Living in Costa Rica

Costa Rica lies in Central America between Nicaragua and Panama, bordering the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean to the east. Around 5 million people live there. Volcanoes, mountain ranges, tropical forests, and coastlines shape the country. In the higher-elevation regions around San José, the climate is usually milder, while the coasts are hot and humid; the Pacific coast has pronounced dry seasons. Many people live in cities or suburbs, while rural areas often consist of smaller communities. Buses connect numerous places, while longer journeys are part of everyday life in remote regions. Jobs can be found, among other sectors, in services, agriculture, and industry. Depending on the region, people spend their leisure time with family, playing sports, in nature, or at the seaside.