Costa Rica   The Costa Rican people (“Ticos”) are some of the friendliest in the world. Most speak English as a second language and are eager to please. In fact, it is common for them to ask you how much you are enjoying their country. It is a relatively affluent country with no roaming beggars or peddlers. There is a very large American and Canadian ex-pat population with many retirees. Although nestled between Nicaragua and Panama (11 degrees north of the Equator), the climate can vary over short distances with changes in altitude. Costa Rica has been a stable democracy for over one hundred years. It is one of the safest countries in Latin America and is experiencing ever increasing tourism due to the enormous preservation efforts.