Location: One of the smallest countries in Central America , Costa Rica is bordered by Nicaragua and Panama (north and south, respectively) and by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea (west and east).

Population: about 4 million habitants.

 Language: the official language is Spanish. However English is widely spoken.

 Currency: the official currency is the colones, more widely accepted than dollars. Many businesses accept U.S. dollars, and currency can be exchanged at banks and hotels. Credit cards are accepted too, but remember to always carry local currency.

 Government: Costa Rica is a democratic republic and elections are held every four years. The country abolished the army almost 50 years ago, and has since been the most stable democracy.