Costa Rican culture is in many ways a reflection of its racial diversity. The predominant influence has long been European, which is reflected in everything from the official language -- Spanish -- to the architecture of the country's churches and other historic buildings. The indigenous influence is less visible, but can be found in everything from the tortillas that make part of a typical Costa Rican meal, to the handmade ceramics sold at roadside stands.

An important aspect of Costa Rica's cultural legacy is their love for peace and democracy. The Ticos like to stand out that their nation is the exception in Latin America, where military dictatorships have long dominated politics. They take pride in having more than one hundred years of democratic tradition, and almost half a century without an army. The army was abolished in 1948, and the money the country saves by not expending in military issues is invested in improving the Costa Ricans' standard of living, which has fostered a culture of social peace that makes it such a pleasant place to visit.

The Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly known, are famous for their hospitality, and are quite happy to live up to their reputation. They are well-educated and hard working people, who are quick with a handshake and a smile. They are well aware of the special land they have, and most likely they will help foreigners when they get lost, even explaining things that might seem bizarre to foreigners, and making their stay as enjoyable as possible. People say the Ticos are their nation's greatest asset, and once you've experienced their friendliness and spontaneity, you'll have no doubt to that regard.

Rugged highlands are found throughout most of the country, ranging from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 meters (3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level). The Guanacaste Mountain Range, Central Mountain Range, and Talamanca Mountain Range are the main mountain ranges extending the entire length of the country. There are several active volcanoes (Arenal Volcano, Irazu Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and Turrialba Volcano) and the country's highest mountain (Chirripo Hill) with a height of 3,819 m/12,530 ft. The country has a relatively long coastline in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as a number of rivers and streams that attract specialist kayakers and rafters from all over the world.

Costa Rican weather is one of its greatest blessings. You can enjoy a sunny vacation during the dry season, or feel refreshed by the lush exotic vegetation during the rainy season. The country has an extraordinary climatic diversity; its contrasting temperatures are the best proof of that. On the Pacific Region the temperature ranges from 28° C to 38° C (82° F to 100° F), whereas in the Caribbean Coast the maximum temperature goes up to 30°C. In the Central Region temperatures range from 22° C to 28° C (71° F to 75° F). In mountain sectors temperatures can drop to 7° C (44° F). The rainy or green season lasts from May to December with noticeably drier days during the rest of the year.

Costa Rica's richness also lies on the cultural diversity of our people. Throughout our history, to the indigenous population of pre-Hispanic origins have been added movements of immigrants which settled in these lands, making it their home. Populations of European origin, Spanish mainly, persons of African and Asian ascendance, as well as people from different places of the American continent, have interacted among them, enriching the cultural backgrounds in the process.

Currently, besides the predominant half-breed component, there are ethnical-national groups and colonies of immigrants recovering their particular cultural heritage: African descendants, Chinese, Hebrew, Lebanese, Italian, etc.; as well as the indigenous populations of the Bribri, Cabecar, Maleku, Teribe, Boruca, Ngöbe, Huetar and Chorotega.

The Costa Rican government has long dedicated a significant portion of its national budget to education and other social services, a policy whose result has been a healthy and educated populace. The country has a literacy rate and average life expectancy that are much closer to those of Western European nations than most Latin American countries. Costa Rica has had a socialized medical system for nearly half a century, and while schools and clinics are found throughout the country, the Central Valley has several public universities and dozens of private universities. Travelers are more likely to encounter more educated people, and don't have to worry about most of the diseases they would expect to encounter in a tropical country.

Tap water is safe to drink almost everywhere in the country, but bottled beverages are recommended in rural areas. For those few travelers that do become sick or injured while in Costa Rica, there are hospitals and private clinics in San Jose provide a level of care comparable to that found in the United States, and for considerably less money.

Here and throughout the world, enjoy a safer holiday by following these simple guidelines:

• Decide your destination in advance and have a planned route of travel.
• Always be alert and aware of what is going on around you.
• If your vehicle is bumped from behind, do not stop on the roadway or side road. Drive to the nearest public area and call for police assistance.
• If someone in suspicious attitude approaches your vehicle at a red light or stop sign, blare the horn.
• Do not pull over for flashing headlights. An emergency or police vehicle is the only one authorized to turn on red or blue flashing lights.
• If you become lost, try to find a public place, like a service station, to read your map or ask for directions. Do not show yourself nervous.
• If you are told that something is wrong with your vehicle, do not stop immediately. Drive to the nearest service station or to another well lighted public area.
• Keep doors locked and windows shut up when driving, and mainly when the vehicle is parked.
• Goods and valuables should be kept in the trunk, locked glove compartment, or out of sight whenever traveling or leaving the vehicle parked.
• Always park in well lit areas.
• Check the interior of your vehicle and surrounding areas before getting on your vehicle.
• Do not pick up hitchhikers.
• If using an automatic cashier, be sure the area is well lit. Count your money inside your vehicle with the windows shout up.
• Do not leave the keys in your vehicle or the motor on when using the automatic cashier or in a public telephone.
• If you suspect that you are being followed, go to the nearest well lit public area and call the police.
• If you must carry a purse or back pack, hold it in front of you close to your body. Be sure it is securely closed.
• Just in case, if you are threatened by a hostile individual, do not resist. Give the person what is asked for. Your belongings are not worth your life or serious injury. In case of emergency call the number 911 on any telephone.
• Pay for the airport taxes only at authorized places. The correct amount is $ 26, per person.