Official Language: Spanish

Political System: Democratic

Official Religion: Catholic

Potable Water: Supplied to 98% of the population

Life Expectancy: Average of 76 years

Electricity: National Service 110 volts

Telephones: One of the most efficient services in Latin America. International calls can be made directly from any phone in the country. There are public phones throughout the entire country and when these aren’t available, an operator will assist.

Postal System: National network of offices. Correo Central and Telegraph Office
Roads: The country has a good network of paved roads and highways, which facilitate travel throughout the country. There are connections between this network and those of other Central American countries. There are also ample secondary routes.

Public Transport: The country has a large fleet of taxis, easily identified by their red color. In rural areas, the taxis are 4-wheel drive for traveling over rough roads. Collective taxis are available in and between provinces.

Banks and Money: Local and international banking services are available as well as private financial institutions. Banking hours are from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (continuous service). Night banking service is also available from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The official money is the "Colón" and the exchange rate against the Dollar can vary. Dollars can be exchanged at any of the national banks. International credit cards are accepted in almost all businesses throughout the country.

Office Hours: These can vary according to the company or institution. The majority of government offices are open to the public from8:00 am until 4:00 pm. Private companies open from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. Businesses and stores open from 9:00am until 7:00 pm in the majority of cases. Others maintain their workday from 8:00 am until 6:00pm. In the capital there are supermarkets that are open all day.