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 Costa Rica is located in Central America, between Nicaragua to the North and Panamá to the South. 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. It is a very small country compared to the size of West Virginia. The official language is Spanish. The official language is Spanish. The official currency is EL COLON. The official currency is EL COLON.

Currency 5 colones bill

Currency colones

Currency Mil colones bill & coins

5000 colones

Facts Costa Rica’s population is close to Costa Rica’s population is close to 4 million. 4 million. The capital is San José, located right in the heart of the country. 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. 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. The official religion is Roman Catholic and each “barrio” (neighborhood) has a church. Approximately 93% of Costa Rican are Catholics. Approximately 93% of Costa Rican are Catholics. Most of the architecture is in colonial style. Most of the architecture is in colonial style. Costa Rican calendar evolves around the church calendar. Costa Rican calendar evolves around the church calendar.

More Facts Religious festivities are the base of Costa Rican culture. Religious festivities are the base of Costa Rican culture. Holy Week is highly respected and celebrated with processions on the streets. Holy Week is highly respected and celebrated with processions on the streets. Christmas is also celebrated with great joy. Christmas is also celebrated with great joy.

Basilica de Los Angeles

Iglesia de Sarchí

La Virgen de los Angeles National Patron

Holy Week Processions Processions

Navidad ( Christmas) “El Portal”, The Nativity scene is a Christmas tradition

HISTORY Costa Rica gained its independence from Spain in Costa Rica gained its independence from Spain in It is said that it was called “ Costa Rica” 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. ( 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. 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. Therefore, there was not much to conquer.

HISTORY The lack of wealth became in the long run Costa Rica’s blessing. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Juan Santamaría’s monument.

History In 1948 “ Don Pepe” José Figueres In 1948 “ Don Pepe” José Figueres abolished the Army & created the new Country’s constitution which continued the tradition of democracy. abolished the Army & created the new Country’s constitution which continued the tradition of democracy.  Since then, Costa Rica has been known as the “S witzerland” of Latin America.

DON PEPE President of Costa Rica during 3 different periods. President of Costa Rica during 3 different periods Creator of the National Liberation Party. PLN 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. 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. Costa Rica’s second Hero is “Don Oscar” Creator of the “Esquipulas Peace plan for Central America. President from & current president since President from & current president since Nobel Peace Laureate 1987 Nobel Peace Laureate

Government Costa Rica like the US has a bipartisan system Costa Rica like the US has a bipartisan system Two major parties dominate the political scenario. Two major parties dominate the political scenario. Liberación Nacional ( Rightist) Liberación Nacional ( Rightist) Unidad Social Cristiana ( Leftist) Unidad Social Cristiana ( Leftist)

Liberación Nacional

Unidad Social Cristiana’s Flag

Economy Costa Rica was introduced to Coffee in the 16 th century, since then coffee has played a major role in the economy of the country. Costa Rica was introduced to Coffee in the 16 th 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. The rich volcanic soils are wonderful to grow coffee. It was the nation’s major export for years. It was the nation’s major export for years. It helped to create and maintain the aristocratic class. It helped to create and maintain the aristocratic class.

Coffee Costa Rica’s coffee is known today as Arabica and it originated from Ethiopia. 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. 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. 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.

Banana Plant

Bananas Michael Keith’s company would become later the United Fruit Company that started the “Chiquita Banana” brand. Michael Keith’s company would become later the United Fruit Company that started the “Chiquita Banana” brand.

Bananas

Tourism Within the last twenty years tourism has become the main industry in the country counting for ¾’s of Costa Rica’s revenue. 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. 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 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 degrees year round. The country has a wonderful tropical climate with 2 distinctive seasons (dry and wet) and stays at around degrees year round.

Tourism The country has seven different provinces & great bio diversity. The country has seven different provinces & great bio diversity. All provinces are very different from each other. 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. 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. Dry regions in the pacific. Rain forest in the pacific northwest. Rain forest in the pacific northwest. Cloud forest in the central Valley Cloud forest in the central Valley Multiple Volcanoes Multiple Volcanoes

Biodiversity Since the 1970’s Costa Rica has enforced very effective measures to promote eco- tourism and to protect its natural wonders. 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. 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. 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. 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. Very refreshing, spring like weather.

Local Artists: Carmen Lyra: Carmen Lyra: A writer of children’s A writer of children’s stories and a wonderful stories and a wonderful poet poet

Local artits A combination of Jazz and Latin traditional music, Editus is a delightful & unique band. 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 : / / /

Hotel Costa Rica y Plaza de la Cultura Located in the heart of San José.

Universidad de Costa Rica

San José

La Feria Every Saturday local farmers sell their products at the outdoors market called “LA FERIA” La Feria Every Saturday local farmers sell their products at the outdoors market called “LA FERIA”

La Feria

Tropical fruit: Papaya, mamón chino, y magos.

Tropical Fruit Jocotes, mangos

Local Homes Costa Rica’s homes usually have very strong foundations because of the many and common tremors and earthquakes. Costa Rica’s homes usually have very strong foundations because of the many and common tremors and earthquakes. Most homes are made of brick. Most homes are made of brick.

