Costa Rica has no army, and the money that is spent on defense elsewhere is put into education, infrastructure, roads and social services.

Costa Rica is safe and is often referred to as the Switzerland of Central America.

Costa Rica is roughly the size of West Virginia.

Costa Rica has a composite of climates and topographies, mountains, plains and coastal zones to choose from. Telephone, electricity, Internet and television services are modern and reliable.

The medical facilities in the private hospitals are first class and a fraction of the cost in the US, as is the medical insurance available to foreign residents.

Taxes are low and the cost of living makes retirement affordable and attractive in Costa Rica.