Cruising to Costa RicaBackgroundCosta Rica is a Central American success story: since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred its democratic development. Although it still maintains a large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread. GeographyLocation: Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the
North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama Coastline1,290 km Maritime claimsTerritorial sea: 12 nm ClimateTropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands TerrainCoastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes Elevation extremesLowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m EconomyCosta Rica's basically stable economy depends on tourism, agriculture, and electronics exports. Poverty has been substantially reduced over the past 15 years, and a strong social safety net has been put into place. Foreign investors remain attracted by the country's political stability and high education levels, and tourism continues to bring in foreign exchange. Low prices for coffee and bananas have hurt the agricultural sector. The government continues to grapple with its large internal and external deficits and sizable internal debt. The reduction of inflation remains a difficult problem because of rises in the price of imports, labor market rigidities, and fiscal deficits. The country also needs to reform its tax system and its pattern of public expenditure. Costa Rica is the only signatory to the US-Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) that has not ratified it. CAFTA implementation would result in economic reforms and an improved investment climate. TransportationAirports: 156 (2005) Waterways730 km (seasonally navigable by small craft) (2005) Merchant marineTotal: 2 ships (1000 GRT or over) 2,308 GRT/743 DWT Sailing Specifics: Ports and terminalsCaldera, Puerto Limon DisputesIn September 2005, Costa Rica took its case before the ICJ to advocate the navigation, security, and commercial rights of Costa Rican vessels using the Río San Juan over which Nicaragua retains sovereignty Other Sailing Destinations in the RegionArgentina - Belize - Brazil - Chile - Colombia - Costa Rica - Ecuador - El Salvador - French Guiana - Guatemala - Guyana - Honduras - Mexico - Nicaragua - Panama - Peru - St. Pierre and Miquelon - Suriname - Uruguay - Venezuela Further Reading |
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