Isidro de General.

Costa Rica also borders Nicaragua to the north (309 km / 192 mi of border) and Panama to the south-southeast (639 km / 397 mi of border). In total, Costa Rica comprises 51,100 square kilometers (19,730 sq. mi) plus 589.000 square kilometers of territorial waters.

The highest point in the country is Cerro Chirripó, at 3,810 metres (12,500 ft), and is the fifth highest peak in Central America. The highest volcano in the country is the Irazú Volcano (3,431 m / 11,257 ft). The largest lake in Costa Rica is Lake Arenal.

Costa Rica also comprises several islands. Cocos Island stands out because of its distance from continental landmass (24 km² / 9.25 sq mi, 500 km or 300 mi from Puntarenas coast), but Calero Island is the largest island of the country (151.6 km² / 58.5 sq mi).

Costa Rica protects 23% of its national territory within the Protected Areas system. It also possesses the greatest density of species in the world

Politics

Costa Rica is a democratic republic with a strong constitution. Although there are claims that the country has had more than 115 years of uninterrupted democracy, their presidential election history shows otherwise (see List of Presidents of Costa Rica). Nonetheless, the country has had at least fifty-nine years of uninterrupted democracy, making it one of the most stable countries in the region. Costa Rica has been able to successfully avoid the widespread violence that has plagued most of Central America.

Executive responsibilities are vested in a president, who is the country’s center of power. There also are two vice presidents as well as a cabinet designated by the president. The president, vice presidents, and fifty-seven Legislative Assembly delegates are elected for four-year terms. A constitutional amendment approved in 1969 limited presidents and delegates to one term, although delegates were allowed to run again for an Assembly seat after sitting out a term.

In April 2003, the constitutional ban on presidential re-election was reversed, allowing Óscar Arias (Nobel Peace Prize laureate, 1987) to run for President for a second term. In 2006, Óscar Arias was re-elected in a tight and highly contested election, running on a platform of promoting free trade. He took office on May 8, 2006. Autonomous state agencies enjoy considerable operational independence; they include the telecommunications and electrical power monopoly, the nationalized commercial banks, the state insurance monopoly, and the social security agency. Costa Rica has no military by constitution but maintains domestic police forces for internal security. These include the Guardia Civil and the Guardia Rural.

Other current political issues include security, crime, and the limiting of large-scale immigration of people from Nicaragua.

Provinces and cantons

Costa Rica is composed of seven provinces, which in turn are divided into 81 cantons (”cantón” in Spanish, plural “cantones”), each directed by a mayor. Mayors are chosen democratically every four years by each canton’s people. There are no provincial legislatures.

1. Alajuela

2. Cartago

3. Guanacaste

4. Heredia

5. Limón

6. Puntarenas

7. San José

Economy

Costa Rica is one of the top tourist destinations in the world and this is one of the main driving forces in the Costa Rican economy. With a $1.9-billion-a-year tourism industry, Costa Rica stands as the most visited nation in the Central American region, with 1.9 million foreign visitors in 2007, thus reaching a rate of foreign tourists per capita of 0,46, one of the highest in the Caribbean Basin. Most of the tourists come from the U.S. (54%) and the E.U. (14%), which translates into a relatively high expenditure per tourist of $1000 per trip. In 2005, tourism contributed with 8,1% of the country’s GNP and represented 13,3% of direct and indirect employment. Although there is a general slowdown in the world economy, there is no slow down in Costa Rica. The following information just came out from the ministry of tourism.

Tourism in Costa Rica remains

strong despite U.S. economic downturn

“Tourism growth continued to be strong in January 2008, despite fears that an economic slowdown in the United States might put a damper on this year.

Measured by traffic at the Juan Santamaría and Daniel Oduber Quirós international airports, tourism was up 13.7% over January 2007.

In raw numbers, that’s 145,145 tourists that arrived last month at those airports, a figure Tourism Minister Carlos Benavides described as “getting off on the right foot.” Visitors to Costa Rica in 2007 increased 11.5% over the previous year’s numbers.”

Ecotourism is extremely popular with the many tourists visiting the extensive national parks and protected areas around the country. Costa Rica was a pioneer in this type of tourism and the country is recognized as one of the few with real ecotourism. In terms of Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, in 2007 Costa Rica reached the 41st place in the world ranking, being the first among Latin American countries. Just considering the subindex measuring human, cultural, and natural resources, Costa Rica ranks in the 20th place at a worldwide level.

Since Costa Rica is a top tourist destination it is also becoming one of the hottest real estate markets in the world for a number of reasons. Many Americans find it more comfortable traveling to Costa Rica to spend their time and money. Costa Rica is one of the safest places in the world and has one of the most stable economies in the world. They have no standing army, which was disbanded in 1948 so you can have no dictator come to power and use the armed forces to keep him in power as is the case in many other dictatorial countries.

Further, the dollar has weakened against the Euro so travel to the European countries has become extremely expensive. However, in Costa Rica, the dollar still goes a long way. I just came back from a trip to the coast and was able to find a room in a rustic motel for $15.00 per night. So the many of millions of tourist that come to Costa Rica many are buying condos or building homes for vacation homes. This is causing Costa Rica to be the hottest real estate market in the world according to a recent MSNBC news segment. Billions of real estate dollars are flowing into the country and this is causing another boom in all the other related businesses, construction, hotels, malls, restaurants, office buildings, supermarkets, telecommunications and the numerous other small businesses that are needed to serve growing communities.

Business Community

The central government offers tax exemptions for those who are willing to invest in the country. Several global high tech corporations have already started developing in the area exporting goods including chip manufacturer Intel, pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, and consumer products company Procter & Gamble. Trade with South East Asia and Russia has boomed during 2004 and 2005, and the country is expected to obtain full Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) membership by 2007 (the country became an observer in 2004).

For the fiscal year 2005, the country showed a government deficit of 2.1%, internal revenue increased an 18%, and exports increased a 12.8%. Revised economic figures released by the Central Bank indicate that economic growth stood at 5%, nevertheless the country faced high inflation (14%) and a trade deficit of 5.2%.

In recent times electronics, pharmaceuticals, financial outsourcing, software development, and ecotourism have become the prime industries in Costa Rica’s economy. High levels of education among its residents make the country an attractive investing location.

The unit of currency is the colón (CRC), which trades around 503 to the U.S. dollar; currently about 756 to the euro. On October 16, 2006, a new currency exchange system was introduced, allowing the value of the CRC colón to float between two bands as done previously by Chile. The idea is that by doing so the Central Bank will be able to better tackle inflation and discourage the use of US dollars. Since that time, the value of the colón against the dollar has stabilized.

Costa Rica’s location provides easy access to American markets as it has the same time zone as the central part of the United States and direct ocean access to Europe and Asia. A country wide referendum has approved a free trade agreement with the United States.

Foreign affairs

Costa Rica is an active member of the United Nations and the Organization of American States. The Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the United Nations University of Peace are based in Costa Rica. The Costa Rican State is also a member of many other international organizations related to human rights and democracy.

Costa Rica’s main foreign policy objective is to foster human rights and sustainable development as a way to secure stability and growth.

Costa Rica is also a member of the International Criminal Court, without a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the US-military (as covered under Article 98).

On June 1, 2007, Costa Rica broke ties with the Republic of China in Taiwan, switching to the People’s Republic of China in mainland China.

Flora and fauna

Costa Rica is home to a rich variety of plants and animals. While the country has only about 0.1% of the world’s landmass, it contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity. About 23% of Costa Rica is composed of protected forests and reserves.

One national park that is internationally-renowned among ecologists for its biodiversity (including big cats and tapirs) and where visitors can expect to see an abundance of wildlife is the Corcovado National Park.[26][27]

The Clay-colored Robin is Costa Rica’s national bird.

