Costa Rica

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Costa Rica, or in Spanish "rich coast" is an apt description for this tropical paradise in Central America, bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean, and to the east by the Caribbean Sea.

Spanish is the main language in Costa Rica, although English is widely heard in tourist areas and often featured in informational brochures describing its lush and varied flora and fauna.

With almost a quarter of the country given over to protected national parks, Costa Rica offers some of the most diverse natural wonders on earth - including mountains and volcanic areas to beaches and rain forests - inhabited by wildlife ranging from monkeys and wildcats to exotic tropical birds. More than 800 species make Costa Rica prime birdwatching territory, especially along the southern coast.

Costa Rica also offers world-class beaches and surfing along the Pacific coast, known for its idyllic locations and near-perfect conditions for catching the big wave. Parasailing and wind surfing, swimming and beachcombing are also favorite pasttimes along either coast.

As in many Central American countries, tourists are most susceptible to theft and pickpocketing. Therefore it's usually recommended that tourists traveling alone keep to main tourist areas, especially in Costa Rica's main capital city of San Jose.

Otherwise, a fairly well-established tourist industry offers guided tours throughout the country, with a keen and growing interest in ecotourism.

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