by Russell Linton

Created on: February 04, 2009   Last Updated: July 13, 2011

Overview

"Pura Vida!" or "This is living" is the decades-old motto of the people of this lush and peaceful country. Nestled comfortably into the Central American isthmus and neighbor to both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean sea, Costa Rica is not only a verdant paradise but a politically progressive and stable country that is a model for the region and the world.

Ancient History

For centuries prior to the arrival of Columbus in September of 1502, the rich area of Costa Rica supported native peoples. Archaeological evidence dates the earliest evidence of human habitation as far back as ten thousand years. Along the Pacific coast, these previous inhabitants left behind literally thousands of Bolas; large, round, granite spheres ranging in size from the size of a child's ball to a small SUV. Their purpose mystifies archaeologists to this day.

The makers of the Bolas left few reminders of civilization. The most complex settlement of Ancient Costa Rica which has been uncovered is the ancient city at Guayabo located 30 miles outside of the capitol San Jose. This city once supported approximately 20,000 inhabitants and dates back to 1500 BCE. Its wide paved roads, mysterious petroglyphs and advanced aqueducts are evidence of a once thriving culture. These ruins are now part of Costa Rica's extensive national park system and are open to tourists.

Modern History

After the arrival of Columbus, Spanish dominance of the Central American region was swift. In 1562, the Spanish established Cartago as the Costa Rican center of governance. The small colony benefited little from the labor of the sparse population of indigenous people. They existed in poverty for centuries, largely ignored by the Spanish crown.

On September 15, 1821, Costa Rica joined a group of Central American colonies in declaring independence from Spain. In the century that followed, Costa Rica enjoyed a series of progressive governments marred only by mild internal conflicts. The most lasting legacies belong to Juan Mora Fernandez, elected as head of state in 1824 after a brief civil war. Fernandez expanded public education and encouraged the newly burgeoning coffee plantations. Costa Rica still boasts one of Central America's most highly literate populations to this day and is also world renowned for its gourmet coffees; Tarrazu chief among them.

By 1838 Costa Rica declared its independence from the defunct Federation of Central America and took its place as a sovereign nation. With an equally

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