COSTA RICA

On September 15, 1821, the authorities in Guatemala declared the independence of all of Central America independence from Spain after the last Spanish defeat in the Mexican War of Independence (1810–21).

In 1838, Costa Rica formally proclaimed itself an independent country.
From colonial times to now, Costa Rica's reluctance to become politically tied with the rest of Central America has been a major obstacle to efforts for greater regional integration.

Coffee was first planted in Costa Rica in the early 19th century. It became Costa Rica's first major export.

IMPORTANT EXPORT

• Coffee
• Bananas
• Pineapple
• Sugar

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• Lumber
• Wood products
• Beef

PRIM INDUSTRIES

• Electronic
• Pharmaceuticals
• financial outsourcing
• software development
• Ecoturism

Maize is consumed as tortillas, which accompany rice and beans

Beverages include coffee, sugary fruit drinks, and soda. Alcohol consumption is high.

It does not have the four seasons other countries have. The year can be split into two seasons: the dry season (known as summer), and the rainy season (known as winter).

The "summer" starts in December and ends in April. "Winter" starts in May and ends in December.

Nearly all of Costa Rica was once covered by forests, but deforestation for agricultural purposes and cattle ranching has reduced virgin forest to only 25% of the total area.

Between 1990 and 1995, the country lost an average of 3% of its forests and woodlands annually. Most of the wood is wasted by burning or rotting, and there is little incentive for conservation or reforestation.