Tortuguero National Park – the name Tortuguero can be translated as “Full of Turtles” – is home to spider, howler and white-throated Capuchin monkeys, the three-toed sloth, 320 species of birds (including eight species of parrots), a variety of reptiles, but is mostly recognized for the annual nesting of the endangered green turtle and is considered the most important nesting site for this species. Giant leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles also nest here.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is home to about 2,000 plant species,[28] including numerous orchids. Over four hundred types of birds can be found here, and over one hundred species of mammals.[29] As a whole, around eight hundred species of birds have been identified in Costa Rica. The Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad (INBIO) is allowed to collect royalties on any biological discoveries of medical importance.

Demographics

According to the CIA World Factbook, Costa Rica has a population of 4,133,884 of which 94% are Mestizo or white, 3% black, 1% Amerindian, 1% Chinese and 1% other. The exact amount, however, is not known because the Costa Rican census combines mestizos and whites in one category. The white population is primarily of Spanish ancestry with significant numbers of Costa Ricans of Italian, German, Jewish and Polish descent. In contrast to its neighboring countries’ populations, less mixing of the Spanish settlers and the indigenous populations occurred. Therefore, a vast majority of Costa Ricans are either of Spanish or of mixed mestizo heritage

Just under 3% of the population is of black African descent. The majority of the afro Costa Ricans are Creole English-speaking descendants of nineteenth century black Jamaican immigrant workers, as well as slaves who were brought during the Atlantic slave trade.

The indigenous or Amerindian population numbers around 1%, or over 41,000 individuals. In the Guanacaste Province a significant portion of the population descends from a bi-racial mix of local Amerindians and Spaniards. There is also an expatriate community of people of all ages from the United States, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Britain, and other countries, especially in the Central Valley city of Escazú.

Costa Rica hosts many refugees, mainly from Colombia and Nicaragua. As a result, an estimated 10% to 15% of the Costa Rican population is made up of Nicaraguans, most of whom migrate for seasonal work opportunities and then return to their country. There is also a growing number of Peruvian refugees. Moreover, Costa Rica took in many refugees from a range of other Latin American countries fleeing civil wars and dictatorships during the 1970s and 80s - notably from Chile and Argentina, as well as those from El Salvador who fled from guerrillas and government death squads.

Religion

Christianity is the predominant religion in Costa Rica, and Roman Catholicism is the official state religion as guaranteed by the Constitution of 1949. Some 92% of Costa Ricans are Christian and like many other parts of Latin America, Protestant denominations have been experiencing rapid growth. However, three in four Costa Ricans still adhere to Roman Catholicism.

Due to the recent small but continuous immigration of communities from Asia, the Middle East, and other places, other religions have grown, the most popular being Buddhism (because of an increasing Chinese community of 40,000), and smaller numbers of Jewish, Bahá’í and Hindu adherents.

There is a Jewish synagogue, the B’nei Israel Congregation, in San José, near the La Sabana Metropolitan Park. Several homes in the neighborhood east of La Sabana Metropolitan Park are festooned with the Star of David and other recognizable Jewish symbols.[35]

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has seen modest growth in Costa Rica in the last 40 years and has built one of only two temples in Central America in the San Antonio de Belen region of Heredia.

Language

The only official language is Spanish. There are two main accents native to Costa Rica, the standard Costa Rican and the Nicoyan. The Nicoyan accent is very similar to the standard Nicaraguan accent due, in part, to its vicinity. A notable Costa Rican pronunciation difference includes a soft initial and double [r] phoneme that is not trilled as is normal in the Spanish speaking world..

Jamaican immigrants in the 19th Century brought with them a dialect of English that has evolved into the Mekatelyu creole dialect.

Marriage

Because Roman Catholicism is the official state religion, only that church’s marriages are legally recognized by the government. Any persons wishing to wed outside of the Catholic church must hire a lawyer who will perform and then register their civil wedding for them. Legal age for arriage in Costa Rica is 18, the age of consent is 15.

Costa Ricans often refer to themselves as tico (masculine) or tica (feminine). “Tico” comes from the popular local usage of “tico” and “tica” as diminutive suffixes (e.g., “momentico” instead of “momentito”). The phrase “Pura Vida” (literally “Pure Life”) is a ubiquitous motto in Costa Rica. Some youth use mae, a contraction of “maje” (mae means “guy/dude”), to refer to each other, although this might be perceived as insulting to those of an older generation; maje was a synonym for “tonto” (stupid).

