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COSTA RICA |
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Costa Rica is a Central American success story: since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred its democratic development. Although still a largely agricultural country, it has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism sectors. Foreign investors remain attracted by the country's political stability and high education levels, and tourism continues to bring in foreign exchange. Costa Rica is located in Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama.
Area: 51,100 sq km
Population: 3.8 million
Capital: San Jose
People: 96% Spanish descent, 2% African descent, 1% indigenous Indians, 1% Chinese
Language: English, Spanish; Castilian
Religion: 85% Roman Catholic, 14% Protestant
Government: Democratic republic
GDP: US$16.6 billion
Major Industries: Tourism, electronics, coffee, bananas, sugar, food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, and plastic products.
Major Trading Partners: USA, Germany, Italy, Japan, Guatemala, and Mexico |
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