Costa Rica is located in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It is situated between Nicaragua and Panama. Costa Rica's climate is tropical and subtropical; the dry season is from December to April, and the rainy season is from May to November. It is cooler in the highlands.

Since the late 19th century, there have been only two brief periods of violence.  Costa Rica has had strong democratic development. It is basically an agricultural country, although it has expanded its economy to include technology and tourism sectors.

Costa Rica suffers from occasional earthquakes; hurricanes along the Caribbean coast; frequent flooding of lowlands during the beginning of the rainy season; landslides; and active volcanoes. There is deforestation, mainly as a result of clearing land for cattle ranching and agriculture. There is some coastal marine pollution and air pollution.

94% of the people are white (including mestizo), 3% are black, 1% are Amerindian, 1% is Chinese, and 1% is other.  Roman Catholics make up 76% of the population, Evangelicals are 14%, with a mixture making up the remainder.

Costa Rica has a basically stable economy; although, the government continues to struggle with its large deficit and massive internal debt. The reduction of inflation remains a difficult problem because of rises in the price of imports, labor market rigidities, and fiscal deficits. Costa Rica has no military forces.

Children of Promise in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a long-established Church of God presence. Children of Promise is serving children in the San Jose area. Lately in Costa Rica, it has become increasingly difficult for families to pay mounting school fees. Food has become more expensive, causing the children's diets to become unbalanced and unhealthy. Sponsorship helps to address these problems.

Wesley lives in the mountains of Costa Rica. He loves to paint and sing!	Michel is in second grade. She has two brothers and one sister.
A typical home on the Caribbean coast.	Many homes are on stilts.
Two sponsored boys who live on the coast.	She really enjoys being interviewed.