Costa Rica covers an area of 20,000.00 square miles . It is located on the southern tip of Central America, between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean which allows it to be a privileged spot. The average temperature fluctuates between 20 ºC (68 ºF) y 26 ºC (79 ºF) degrees all year around. The "green season" runs from May until November; Dry season , the equivalent of summer, starts in November ending in April. The population is 4,000,000 of mostly white race, descendants from the Spaniards who arrived during the XVI century. There are 2 minority groups: one whose origin is Jamaica 50.000 people, and few tribes of native Indians about 10,000. The religion is Catholic. Currency is the "colon". There are no particular requirements to enter the country; the passport is the only document you will need and it must be valid at least 6 months from the date of entry in Costa Rica. No inoculations are required. Voltage: The electric current in Costa Rica is 110 volts and 60 cycles. To make a phone call to Costa Rica you dial 00-506 followed by the number you are calling. Due to its position, it has flora and fauna found in both Northern and Southern hemispheres. There are 760 species of birds (more than the US and Canada combined), 900 species of plants, 1200 species of orchids, and ten percent of the world's butterflies. This tiny nation has the international standing in the conservation community for its commitment to preservation of forest and wildlife.