Despite internal strife in neighboring Nicaragua and Panama, there has been no war in Costa Rica for two generations. Today the population is a mixture of varying nationalities from southern European, Asian, African, and indigenous American ancestries. The climate is relative to the varying land elevations. Frost is not uncommon at night in the highest elevations. Each elevation fosters its own climate, and each elevational climate remains constant throughout the year.
Rainfall is subject to annual and regional patterns.
Rain brings balance to the region by refreshing the greenery of the countryside. The Caribbean-style slope is subject to more evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year, with dry periods disbursed in May and June and again in September and October. Costa Rica is a worldwide model for its reputation in conservation with fully one quarter of its land divided into major units called Conservation Areas. These areas are strictly protected in an effort to maintain harmony between the earth's growing population and economic growth with the preservation of nature. The National Parks are open to the public at government established fees.