Homes

HOMES

HOMES

View from a Central Valley Home

Homes Homes

Homes

More Homes

The Pacific Coast

Iguana

White Faced Monkey

Sloth ( Perezoso)

Toucans & Parrots

Monteverde ( Rain Forest) Heaven on earth Heaven on earth

Butterflies

Red Eyed Frog

Hummingbi rds

The Sky Trek & Canopy tours The closest you can ever feel to heaven still being on earth. The closest you can ever feel to heaven still being on earth.

Sky Walk

Exotic Flowers & Orquids

Arenal Volcano

The crater

Tabacon Hot Springs

La Paz Waterfall

Tortuguero

Activities you can enjoy in Costa Rica Bird Watching Bird Watching Surfing Surfing Scuba diving Scuba diving Fishing Fishing Windsurfing Windsurfing Snorkeling Snorkeling Kayaking Kayaking Horse back riding Horse back riding Whitewater Rafting Whitewater Rafting Tropical Bungee Tropical Bungee

Scuba Diving Wonderful both in the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts. Wonderful both in the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts.

Surfing Witches Rock is the most famous spot Witches Rock is the most famous spot

Horse Back Riding

Whitewater Rafting

Costa Rican People commonly called “TICOS” “Tico” comes from the diminutives suffixed by Costa Ricans to almost every word which helps to soften the speech & appears more approachable when interacting with others. “Tico” comes from the diminutives suffixed by Costa Ricans to almost every word which helps to soften the speech & appears more approachable when interacting with others. Ticos are known for being very warm & caring. Ticos are known for being very warm & caring.

TICOS The phrase that embodies the Tico lifestyle is Pura Vida, literally translated as Pure Life, meaning roughly "This is living!" or "Cool!" Friends often greet or salute each other with Pura vida PURA VIDA

Education & Children Is the government’s greatest priority. Is the government’s greatest priority.

Oscar Arias & Children

TICOS

Costa Ricans love salsa, merengue and folkloric music

Costa Rican Typical Food The staple of the Costa Rican diet consist of rice and beans. The staple of the Costa Rican diet consist of rice and beans. Food is very natural & savory although not spicy. Food is very natural & savory although not spicy.

Fruit is included in almost every meal.

Tropical Fruit Guanábana Coconut Papaya

Pejibaye It is boiled first and then eaten with mayonnaise and lemon.

Gallo Pinto Black Rice & Beans mixed together. It is a typical breakfast dish. Black Rice & Beans mixed together. It is a typical breakfast dish. Very tasty & colorful calls for onion, garlic, cilantro and red bell pepper & Salsa Lizano, a spicy salsa made in Costa Rica. Very tasty & colorful calls for onion, garlic, cilantro and red bell pepper & Salsa Lizano, a spicy salsa made in Costa Rica.

Plantains Although they look like bananas, they are not bananas. They belong to the same family but are different. They maybe boiled, fried or baked. They are very sweet and yummy.

Arroz con pollo It is the weekend dish and the most commonly served at family gatherings and partys. The chicken is mixed in the rice.

Casado A casado consists of black beans, rice, potato hash, salad, plantain and any type meat. It could be served with chicken, steak, fish, etc.

Empanadas Empanadas are made of a fine pastry filled with beef, chicken, potatoes, or fruit. They could be salty or sweet.

Lengua en Salsa Believe it or not “Cow tongue” is a delicatessen in Costa Rica. It is made for special holidays or celebrations.

Tamales It is one of Costa Rica’s most traditional dishes. They may look like a simple dish but they take an entire day to make. They are made out of corn and wrapped in a banana leaf. Tamales are filled with pork, rice and vegetables. It is one of Costa Rica’s most traditional dishes. They may look like a simple dish but they take an entire day to make. They are made out of corn and wrapped in a banana leaf. Tamales are filled with pork, rice and vegetables. They are traditionally eaten during the holidays.

Carne rellena Carne rellena A traditional holiday dish. It is very similar to a Costa Rican style tamal but made with ground beef. Sr. Gerardo Jara Heredia, Costa Rica

Tres Leches A traditional Latin American dessert. Every country has its own variety but they all call for “3 milks”, evaporated, condensed & whipping cream. It is very refreshing

Pan ( Bread) Costa Ricans eat bread 3 times a day. At breakfast, as a snack and at coffee break in the afternoons around 4:00 pm. In the cities, there is a bakery shop almost on every corner. When riding the bus, the smell of fresh bread is everywhere.

Coffee The smell of fresh brewed coffee is everywhere. Coffee is not only one of Costa Rica’s main income sources but an excuse to chat and relax. Costa Ricans drink coffee anytime as an excuse to take a break and socialize.

National brands

Coffee Britt

Salsa Lizano There is no gallo pinto without Salsa lizano. There is no gallo pinto without Salsa lizano.

National Emblems La guaria Morada. The national Flower The national Flower

El Yugüirro The National Bird

El árbol de Guanacaste The national Tree

La carreta The oxcart used to transport coffee in the 19 th century. Now it is a popular souvenir and decoration.

El escudo The National Emblem. Represents the seven provinces, the two oceans & a new nation with great & a new nation with great hope for a wonderful future for its children and future generations

La Bandera The national flag. Blue represent the sky which we all share. Red represents the blood sacrificed for the country’s freedom. White represents the peace that Costa Ricans enjoy and treasure so much

Peace & Democracy “ Costa Ricans way of living & most precious treasure”

A Costa Rican Sunset