The stunning country of Costa Rica sits in the heart of Central America, bordering Nicaragua in the north and Panama in the southwest and with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The country boasts an astounding 15 different ecosystems within its borders and this spectacular biodiversity is looked after with the incredible forward-thinking nature of the locals – they work to protect the beauty they have, and it benefits everyone, with around 25 percent of the country a protected area. Whilst Costa Rica is a prime destination for eco-tourists, the country also offers more than enough for any other kind of visitor in its relatively small space. The jewel of Central America is full of everything that would make a short hop pleasant and a long stay fulfilling, and that’s before the incredibly friendly people and fantastic coffee are taken into account!

Little is known of the indigenous tribes that lived in Costa Rica, other that they were present when Columbus first arrived in 1502 and were one of the reasons the country took around 60 years to be colonised by the Europeans, as they put up something of a stiff resistance. In the end though, as with all natives in the Americas, the numbers, weapons and diseases of the Europeans saw them off and the country slowly established itself as a forgotten European colony, with the initial promises of gold and unimaginable wealth falling by the wayside when people realised, well – there wasn’t any gold. By 1808 though, a new cash cow had been found and the introduction of coffee was to see the country on the front foot economically – by 1821 Costa Rica was independent of Spain, and by 1840 it was a wholly independent nation. The path of the country was something of a smooth one – surprising when compared to other Central American nations, and downright shocking on a world scale – but the country pursued economic and liberal reforms through its growth, with only one real blip on the record when a disputed election in 1948 resulted in civil war. On one side of the conflict was the ex-president, Calderon, and his successor, Picado, with recent ballot-winner Ulate and Jose Figueres on the other. Fighting lasted for weeks, but Figueres emerged victorious, and handed presidency of the country to the elected leader Ulate. This was to be something of a turning point for the country, as the new president invoked a new constitution, giving blacks and women the right to vote as well as abolishing the armed forces, hoping to lead the rest of the world by example and show that armies are not necessary. This message of peace has carried on since, and President Oscar Arias even received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for helping to spread the word. In recent times Costa Rica has been hit by a couple of destructive hurricanes – Cesar in 1996 and Mitch in 1998 – both caused a lot of damage and put a dent in the economy as a result. Nevertheless, Costa Rica has soldiered on, and has seen economic strength in recent years along with the re-appointment of Arias as President in 2006. Thanks to a number of liberalising reforms over the formative years of this young country and the continuation of these ideals in recent times, Costa Rica is today one of the most looked after countries in the world, as well as being economically strong in Central America, politically stable and home to millions of people with a high standard of living.

Whilst other Central American nations have bickered and warred over the tiniest of misgivings, Costa Rica has set about from the very beginning to be something different, and today it shows. The country is something of an oddity in the region, with progressive thinking, a high standard of life and outstanding natural beauty throughout – any potential off plan investor would be mad to pass up the chance of looking at the country. In recent years the government has moved to cement the strength of the economy, and as a result there is an impetus on foreign investment. The property market doesn’t provide as many bargains as its neighbours, but the potential for properties, especially in the buy-to-let market is immense. The gem of Central America certainly isn’t something to pass up.

The standards of healthcare in Costa Rica are generally good. Health insurance is recommended.

Mobile phone coverage stretches across the country, though coverage in more rural regions cannot be guaranteed. Landlines are widely available and lines are of a good standard. Internet cafes are