1. Costa Rica!!!

3. The Spaniards were so impressed by gold ornaments displayed by the natives that they decided it was the richest coast they had encountered!

4. Costa Rica has strived to have a democratic government since they became independent in 1838 from Spain. The last fifty-nine years have been ones of uninterrupted democracy.

5. Costa Rica constitutionally abolished a standing army in their constitution of 1949. They do have police forces for internal security.

6. Roman Catholic is the state religion of Costa Rica. Title VI- Article 75 proclaims that the Roman Catholic Church is the state religion. About 76% of the population Is Roman Catholic.

7. While the economy relies on agriculture—like coffee and bananas– Costa Rica has become one of the leading tourist destinations in the western hemisphere. Many tourist are “ecotourists”.

8. Universal public education is guaranteed by Title VII, Articles 77 and 78 of the Costa Rican Constitution.

9. Chapter II, Article 93 makes voting a “primary and compulsory civic function.”

10. Earthquakes and hurricanes have been natural disasters in the area. Additionally, there are four volcanoes, two of which are active. The last eruptions occurred in 1963-1965.