Located in a region where violence is too often the order of the day, Costa Rica lives in peace. It has one of the highest literacy rates in the Western Hemisphere and a Social Security system that offers health care to all of its people. Costa Ricans like to say they have gained through evolution what other countries try to attain through revolution.

This small nation has international standing in the conservation community for its commitment to preservation of forests and wildlife. National parks cover almost 12 percent of Costa Rica, while another 15 percent has protection of some kind as Indian reserves, wildlife refuges, and forest reserves.