by M L Ross

Created on: February 06, 2009   Last Updated: February 17, 2009

Costa Rica

Overview

Costa Rica, the Central American country between Nicaragua and Panama, is a tropical setting with forests, beaches, and mountains and a topography ranging from sea level to peaks that soar to over 3,000 meters. The country borders both the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. It is one of the most stable countries in the area and has a strong and varied economy.

Ancient History

The ancient people of Costa Rica were a mixture of the South American indigenous people and the Mesoamerican peoples of central Mexico and upper Central America. The first European to set foot in Costa Rica was Christopher Columbus in 1502 on his fourth and last voyage to the New World. Spanish explorers would later follow and attempt to colonize the land. These efforts were met with stern resistance by the natives, diseases from mosquito-infested swamps, not to mention the tropical climate so unaccustomed to by the invaders. In 1563 the permanent settlement of Cartago was established in the more moderate northern part of the country.

Modern History

Costa Rica declared independence in 1821 from Spain along with several other Central American countries which formed a Federation. Border disputes and internal strife contributed to an era of turbulent times. In 1899, Costa Rica held its first democratic elections. With two exceptions, the elections have continued to the present day. In 1917, the dictator Federico Tinoco ruled for two years. In 1948 after the results of an election were disputed, Jose Figueres led an uprising that resulted in over 2,000 dead. The result, however, was a constitution that guaranteed free elections and the disbanding of the army. Costa Rica has held peace elections ever since.

The country was once known as a major source of bananas and coffee but more recently pineapples have become the main agricultural export. The country also has attracted major investments by companies such as Intel, which currently employs some 2,000 workers.

Culture

As a result of disease and mistreatment by European invaders, few of the native population survived. The heritage of the majority of modern day Costa Ricans is primarily European, unlike other Central American countries. Spanish influence is the strongest and Spanish is the official language of the country.

Costa Ricans, or Ticos, think of themselves as a peaceful and democratic loving people. With no military to spend money on, they are proud to point out that Costa Rican culture is the exception to other Latin American

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