[Cole Menassa-Rafla]

OverviewGeographyHistoryGovernmentEconomyCulture

One of Mother Nature's "Great Bottlenecks”Comprised of Costal plain and rugged mountains, forming the "spine".

GeographyClose to the Equator, making for a tropical climate.0.1% of Earth’s landmass, supporting 5% of its biodiversityTwo seasonsRainy (Dec-April)Dry (May-Nov)

Humanity can be traced back 10,000 years before the Columbian eraColumbus landed in 15021522 the first European settlement was foundedNatives conquered by Spain in the 16th Century, then ruled for 3 centuries (under a military governor)

HistoryCentral America gained independence from Spain: September 15, 18211823, Costa Rica became a state in the Federal Republic of Central America.In 1838, they seceded1856: William Walker vs. Juan Rafael Mora Porras

History1870: General Tom Guardia takes control for 12 years.He put in progressive policiesfree and compulsory primary educationtaxing coffee earnings to finance public works, etc…1889: first true, honest elections begin an era of peaceful democracy

History1940: Dr. Rafael Angel Calderon is elected1948: He refuses to step down, sparking 44-day civil warwon by José Figueres Ferrer, at the cost of 2,000 lives

History1949: 2nd Constitution was drafted.Military was abolished (previously unheard of in Latin America)Free Elections w/ Universal SuffrageGranted Full Citizenship to BlacksBanned Communist PartyEstablished Term Limit for PresidentsNationalized Banks and Insurance Companies

Democratic RepublicAll citizens (and foreigners) have equality before the lawFreedom of speechHabeas CorpusRight to own property, etc...

Government

Government

Stable and progressiveprimarily depends on:TourismCoffeeBananasElectronics

EconomyPoverty has been drastically reduced over the past 15 years, with unemployment at 5.7%1990s:Tourism really took off as a major industryIntel opened numerous factories, making electronics a major contributor to the economy.

EconomyUses the Real and Escudo system for coinage since the formation of the Republic.1 Onza8 Escudos16 Pesos8 Reales

Primary Influences:SpanishAfricanIndigenousLanguage: SpanishCosta Ricans are called Ticos and known to be friendly, helpful and polite

CultureReligion: CatholicismMajor Holiday Season: Christmas & Easter Holy weekFestival Highlights:ParadesBullfightsRodeosDancingFireworks

Pura Vida