Costa Rica is located on an  isthmus 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.

At one time, Costa Rica was covered entirely with rainforests and cloud forests. Though years of cultivation and farming have taken their toll, much of Costa Rica's rainforests remain untouched. Recent legislation has ensured that the protection of Costa Rica's natural resources is a top priority. Now, over 25% of the land in Costa Rica is protected in National Parks and Wildlife Reserves.

Rainforests in various climate zones provide habitat for numerous species of wildlife as well as provide large quantities of oxygen. The country is home to over 200 species of mammals, 850 species of birds, 150 species of amphibians, 200 reptile species, and over 35,000 species of insects!

The Costa Rica rainforests are also home to over 9,000 named species of plants. This extraordinarily high number of plant species is due to the varied terrain. The country actually has 12 distinct climate and life zones. Each of these zones is home to unique flora and fauna as well as wildlife.

Scientists have found numerous medicinal purposes for the trees and plants that are found in Costa Rica's rainforests. Many cures remain to be discovered. It is imperative to protect the rainforests of Costa Rica. Though much damage was done in the past, the rainforests are quite resilient. When carefully managed and protected various species of tropical trees can grow as high as 80 feet within a decade.

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