FACTS

Location: Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama

Area (only Total) total: 51,100 sq km

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

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

Population: 4,195,914 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Spanish

Government type: democratic republic

Capital (Name): San Jose

Capital (Time Difference): UTC-610

Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

HOLIDAYS

January 1 New Year's Day

April 11 Anniversary of the Battle of Rivas (not banks)

March 21 - 24 Good Friday - Easter Sunday

May 1 Labour Day

July 25 Anniversary of the Annexation of Guanacaste Province

August 2 Virgen de Los Angele's Day

August 15 Assumption/Mothers' Day

September 15 Independence Day

October 12 Columbus Day/Dia de la Raza

December 25 Christmas Day

Weekend Saturday, Sunday

You should know:

Holidays occurring on a weekend (Saturday and Sunday) are not moved