Costa Rica boasts a varied history. Costa Rica was the point where the Mesoamerican and South American native cultures met. The northwest of the country, the Nicoya peninsula, was the southernmost point of Nahuatl cultural influence when the Spanish conquerors (conquistadores) came in the sixteenth century. The center and southern portions of the country had Chibcha influences.

The Atlantic coast, meanwhile, was populated with African workers during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Most afro Costa Ricans, however, derive from nineteenth-century Jamaican workers, brought in to work on the construction of railroads between the urban populations of the Central Plateau and the port of Limon on the Caribbean coast. Italian and Chinese immigrants also arrived at this time to work on railroad construction.

Music

Costa Rican popular music genres include: an indigenous calypso scene which is distinct from the more widely-known Trinidadian calypso sound audience that supports nightclubs in cities like San José. American and British rock and roll and pop are popular and common among the youth (especially urban youth) while dance-oriented genres like soca, salsa, merengue, cumbia and Tex-Mex have an appeal as well. Many dances and music of Costa Rica demonstrates an African, pre-Columbian, and Spanish influence. The guitar is a popular instrument especially as an accompaniment to Folk dances.

The literacy rate in Costa Rica is of 96% (CIA World Factbook, February 2007), one of the highest in Latin America. Elementary and high schools are found throughout the country in practically every community. Universal public education is guaranteed in the Constitution. Primary education is obligatory, and both preschool and high school are free. There are both state and private universities.

There are only a few schools in Costa Rica that go beyond the 12th grade. Those schools that finish at 11th grade receive a Costa Rican Bachillerato Diploma accredited by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education.

Victor Vendetti

http://supermousedv.com/LasOlas/LasOlasEmailtube.html

Cerro Fresco asked:


With all of the beautiful tropical destinations in the world, deciding to buy real estate in Costa Rica may seem a bit difficult. However, one look at the things this country has to offer will quickly help you to make that decision. The area has the best of all worlds, from the quiet and relaxing to the fun and exciting. No matter what your personal style, you should make the choice to buy real estate in Costa Rica.

Should you want to spend your days relaxing on the beach, sipping a delicious tropical beverage, Costa Rica is the perfect place to do so. The coastline here is one of the most amazing, the whole world over. If communing with nature is more your cup of tea, hiking through the rainforests can bring a calming effect to your life. Should you like to be pampered and primped, choosing to buy real estate in Costa Rica with an exclusive spa is certainly possible, at locations like CerroFresco.com.

For those more adventurous, Costa Rica offers many opportunities for excitement and fun. Those who enjoy some fun in the sun can surf, snorkel, or scuba dive in the crystal clear waters. More extreme activities, rock climbing and river rafting excursions are available. The nightlife in Costa Rica has a flavor and flare that can bring out the party animal in everyone. To enjoy it all, when you buy real estate in Costa Rica, look for a property with a concierge to assist you.

Choosing your location is hard enough, so don’t make choosing your specific property difficult when you buy real estate in Costa Rica.

CerroFresco.com provides you with a glimpse inside one of the area’s premier real estate locations. Everything you could ever want in a property in Costa Rica is included at these luxurious homes. From concierge service to beautiful natural scenery outside your door, a glance through this website will introduce you to the best in Costa Rican real estate.

Sacha Tarkovsky asked:


If you have a sense of adventure and want to run a business with low costs, bigger profits, less taxation (with government encouragement!) and enjoy sun, sea, sand, surf and rainforest – then you should consider a small business in Costa Rica.

There are several ways to take advantage of this opportunity, with a service industry to the growing US population, or one that simply takes advantage of lower costs and taxation.

Let’s look at the opportunities open to you.

More For Your Money

With this small business opportunity you can reduce costs straight away by swapping your current real estate for real estate in Costa Rica, which costs up to 70% less than real state in the southern US states.

