Costa Rica Real Estate and Property - Realty Executives International

Realty Executives International - Central America - Where the Experts Are™

Land area: 19,560 sq mi (50,660 sq km); total area: 19,730 sq mi (51,100 sq km)

Population (2008 est.): 4,191,948 (growth rate: 1.3%); birth rate: 17.7/1000; infant mortality rate: 9.2/1000; life expectancy: 77.3; density per sq mi: 82

Capital and largest city (2003 est.): San José, 1,527,300 (metro. area), 337,200 (city proper)

Monetary unit: Colón

Languages: Spanish (official), English

Ethnicity/race: white (including mestizo) 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%, Chinese 1%, other 1%

Geography: This Central American country lies between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Its area slightly exceeds that of Vermont and New Hampshire combined. It has a narrow Pacific coastal region. Cocos Island (10 sq mi; 26 sq km), about 300 mi (483 km) off the Pacific Coast, is under Costa Rican sovereignty.

Expert Tips for Buyers and Investors

Costa Rica has many areas that are attractive to buyers, investors, retirees or second home buyers. Currently the top areas for investment on the Pacific Coast are the areas of Guanacaste, Jaco, Tamarindo, Playa Coco and Hermoso. Many commercial and residential purchase and lease opportunities are also available in these areas as well as San Jose, Escazu, Liberia and Puerto Limon on the Caribbean Coast.