1. Costa Rica-San Jose By Alexandra and Anna

2. History and Culture On September 15, 1502, Christopher Columbus had discover Costa Rica. As he was making his fourth, and final voyage. As he was setting his anchor off shore, a crowd of Caribbean Indians paddled out in canoes to greet him. Later, the golden bands inspired Spaniard Gil Gonzalez Davila to name the Country Costa Rica, or Rich Coast.

3. Fun Facts In 2009, the population was about 4.579 million, In 2000, the population was about 3.931 million. In 9 years the population rised around 1 million. In 2011 (now) the population is 4,576,562. In Costa Rica, rice and beans are very common. A Cost Rican lunch, called Casado, contains rice, onioned meat (chicken or beef), fried plantain, an egg, beans and cabbage sprinkled with salt and lemon juice. The original language in Costa Rica is Spanish and it is also the most popular language. Some other languages in Costa Rica are Central American Spanish, Boruca and Bribri. Here are some Holidays in Costa Rica: New Year's Day Jan 1 Feast of Saint Joseph (San Jose's patron saint) Mar 19 Anniversary of the Battle of Rivas Apr 11 Easter (Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday)* Labor Day May 1 Corpus Christi* Jun 10 Saint Peter and Saint Paul Jun 29 Anniversary of the Annexation of Guanacaste Province Jul 25 Our Lady of the Angels Aug 2 Assumption/Mother's Day Aug 15 Independence Day Sep 15 Columbus Day/Dia de las Culturas Oct 12 Immaculate Conception Dec 8 Christmas Eve Dec 24 Christmas Day Dec 25 Christmas Holiday Dec 28-31

4. Animals These animals are endangered in Costa Rica, Such as the Jaguar, Howler Monkey, and the Parrot. Some other animals in Cost Rica are Bats, Anteaters, Coatis, Armadillos, Otters, and Raccoons.

5. Clothing In Costa Rica For women in Costa Rica, traditional clothing consists of a dress tailored in a specific style to include a few important characteristics. Woman in Costa Rica, traditionally where long thick clothing with ruffles. The Common colors on a dress are all ways bright! For Men, it is simple yet elegant, their clothing is very similar to the woman's. Usually they will be wearing a red color on their clothes.

6. Monuments The International Peace Bureau was made to show peace in Costa Rica. One Other is a National Monument in San Jose, it symbolizes bravery and attitude. A very common monument is the Angels of Bascilla.

7. Government Also here is a link for some Costa Rican Dancing! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AhxXBjrm wY&feature=related Here is a link about the Government and more: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2019.htm