Costa Rica is a place of stunning scenery, sunshine and smiles with spring-like weather all year round, o income taxes on foreign earned income, no capital gains taxes, excellent world-class medical facilities, affordable medical plans and populated by the 'Ticos' who are an amiable and very attractive people.

Many 'baby boomers' from the USA are thinking about a Costa Rica retirement. So too are Canadians and numerous Europeans who are looking for that perfect climate and a more affordable place to live.

Wealthier people from all over Central and Latin America are also visiting Costa Rica because of political and financial instability in their own countries.

Unlike most nations in Central and Latin America, Costa Rica has been a stable and democratic country since it's independence in 1821. Costa Rica became a republic in 1848, the death penalty was abolished in 1877 and the latest constitution was established in 1948 when among other things, the army was abolished.

Costa Rica has no army, no navy, no air force, no special forces and it's citizens enjoy one of the highest life expectancy levels in the Western hemisphere and higher living standards than their war-torn neighbors.

Costa Rica's perfect climate, laid back lifestyle, financial and political stability makes this 'rich coast' look like paradise on earth to many people.

According to the Global Property Guide, the cheapest city in Europe is Bucharest where you would pay US$3,085 per square meter for a 120M2 apartment (1,291.2 square feet). So most Costa Rica real estate is at least half the price of the cheapest city in Europe.

You can certainly find luxury condos in Costa Rica for $2,000 per square meter but you can also easily buy a modern, brand new, luxurious condo anywhere near the business, cultural and entertainment center of San Jose, the capitalof Costa Rica for much less...

I personally believe Costa Rica has the most perfect climate for the human body and for me to enjoy the same kind of extremely comfortable lifestyle that I love in Costa Rica in any major US or European city, I would probably need to earn at least five times more than I am earning today...

Living in Costa Rica is not for everyone, the people may be a little too 'laid back' for you but after living in ten countries and traveling to many others, I honestly believe they are amongst the nicest people I've come across and certainly amongst the most physically attractive people in the world...

In your next edition, you'll discover where in Costa Rica where the men tend to live to the age of 100 four times as often as men in the US and Europe...

Scott Oliver - Founder of WeLoveCostaRica.com and author of 'How To Buy Costa Rica Real Estate Without Losing Your Camisa' (Shirt) and 'Costa Rica's Guide To Making Money Offshore in Bull & Bear Markets.

A very popular country for foreign residents.

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