By David Johnson
Known as the "Switzerland of the Americas" for its peace, democracy,
and
natural beatuy, Costa Rica, flanked by the Caribbean Sea on the east,
and the Pacific Ocean on the west, is seemingly blesed with numerous
magnificent mountains, pristine beaches, and a year-round pleasant
climate.
Costa Rica, nestled in the heart of Central America (bordered by
Nicaragua and Panama), is known for its beautifully preserved
environment
and friendly atmosphere.
In order to preserve promises of peace, the government of Costa Rica
disbanded its armed forces in 1949, and currently has no army, navey
or
airforce. Funds previously allocated for the military are now
channeled
into education and social development. As a result, Costa Rica
boasts a
high literacy rate, and health & medical standards comparable to many
First-World countries.
But Costa Rica is not all tranquility. In San Jose, its capital with
a
population of more than 250,000, you will find Five-Star hotels,
bustling
businesses, and a shopper's paradise.
Though Spanish is Costa Rica's Official Language, I've put together a
list
of English-speaking contacts to make your stay in the republic smooth
sailing:
TOURIST OFFICES
Costa Rican TOurist Board, Plaza de la Cultura, 5th Street, Central
and
2nd Avenue, San Jose, Costa Rica; Tel: (506) 223-1733, ext. 277
1101 Brickel Ave., Blvd. Tower, Suite 801, Miami, FL 33131 USA; Tel:
(800) 327-7033; (305) 358-2150
OFFSHORE BANKING, ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, AND PERSONAL PRIVACY
CONSULTANTS
FEC, Inc., Box 959, Centro Colon Office Building 1007, San Jose,
Costa Rica;
Tel: (506) 296-2597; Fax: (506) 220-3470 (Be sure to refer to Source
Number
91/12-0695 when contacting FEC (Financial Engineering Consultants,
Inc.)
REAL ESTATE
Leona Mar Developments, Avenida 4, Calle 34/36, San Jose,. Costa
Rica;
Tel/Fax: (506) 231-4553
Eco-Resorts, P.O. Box 661, Liberty, NY 12754 USA
American Realty, Edifico Ferencz, Third Floor, Avenida 3 and Calle 3,
P.O. Box 2310-1000, San Jose, COsta Rica; Tel: (6506) 223-0328; Fax:
(506) 223-1050
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
Dr. Enrique Von Browne, Apartado 5634, San Jose, Costa Rica, Tel:
(506)
221-8550; Fax: (506) 221-5910
RETIREMENT INFORMATION
Association of Resident Pensionados and Rentistas, Edificio I.C.T.,
Calle 5 and Avenida 4, San Jose, Costa Rica
ENGLISH-LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER
Tico Times (Weekly); Internet E-mail Address: tti...@huracan.cr
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - David Johnson is an international consultant
specializing in privacy, security and investigative matters. He has
lived
in Asia for close to two years, where he saw ten countries, and
frequently
writes on issues of interest to the global-thinking individual. He
may be
reached by Airmail at: Worldwide Consultants, 2421 W. Pratt Blvd.,
Suite
971, Chicago, IL 60645 USA, or via E-mail at worl...@uunet.uu.net
(Internet) which is accessable through any authorized gateway or via
any
commercial online service that offers e-mail exchange with Internet.
All mail, including your questions, comments is wqelcome from anyone.
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