For many years, Costa Rica has been touted as one of the top retirement havens in the world. With a stable democracy, growing economy government friendly to foreigners and tropical climate, as well as incredible natural beauty, it rightly earned the phrase, “the Switzerland of Latin America.”

Below are a few questions I often receive from our clients who are searching for a retirement spot or investment opportunity. The responses will suggest that Costa Rica is still a terrific place to retire, or to start new life in if you still wish to work, particularly if you choose your location and activities carefully.

Three of Spain’s biggest hotel chains have announced plans to expand in Costa Rica promising to bring more than $1 billion dollars in development. The news comes as no surprise to the ever so popular tourist destination as the number of European tourists is increasing each year as they flock to the country’s gorgeous beaches and biologically diverse rain forests. Spanish tourists, in particular, are even more common and the inclusion of these well-known Spanish brands is expected to coax more to make the cross-Atlantic voyage.

When the U.S. economy began showing signs of weakness, many speculated as to whether American tourism to Costa Rica would also begin to decline. However, in news that reassures as much as it delights all that are involved in Costa Rican tourism, statistics show that not only have visits to the country not decreased, but they have actually increased in the past year.

Minister Rodrigo Arias has announced that the Executive Power presented a new bill to the Legislative Assembly that would eliminate the 97.59 colones tax that is now imposed on Diesel fuel, and that in turn, regular and super gas prices would rise, directly affecting regular commuters; a decision might prove to be difficult to swallow by some.

President Oscar Arias has recently publicized his goal to cut Costa Rica’s net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2021. Costa Rica has already approved a plan of action that includes many different projects that have already been launched to become the first nation ever to offset all its carbon dioxide emissions. If the country can achieve his goal by 2021 Costa Rica will celebrate making environmental history as well as Costa Rica’s 200 years of independence.