Country Overview

Fast Facts

Population: 4 million

Population of Heredia: 500,000

Time Zone: Costa Rica is in the Central Standard Time Zone but does NOT observe daylight savings.

Geographic Location: Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama. Slightly smaller than West Virginia, or the size of New Hampshire and Vermont combined.

Highest Point: Cerro Chirripó 3,810 m (12,497 ft.)

Spanish in Costa Rica: Costa Rica Spanish is considered to be one of the best forms of Spanish to study due to its clear accent and standard form. Something important to know is that Costa Ricans do not use “tu” frequently, although they understand it perfectly well. They use “usted” almost exclusively for addressing each other. You will hear small children use “usted” with each other! Costa Ricans also use “vos” (instead of “tu”). Argentina is the country most known for using “vos” but it is also used throughout Central America and in Central Colombia. You won’t hear it as often as it is used mostly amongst locals who are familiar with each other.

Climate: Tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in the highlands. Terrain coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes.

Climate in the Central Valley: The Central Valley is over 1000 m (3,280 ft.) above sea level and has a cool and moderate climate. During the Costa Rican summer, from December to May, rain showers are infrequent. During the Costa Rican winter, from June to November, it is usually sunny in the morning and it is not uncommon to have an hour of rain each afternoon. This is very pleasant, because temperatures are cooler and there is less humidity. When it rains, and it rains fairly regularly especially in August, September, October and November, it is usually from 2 or 3 PM and most of the time for a few hours only. The rainy season, as this season is called, is the one that many foreign residents prefer. Nature is lusher and the Central Valley becomes a floral garden in a Swiss landscape.

Climate in Heredia: Heredia, 1176 m (3,858 ft.) the city of eternal spring, has a comfortable climate year-round of 24°C (75°F) during the day. Due to the altitude, nights are cooler and temperatures are about 18°C (65°F). Heredia has more of a mountain climate.

Holidays: