ather relay stations
on many of the isles and reefs relaying data to the mainland

Transportation

Ports and harbors: none; offshore anchorage only

Military

Military--note: defense is the responsibility of Australia;
visited regularly by the Royal Australian Navy; Australia has
control over the activities of visitors

Transnational Issues

Disputes--international: none

======================================================================

@Costa Rica
----------

Introduction

Background: Costa Rica declared its independence from Spain in
1821. After a turbulent beginning it inaugurated an era of peaceful
democracy in 1889, subsequently interrupted only twice, by a
dictatorial interlude in 1917-19 and an armed uprising in 1948.
Increasing the role of the private sector while maintaining the
government's social safety net and keeping under control the budget
deficit, unemployment, and inflation are key current issues.

Geography

Location: Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and
the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama

Geographic coordinates: 10 00 N, 84 00 W

Map references: Central America and the Caribbean

Area:
total: 51,100 sq km
land: 50,660 sq km
water: 440 sq km
note: includes Isla del Coco

Area--comparative: slightly smaller than West Virginia

Land boundaries:
total: 639 km
border countries: Nicaragua 309 km, Panama 330 km

Coastline: 1,290 km

Maritime claims:
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm

Climate: tropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season
(May to November)

Terrain: coastal plains separated by rugged mountains

Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Cerro Chirripo 3,810 m

Natural resources: hydropower

Land use:
arable land: 6%
permanent crops: 5%
permanent pastures: 46%
forests and woodland: 31%
other: 12% (1993 est.)

Irrigated land: 1,200 sq km (1993 est.)

Natural hazards: occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along
Atlantic coast; frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy
season; active volcanoes

Environment--current issues: deforestation, largely a result of
the clearing of land for cattle ranching; soil erosion

Environment--international agreements:
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Environmen