You can then cut the cost of utility bills and daily living expenses by 70 - 80%. ( a three bedroom house can be purchased for just $60,000 ) and consider this you can live comfortably on around $2,000 a month.

What type of business?

With a growing foreign population, obvious opportunities are open in service, leisure and entertainment and the population you will be servicing has cash to spend.

A Trained workforce

You can of course, with Costa Rica’s excellent communications and trained work force (Costa invests 6.5 percent of its GDP to an educational system, which includes over 50 universities. English is taught in the schools as a second language. ) run any type of business at dramatically reduced costs. Real estate is cheap and so tp are office rentals.

The opportunities in running a small business in Costa Rica are endless and you can deal in the country or export your services offshore.

Large companies such as Microsoft, Intel and Proctor and Gamble have re located to Costa Rica and other small businesses are moving in to service them and their employees.

Tax Incentives

As an incentive to investment, the Costa Rican government provides foreign companies with several tax incentives.

For service companies (i.e software development, computer services, customer care call centers and back office/shared service centers) the incentives include a 100 percent income tax exemption for the first 8 years of doing business in the country and an additional four years at a 50 percent rate.

Legal restrictions

The country is friendly in terms of labor regulations and there are no restrictions on foreign corporations owning property (and consider this property has risen on average by 300% in the last 10 years) so you can make money on real estate to increase your asset values.

A growing economy

Whenever you have a growing economy with an influx of new residents with a different culture there will be significant opportunities for profit.

Get in early, get established and you will find that you can get a lead over any competition.

Costa Rica is just three hours from the US and while many come to get more for their money, enjoy the beautiful scenery – they still want the comforts of home.

As the numbers increase ( 1,000,000 Americans are expected to be living in Costa Rica by 1,010 ) and you have an opportunity to service them.

From restaurants, to water sports to computer service companies – the same opportunities that exist back home are available in Costa Rica but you can get a head start:

Cheap real estate, office space, low costs, lower taxation and the chance to be in a less competive market place and last but not least – you can enjoy a lifestyle of sun, sand sea, volcanoes, rainforest, great entertainment and nightlife and much more.

For the adventurous small business owner, Costa Rica offers a fantastic opportunity and a different lifestyle but one that many will find rewarding, from both a personal and profit point of view.

Setting up your new business is easy

Foreign businesses are encouraged by the government, getting residency and getting a corporation off the ground is straightforward.

If you have a sense of adventure then you should consider the advantages a small business in Costa Rica has to offer.

Sean In Costa Rica asked:


It’s no secret that the housing market in most of the US is cooling down. Where is the next big real estate market growth going to be? I think it is going to be Costa Rica. Here’s why I think Costa Rican beach front property is going to see amazing growth in the next few years. The baby boomer’s are going to retire soon and I suspect that many of them have long considered to retire in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is one of the nicest countries in Central America. It more politically stable than it’s neighbors and has more lush tropical paradise like environment. You may have considered purchasing property in Costa Rica. The beach front property in Costa Rica is a tropical like paradise. Costa Rica beaches are one of the most beautiful in the world.

Have you thought about making the giant leap and purchasing beach front property as a second home or an investment? During the past 5 years real estate has been increasing at a remarkable 18 - 30 % per year. How do you invest in Costa Rica beach front properties? Read on, and I’ll share my thoughts on the guidelines to buying beach front property anywhere else in Costa Rica.

Here’s one current example of one the best deals for beach front property that is 38 (plus acres) that could be developed as urbanization or your own personal estate. http://www.Beach-Front-Property-Costa-Rica.com

There are only two ways to go about buying beach front property in Costa Rica? The wrong way, and my way. Based on my experience of living here in Costa Rica for the last 15 years. Here’s my thoughts:

- Make sure the area your looking at is a place you would like to vacation at. If you plan on making a large purchase then spend a few days in the area to see if it is the right place for you. You will get a more in depth idea if you spend more time there. You don’t want to in your “tropical dream paradise” regretting that you’ve done it.

