About Costa Rica

June 15, 2012 -
Our team will be heading out in 23 days. As the funds are finally coming in, and we are thinking about what to pack I thought it would be a good time to take a break to discover Costa Rica and some facts about the Country.

Costa Rica, which means "Rich Coast" is located in Central America bordered by Nicaragua and Panama. The motto for Costa Rica is "Pura Vida", which contextually means 'Full of Life'. The Capitol and largest city in Costa Rica is San Jose with their official language as Spanish. Costa Rica has a population of about four and a half million. The currency used in Costa Rica is the Colon (CRC), and the poverty rate is currently about 23%. The economy in Costa Rica has ever been extremely strong or stable. Banana's, pineapples and coffee are their 3 main exports, however tourism is the #1 source of money in the country.

Costa Rica is composed of 7 provinces (which are like states to us). The provinces are then divided up into 81 Cantons - (which are more like our cities) and each is ruled by a mayor that is elected every 4 years. Costa Rican geography is composed of islands, volcanoes, lakes, mountains, jungles, wildlife,etc. Costa Rica sits between the Pacific Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea. Because of where Costa Rica is located, the climate is tropical year round. However there are also two seasons. One is the dry season (summer) and one is the rainy season (winter). Our team will be going during the winter season as their winter season goes from May-November. The average temperature is around 81 degrees, however while we are there the average temperature will be anywhere from 85 to 100 degrees.

There are many more things to learn about Costa Rica than the things mentioned, which only illustrate a small part of Costa Rica.  Throughout the journey God takes us all on, we will be experiencing the culture, wildlife, hot temperatures, and sadly the high rates of poverty. It will be so great to see what people the Lord brings in to our lives, and the ministry we will be able to take part in. 


Sincerely,


FAC Youth and Leaders