Costa Rica, meaning “Rich Coast,” owes its diversity and natural treasures to its contrasting geography, ecological zones, and microclimates. Such geographical diversity provides a place for the world’s most varied ecosystems. Though its size is an area smaller than West Virginia, Costa Rica contains about 6.5% of the world’s biodiversity! Over 25% of the land is designated as national parks and Costa Rica’s rainforests cover over 50% of the country. Rolling mountains and highland cloud forests contrast with 800 miles of Caribbean and Pacific shoreline, creating a country with four main geographical areas: the Tropical Lowlands (Caribbean and Pacific coasts), the Northern Central Plains, the Central Valley and the Northwest Peninsula. Costa Rica is home to lots of stunning species of birds, reptiles and mammals.
Photos by: Beverly Houwing 81
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