-Find a competent lawyer to represent your investment. Do not use the lawyer who is associated with the buyer. Always find your own lawyer to manage your purchase. It’s important to find one that has considerable knowledge of maritime zone law.

-Costa Rican maritime law is different in every Central American country and you need to know all of the details before purchasing beach front property in Costa Rica. In Costa Rica, the maritime zone is 200 meters from the average median high-low tide all year long. The first 50m is public property and the 150 meters from that line is restricted. The 150 meters stretch can not have an “original title”, but can be leased by a concession by the local municipality.

- Once your sure of purchasing your property act quickly (but prudently). Since property in Costa Rica is in high demand a good deal won’t last long. Land prices are on the rise, and not showing signs of slowing down any time soon. Once your sure, act. The current owner may have second thoughts and want to renegotiate or may not want to sell.

- Negotiate directly with the owner. There are many middle men that light be charging you too much. If an agent says you can’t speak with the owner then do not waste your time or money.

- Get a topographer to do a recent survey the land. The owner will have a “plano catestrado”, but you will need to make your own survey to verify the location and size of your property. You want to make sure your getting what you paid for.

The best of luck in your search for your beach front property in Costa Rica!

Jennifer Cross asked:


Are you starting to plan your retirement and worrying about how the state of the economy will effect your life style after you turn 65?Are you watching your friends make plans to cash in their paper assets, move to a smaller home, and cut down on spending? This is what many people are doing in the face of a recession in the United States right now. But you imagined having a little money to travel, visit Paris maybe, or go on a cruise. Is all of that just a fantasy now?

Well some people have discovered out how to make the dream a reality and retire in style by living and investing in the heavenly paradise of Costa Rica! It all begins with the real estate market. Those who know say the real estate market in Costa Rica is one of the most stable in the world, and prices are easily comparable to US property or lower. You could easily find a beautiful beach house for $300,000 overlooking the ocean. Or buy a piece of land near the beach for $100,000 and build your dream home. Imagine spend your days walking on the beach, a drink on the terrace, watching the sunset, and socializing with new friends who share your enthusiasm for a good retirement!

You may think it sounds crazy, that people only go to Costa Rica on vacation, but that’s no longer true. More and more foreigners are retiring in Costa Rica, especially Americans but also Europeans and other foreigners. And they are all doing it the same way: investing in property which will only go up in value for years to come, while living their retirement in the sunshine. But how? you ask. The following are just a few examples of the things that make it so easy to live the dream and retire in Costa Rica:

ONLY 2 HOURS AWAY

Costa Rica is only 2 hours away from Florida and all the comforts of home. Take a log weekend in Miami and do some shopping, or grab a connector flight to visit your family, and have them come visit often! And be careful who you invite to come visit you, it is so easy to get to Costa Rica that they will certainly come!

ESPANGLISH

Maybe not everyone speaks English, but no matter where you are, there is probably someone around who will be able to translate. A large majority of the population can speak at least some English, and most of the private schools are English Immersion, so from a young age many of these kids are bilingual. And hey, why not take some Spanish lessons yourself? Stretch your brain a little and make some friends while you are at it.

COST OF LIVING

The cost of living is comparable to the US if not slightly lower. There are some items which are shockingly inexpensive, while others are what you are used to at home. Groceries, restaurants and shopping tend to be about what as you are used to, however workers such as a live in maid or gardener are much less expensive than in the US. During retirement, it can often be a great blessing to have people around to help you with the daily chores.

HEALTH CARE

Health Care in Costa Rica is known for its quality and inexpensive price tag. Many of the doctors are trained in the US or Europe, and hospitals are very modern with all the latest equipment and technologies. Not to gossip but Costa Rica is known for its movie star plastic surgery!

MEDICARE

Both the Costa Rican government and Medicare and are making it extremely easy for ex-patriots to receive their Medicare cheques in Costa Rica through a network of banks in now offering direct deposit to your Costa Rican bank account.

VISAS & LEGAL ISSUES

Do I need a visa, or how does it work? If you are 45 years or older you can apply to be part of a retirement program set up by the Costa Rican government to encourage foreigners to come to Costa Rica. Benefits include tax exemptions and incentives, but the greatest thing is that you don’t have to pay tax on your retirement income in Costa Rica!

