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Costa Rica Land of natural wonders, Land of peace. Costa Rica does not have an army. For over a century it has been a peaceful country . Costa Rica has contributed greatly to bring peace to Central America . Location.
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Costa RicaLand of natural wonders,Land of peace Costa Rica does not have an army. For over a century it has been a peaceful country. Costa Rica has contributed greatly to bring peace to Central America .
Location • Costa Rica is located in Central America, between Nicaragua to the North and Panamá to the South.
FACTS • It is a very small country compared to the size of West Virginia. • The official language is Spanish. • The official currency is EL COLON.
Facts • Costa Rica’s population is close to 4 million. • The capital is San José, located right in the heart of the country. • There is a 94% literacy rate, one of the highest in the world.
More Facts • The official religion is Roman Catholic and each “barrio” (neighborhood) has a church. Approximately 93% of Costa Rican are Catholics. • Most of the architecture is in colonial style. • Costa Rican calendar evolves around the church calendar.
More Facts • Religious festivities are the base of Costa Rican culture. • Holy Week is highly respected and celebrated with processions on the streets. • Christmas is also celebrated with great joy.
Holy Week • Processions
Navidad ( Christmas)“El Portal”, The Nativity scene is a Christmas tradition
HISTORY • Costa Rica gained its independence from Spain in 1821. • It is said that it was called “ Costa Rica” ( Rich Coast ) by Christopher Columbus when he landed in the Atlantic Coast and was impressed by its beauty.
History • However, the Spanish considered it a poor colony. There was not much gold or other minerals and its indigenous population was very small. • Therefore, there was not much to conquer.
HISTORY • The lack of wealth became in the long run Costa Rica’s blessing. • Because of the lack of slavery and human exploitation, Costa Ricans develop a sense of high appreciation for peace and tolerance.
HISTORY • As a result, Costa Rica became mainly a land of farmers which created a large middle class.
HISTORY • In 1856, William Walker an American filibuster tried to take over Costa Rica. Soon enough the farmers got together and using their tools planned to get rid of him. • Juan Santamaría became the national hero. He gave his life when he burned the headquarters where Walker and allies were hiding and planning the invasion.
History • In 1948 “ Don Pepe” José Figueres abolished the Army & created the new Country’s constitution which continued the tradition of democracy. • Since then, Costa Rica has been known as the “Switzerland” of Latin America.
DON PEPE • President of Costa Rica during 3 different periods. • 1948-49 • 1953-59 • 1970-74 • Creator of the National Liberation Party. PLN
Not having an army is the key to a real democracy • The government invests more in education, health and ecological conservation.
Don Oscar Arias • Costa Rica’s second Hero is “Don Oscar” Creator of the “Esquipulas Peace plan for Central America. • President from 1986-1990 & current president since 2005. • 1987 Nobel Peace Laureate
Government • Costa Rica like the US has a bipartisan system • Two major parties dominate the political scenario. • Liberación Nacional ( Rightist) • Unidad Social Cristiana ( Leftist)
Economy • Costa Rica was introduced to Coffee in the 16th century, since then coffee has played a major role in the economy of the country.
Coffee • The rich volcanic soils are wonderful to grow coffee. • It was the nation’s major export for years. • It helped to create and maintain the aristocratic class.
Coffee • Costa Rica’s coffee is known today as Arabica and it originated from Ethiopia.
Bananas • Have also play a very important role in the economy of the country. • The industry was introduced by the American Michael Keith in the late 1800’s when he build the first rail road that connected the Central Valley with the Atlantic Coast.
Bananas • Michael Keith’s company would become later the United Fruit Company that started the “Chiquita Banana” brand.
Tourism • Within the last twenty years tourism has become the main industry in the country counting for ¾’s of Costa Rica’s revenue.
Tourism • Costa Rica’ s natural beauty and diversity attracts thousands of tourists every year. • The political stability of the country is a great incentive for people to travel. • The country has a wonderful tropical climate with 2 distinctive seasons (dry and wet) and stays at around 60-80 degrees year round.
Tourism • The country has seven different provinces & great bio diversity. • All provinces are very different from each other. • Bordered by both the Atlantic and the Pacific ocean, the country has the diversity and richness of both costs.
Tourism • Dry regions in the pacific. • Rain forest in the pacific northwest. • Cloud forest in the central Valley • Multiple Volcanoes
Biodiversity • Since the 1970’s Costa Rica has enforced very effective measures to promote eco-tourism and to protect its natural wonders. • Approximately 27% of the country’s territory is either national parks, wildlife refuges or natural reserves.
The central Valley • Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago y San José. • These are the main cities located in the Central Valley, no matter where you are you can see the mountains. • Very refreshing, spring like weather.
Local Artists: • Carmen Lyra: A writer of children’s stories and a wonderful poet
Local artits • A combination of Jazz and Latin traditional music, Editus is a delightful & unique band. • They have won 4 Grammies. • Listen to samples of their music at :http://www.edituscr.com/
Hotel Costa Rica y Plaza de la Cultura Located in the heart of San José.
La Feria Every Saturday local farmers sell their products at the outdoors market called “LA FERIA”