1. Costa Rica

2. Country background

3. Since the current constitution prohibits an army, peace is maintained by the Civilian and Rural Guard. Turbulent situations in neighboring Nicaragua and Panama, however, continually threaten peace. History

4. The official religion is Roman Catholic The official Language is Spanish

5. Demographics The population of three million is 95 percent of European descent (including some 7 percent mestizo – mixed European and Indian blood. About 51 percent of Costa Ricans live in urban centers.

6. Business Practices

7.  Costa Ricans are by far the most punctual people of Central America.  Good times to do business in Costa Rica are February to March and September to November. The rainy season runs from May through November (with rain heaviest on the Caribbean coast), and popular vacation times are December and January and around the Christmas and Easter holidays. Appointments

8.  Decision makers are readily accessible and also frank and open in discussions.  Therefore, avoid any behavior that would demean another person, especially in public.  Decisions are made by consensus of all involved, not just by top officials. This may slow the process down; avoid showing impatience. Negotiating

9.  Women in business will meet with greater acceptance in Costa Rica than in other Latin America countries. Women have been elected vice president of Costa Rica.  Keep jackets on during business meetings.  Have business cards, proposals, and other material printed in both English and Spanish. Negotiating

10.  Do not visit homes unexpectedly unless you know the family very well.  Most business entertaining take place in the evening, since lunch is the main meal of the day. Spouses are welcome at business dinners. Business Entertaining

11. Local time is six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time ( G. M. T. – 6 ) Time

12. Protocol

13.  Men will shake hands with other men in greetings.  Costa Rican men do not usually hug other men.  Do not refer to the people as ricans, since this word has bad connotation. The people of Costa Rica are referred to as ticos.  At parties, it is customary to be introduced to and shake hands with everyone in the room. Greetings

14. Most people you meet should be addressed with a title and their surname. Titles / Forms of Address

15.  Don't rest your feet on any furniture except items expressly designed for that purpose. Gestures

16.  Costa Ricans will exchange gifts frequently for all kinds of special occasions.  If you are invited to a home for dinner, bring flowers, chocolates, scotch, or wine. Do not bring calla lilies; they are associated with funerals. Gifts

17.  Business: Men should wear a conservative dark suit. Women should wear a dress or skirt and blouse. Pants are never worn by women.  Casual: Shorts are worn only on the beach. Revealing clothing for women is not acceptable.  Because of the heat, people in Costa Rica bathe frequently – often more than once a day. Dress