CAN I OWN PROPETY IN COSTA RICA?

In Costa Rica foreigners are in no way penalized when purchasing property. Foreigners have the same rights as a Costa Rican and the law will treat them as an equal. You can also incorporate your own company and purchase the property through your company for additional tax breaks.

OF COURSE THE BEAUTY …

The words Cost Rica actually mean Rich Coast, a name Christopher Columbus bestowed on this country overflowing with natural beauty, lush rainforests, mountains, cloud forests, and sandy beaches. Costa Rica is world famous for its diverse natural habitat and beautiful sunsets.

So there you have it, not a bad list of reasons to rent out your house, cash in your paper assets, and retire to a beach house in Costa Rica! There may be a coming recession, but you don’t have to live in it, or let it spoil your long awaited liberation from the rat race.

Adam Morien asked:


When you think of your idyllic retirement what do you see? Some people imagine a bustling down-sized condo right in the heart of Manhattan, while others dream of a $200,000 family estate in the Colorado foothills. What if, for the same price, you could own a piece of the rainforest — complete with waterfalls, resident toucans and a hacienda situated on 1.5 acres of real estate? Costa Rica real estate agents can help you finance the retirement ranch of your dreams, tucked away in the wilderness of South America. The prices are so reasonable, the appreciation value (up 34% since 1998) so high and the land so desirable that even Mel Gibson recently purchased his own chunk of Costa Rican land. Costa Rica real estate agents will tell you that the region is full of British and American ex-patriots!

For many years Costa Rica real estate agents had all this land and nothing to do with it. With a $1.9-billion-a-year tourism industry, it was only a matter of time before some of the world travelers recognized the tremendous development opportunity amid the pristine wilderness. Owing in part to relaxed international development laws (Costa Rica is part of the “Organization of American States” and the United Nations), many tourists decided to build in Latin America, affording houses three times the size and acreage of a similar American investment. Since Costa Rica real estate agents have been so busy over the last decade thanks to true pioneers who were willing to wait for decent roads and amenities in favor of larger land and relative isolation, the infrastructure sector finally caught up. In 2010, the new International Airport (Costa Rica’s third) situated in Palmar Norte will be finished. Additionally, an 80,000 square foot hospital under construction and nearly complete and The Costanera Highway (Pacific Coast Highway) is being widened and repaved to connect Quepos and Dominical. The largest (and only) full service marina is being built in Quepos as well, which is sure to make Quepos a choice destination for investors and retirees alike.

Knowledgeable Costa Rica real estate agents can tell you which area would best suit you, but there are a few considerations to make before calling. First, decide if you want to purchase unfettered wilderness at a cut-rate price to build your dream home on, or you’d prefer something already established. If you want a pre-existing home in the Costa Rican market, you’ll need to decide if you want a beach condo with all the amenities, a single-family residence in a community or secluded, or just an apartment rental in a culture-saturated Latin American metropolis. According to Costa Rica real estate agents at BuySafeCostaRica.com, roughly two-thirds of the population lives in Central Costa Rica around La Fortuna, Lake Arenal, San Jose, Cartago, Alajuela and the Irazu Volcano. Central Pacific Costa Rica is situated along the Pacific Ocean and offers popular tourist cities like Jaco Beach, Dominical, Quepos and Puntarenos. Some of the natives and early developers complain that foreign investment and unplanned developments have been moved too rapidly in recent years and is taking away from some of the area’s natural beauty. The Caribbean Sea side of the country is known for its warm, laidback beach atmosphere and its Afro-Caribbean culture in Puerto Limon. The Southern Pacific region is bordered by Panama and the Pacific Ocean and houses Buenos Aires, Golfito and San Vito, but is relatively remote still. Prices here are pioneer-cheap because the area is still so untouched by development yet. Even so, Costa Rica real estate agents say the Osa Peninsula is still the starting point for much eco-tourism, sport fishing, diving and wildlife watching (especially at Corcovado Park!)