Costa Rica

L OS BÁSICOS Población 4,016,173 Capital San José Lenguaje Español Moneda Colón Gobierno República democratica / presidential constitutional republic 7 provinces: Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limón, Puntarenas, San José 81 cantons, each directed by a mayor Mayors are chosen democratically every 4 years 473 districts

L A HISTORIA th -20 th Century Cristobol Colón lands on the shores of Costa Rica and gives it the name “Rich Coast” Central American provinces (including Costa Rica) declare independence from Spain Costa Rica maintains a peaceful democracy, only entering into war twice. Once when Federico Tinoco Granados was forcibly overthrown… … and again during the 44- day Costa Rican Civil War. Costa Rica chooses to abolish it’s standing army. It has since enjoyed political stability, peace, and economic progress.

L UGARES IMPORTANTES El volcán Arenal – although dormant until 1968, it is currently the most active volcano in Costa Rica El Parque Nacional Tortuguero – located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. It is home to endangered sea turtles, jaguars, and howler monkeys

E L DÍA DEL BOYERO Every year the village of Escazú celebrates the Day of the Oxcart Drivers on the second Sunday in March. Over 150 oxen and their owners participate in a parade which travels through the streets of San Antonio, Escazú. The oxen and their owners come from many places all over Costa Rica, such as Cartago, Grecia, Coronado and Pacaya, to join the celebrations

L AS FIESTAS PATRONALES Being a primarily Catholic country, there are many Costa Rican holidays that celebrate Catholic Patron Saints. Some Patron Saint celebrations include parades of people in payaso costumes Some Patron Saint celebrations include large fairs or festivals that have rides like the carousel above.

L OS ANIMALES El perezoso de tres dedos – the three-toed sloth moves very slowly and spends most of its time in the forest treetops.the three-toed sloth “El perro de los naranjos” – also known as the giant swallowtail butterfly is seen in Marzo y Abril

L OS ANIMALES El mono congo – or the howler monkey is endangered and known for its loud yell El quetzal is a beautiful bird that lives in the cloud forests of Costa Rica La lapa roja – the scarlet macaw has suffered dwindling numbers in certain locations, but it is still a very lively species in Costa Rica

¡T AREA ! Research a Costa Rican food, artist, or celebration that is particularly important to the culture and history of the country. After you have researched, write one paragraph about what you researched and why it is important to Costa Rican history and Costa Rican culture. Write the paragraph in your spiral notebook. It is due mañana! You will be sharing with the class!