Costa Rica is located on an ithsmus which connects North and South America. At approximately 9 degrees north latitude, the country is located very close to the Equator. The close proximity to the Equator places Costa Rica within the global band of rainforests.

Costa Rica is often refered to as the Swiss Alps of Central America. This reference is derived from the mountainous terrain, which has helped in protecting much (but not all) nature from humans. Costa Rica is home to 12 distinct climate zones. An astounding 5% of the species of the world can be found in this amazing country!

Costa Rica Ecology by the numbers:

• 5% of the world's species of wildlife can be found in Costa Rica
• Costa Rica is home to 12 distinct climate zones
• Over 200 species of mammals live in Costa Rica
• Over 850 species of birds live in Costa Rica
• Over 150 species of amphibians live in Costa Rica
• Over 200 reptile species live in Costa Rica
• Over 35,000 species of insects live in Costa Rica
• Over 9,000 species of plants live in Costa Rica

If you would like to contribute to the Costa Rica Ecology page, please email your suggestions to marketing@EnterCostaRica.com.