Profimercadeo

Costa Rica abolished its army after a revolution in 1948, decision that gave more of the nation's budget to improve social areas like: education, medical care, and distribution country wide of electricity and potable water services.

By 1982 Costa Rica declared peace to the rest of the World, becoming neutral in any warlike confrontation. But making sure that always in international forums like; United Nations, Organization of the American States, Inter-American Court of Human Rights and others, the voice of our country is always strong defending peace, human rights, respect of the international law and democracy.

Example of this is President Oscar Arias (1986-90) and Costa Rica's role as peacemaker in the Contra-Sandinista conflict in Nicaragua. Efforts that gave peace and democracy back to the region and the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize for Ex-president Arias.

The National Parks and equivalent reserves of Costa Rica protect the nation's most outstanding natural and cultural heritage. Exquisite wild areas offer protection to most of 208 species of mammals, 850 of birds, 220 of reptiles and 132 of amphibians that have been recorded in the country as well as to over 9.000 species of vascular plants that have been identified to date.

Goverment

Costa Rica is a democratic republic divided in three main powers: Executive, Legislative and Judicial. Its first elections were held in 1889, making Costa Rica one of the oldest democracies in America. Costa Rica’s 1949 constitution abolished the army.

The executive branch is represented by the president and its ministries. The president and vice-presidents are elected by the people for a period of 4 years, while the ministers cabinet is chosen freely by the elected president for the same period.

Legislative branch is the one responsible for approving and making the laws which will be executed by the executive power. It consists of a chamber of 57 congressmen chosen by free elections for a period of 4 years.

The judicial power is the Supreme Court. It is composed of 22 magistrates elected for a period of 8 years. This is the highest judicial body. The Supreme Court is responsible for naming judges and tribunals.

The Supreme Tribunal of Elections is considered Costa Rica’s fourth branch, for it is the highest authority during elections to ensure everything goes according to law.

Currency

Costa Rica’s currency is “Colon”. It is named after Christopher Columbus. This currency was introduced in 1896. The “Colon” currently exchanges at around ¢520 per US dollar. Some example approximate exchange rates are:

• ¢5.000 = $10.00

• ¢10.000 = $20.00

• Exchange rates may fluctuate and we recommend a quick check before your travel. We’d be more than happy to provide you with this information

What’s great about Costa Rica is that its economy is dollarized and dollars are accepted almost anywhere, especially in tourist areas. You don’t even have to worry about changing money. A small amount of “Colones” will do just fine for any rare situation where you can’t pay with dollars.

Another thing to keep in mind is that our bills make reference to Costa Rica’s flora, fauna, national heroes, ecosystems and more. They also come in colorful designs, making them a very nice souvenir for any tourist.