Costa Rica developed many of its principal modern characteristics, notably the minimal role of the Catholic Church in secular matters and a relatively isolationist foreign policy. Throughout the 20th century, Costa Rica has enjoyed peace and a steady growth in prosperity.
Costa Rica has a surprising diversity of terrain. In the cities and towns, the country’s Spanish heritage provides the main features of interest. Elsewhere, Costa Rica’s national parks are its greatest glory. Partly in order to continue to encourage ecotourism, the Costa Rican authorities have set aside a large proportion of the country (around 26 per cent of the total land area) as national parks and protected areas, which are well kept and well guarded. The country has a stunning variety of landscapes, micro-climates, flora and fauna, and nature lovers will not be disappointed.
