Costa Rica has both tropical and sub-tropical climates in the low lands varying from 20-30 degrees C throughout the year with a more temperate climate in the highlands. This Central American country borders on Nicaragua and Panama with two coasts, one to the Pacific and the other facing the Caribbean. The country doesn’t have a standing army which might explain why it is so peaceful. It is a place of wonderful biodiversity with nearly 5% of the world’s species living there. Peace, wonderful wildlife and a stunning climate all explain why this is such a perfect tourist destination. Costa Rica has a liberal attitude to homosexuality and has turned the International Day against Homophobia into a National Holiday on May 17th.