Sandwiched between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, it is almost to the most southern end of Central America. The Pacific Ocean creates Costa Rica s western border with the Caribbean Sea covering the eastern side of the country. It is a short 2 hours by plane from Miami to San Jose and about 3 hours south from Dallas. Because of its southern proximity neither the temperature nor length of the days varies greatly throughout the year. The days are nearly twelve hours long all year round with very little change from summer to winter.
Temperature is also fairly constant but drastic changes occur according to the altitude.
In the higher altitude cities like San Jose and Cartago it can be a little chilly in the evenings and in the mountains sometimes freezing cold. The amount of rainfall an area receives also depends on its location within the country. The Pacific is generally drier and sunnier while the Caribbean receives more rain and is lush and green. In 1998, the country celebrated the 50 th anniversary of the rewriting of their constitution abolishing the national army and instituting a strong standing democracy based on peace, liberty, and respect for human rights that is healthier today than ever before. From the time of Columbus anchored off the shore of Costa Rica in 1502, to the present, Costa Rica has a rich and varied history.