Costa Rica is a Central American success story: since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred its democratic development. Although still a largely agricultural country, it has achieved a relatively high standard of living. Land ownership is widespread. Tourism is a rapidly expanding industry.
| Location: | Middle America, bordering
both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua
and Panama 10 00 N, 84 00 W |
| Population: | 3,773,057 (July 2001 est.) |
| Area: | total: 51,100 sq km land: 50,660 sq km water: 440 sq km note: includes Isla del Coco border countries: Nicaragua 309 km, Panama 330 km slightly smaller than West Virginia |
| Climate: | tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands |
| Terrain: | coastal plains separated by rugged mountains |
| Elevation: | lowest point:
Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Cerro Chirripo 3,810 m |
Costa Rica
2010, 2011
At present there are 7 hospitals performing cardiac surgery in Costa Rica (Social Security-3; pediatric-1;and private-3). 16 cardiac surgeons perform about 1,000 open heart operations per year.