Natural Resources & Land Use
Natural resources and geographic features of Costa Rica.
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Area (including |
Square miles |
Square kilometers |
|---|---|---|
Total |
19,730 |
51,100-51,200 |
Land |
19,560 |
50,660 |
Comparative |
slightly smaller than West Virginia, U.S.A |
|
Boundaries
Boundaries |
Miles |
Kilometers |
|---|---|---|
Total Land |
390 |
639 |
Nicaragua (to the north) |
188.5 |
309 |
Panama (to the south) |
201.3 |
330 |
Coastline |
787 |
1,290 |
Major Geographic Features
Major Geographic Features |
Details |
|---|---|
Isthmus |
121 km. (74 mi.) wide at narrowest point |
Mountain Ranges |
Two traverse the isthmus |
Meseta Central Plateau (coastal plain) |
Enclosed by rugged mountains |
Protected wildlife areas |
30% of the national territory |
Biodiversity |
Costa Rica has 5% of the world's biodiversity; One of the highest concentrations on the planet |
Climate, Zones, & Seasons
Climate |
Zones |
Seasons |
|---|---|---|
Tropical |
Torrid, <3000 ft. elevation |
Dry, December to April |
Temperatures
Centigrade (°C) |
Fahrenheit (F) |
Locations |
|---|---|---|
21 |
69.8 |
Annual average San Jose (capital) |
25 to 35 |
77 to 95 |
Hot coastal zone |
15 to 25 |
59 to 77 |
Moderate zone |
< 15 |
< 59 |
Higher elevations |
Precipitation and Natural Resources
Annual rainfall |
˜77 inches in central plateau |
Natural Resources |
Hydropower Potential |
Land Use
Land Use |
% |
|---|---|
Meadows & Pastures |
45.00% |
Forest & Woodland |
34.00% |
Other |
8.00% |
Permanent Crops |
7.00% |
Arable Land |
6.00% |
Total |
100.00% |