Costa Rica, San Jose Cost of Living April 2010

Country Full Name: Republic of Costa Rica.

Location: Costa Rica is in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama.

Country Climate: Tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands.

Country Terrain: Coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes.

Major Languages: Spanish (official), English.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 4.5 million (2008 est.) 4.6 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Costa Rica heavily depends on tourism, agriculture, and electronics exports. Poverty has been reduced over the past 15 years, and a social safety net put into place.

Currency: Costa Rican Colon (CRC).

Country Inflation: 13.4% (2008 est.) 8.4% (2009 est.).

City: San Jose is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica.

City Economy: San Jose is the seat of national government, the focal point of political and economic activity, and the major transportation hub of Costa Rica.
Cost of Living: San Jose has an overall cost of living index which equates it with low cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. San Jose is currently ranked 234 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

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