Costa RicaCosta RicaLand of natural Land of natural wonders,wonders,Land of peaceLand of peace

Costa Rica does not have an army. Costa Rica does not have an army. For over a century it has been a For over a century it has been a peaceful countrypeaceful country..

Costa Rica has contributed greatly Costa Rica has contributed greatly to bring peace to Central America .to bring peace to Central America .

LocationLocation

Costa Rica Costa Rica is located is located in Central in Central America, America, between between Nicaragua Nicaragua to the to the North and North and Panamá to Panamá to the South.the South.

FACTSFACTS

It is a very small country compared It is a very small country compared to the size of West Virginia.to the size of West Virginia.

The official language is Spanish.The official language is Spanish.

The official currency is EL COLON. The official currency is EL COLON.

CurrencyCurrency5 colones bill5 colones bill

CurrencyCurrency2.000 colones2.000 colones

CurrencyCurrencyMil colones bill & coinsMil colones bill & coins

5000 colones5000 colones

FactsFacts

Costa Rica’s population is close to Costa Rica’s population is close to

4 million.4 million.

The capital is San José, located right The capital is San José, located right in the heart of the country.in the heart of the country.

There is a 94% literacy rate, one of There is a 94% literacy rate, one of the highest in the world.the highest in the world.

More FactsMore Facts

The official religion is Roman Catholic and The official religion is Roman Catholic and each “barrio” (neighborhood) has a each “barrio” (neighborhood) has a church.church.

Approximately 93% of Costa Rican are Approximately 93% of Costa Rican are Catholics.Catholics.

Most of the architecture is in colonial style.Most of the architecture is in colonial style.

Costa Rican calendar evolves around the Costa Rican calendar evolves around the church calendar.church calendar.

More FactsMore Facts

Religious festivities are the base of Religious festivities are the base of Costa Rican culture.Costa Rican culture.

Holy Week is highly respected and Holy Week is highly respected and celebrated with processions on the celebrated with processions on the streets.streets.

Christmas is also celebrated with Christmas is also celebrated with great joy.great joy.

Basilica de Los Basilica de Los AngelesAngeles

Iglesia de SarchíIglesia de Sarchí

La Virgen de los La Virgen de los AngelesAngelesNational PatronNational Patron

Holy WeekHoly Week

Processions Processions

Navidad ( Christmas)Navidad ( Christmas)“El Portal”, The Nativity “El Portal”, The Nativity scene is a Christmas scene is a Christmas traditiontradition

HISTORYHISTORY

Costa Rica gained its independence Costa Rica gained its independence from Spain in 1821.from Spain in 1821.

It is said that it was called “ Costa It is said that it was called “ Costa Rica” Rica”

( Rich Coast ) by Christopher ( Rich Coast ) by Christopher Columbus when he landed in the Columbus when he landed in the Atlantic Coast and was impressed by Atlantic Coast and was impressed by its beauty.its beauty.

HistoryHistory

However, the Spanish considered However, the Spanish considered it a poor colony. There was not it a poor colony. There was not much gold or other minerals and much gold or other minerals and its indigenous population was its indigenous population was very small.very small.

Therefore, there was not much to Therefore, there was not much to conquer.conquer.

HISTORYHISTORY

The lack of wealth became in the The lack of wealth became in the long run Costa Rica’s blessing.long run Costa Rica’s blessing.

Because of the lack of slavery and Because of the lack of slavery and human exploitation, Costa Ricans human exploitation, Costa Ricans develop a sense of high develop a sense of high appreciation for peace and appreciation for peace and tolerance.tolerance.

HISTORYHISTORY

As a result, Costa Rica became As a result, Costa Rica became mainly a land of farmers which mainly a land of farmers which created a large middle class.created a large middle class.

HISTORYHISTORY

In 1856, William Walker In 1856, William Walker an American filibuster an American filibuster tried to take over Costa tried to take over Costa Rica. Soon enough the Rica. Soon enough the farmers got together farmers got together and using their tools and using their tools planned to get rid of planned to get rid of him. him.

Juan Santamaría Juan Santamaría became the national became the national hero. He gave his life hero. He gave his life when he burned the when he burned the headquarters where headquarters where Walker and allies were Walker and allies were hiding and planning the hiding and planning the invasion.invasion.

Juan Santamaría’s Juan Santamaría’s monument.monument.

HistoryHistory

In 1948 “ Don Pepe” José FigueresIn 1948 “ Don Pepe” José Figueres

abolished the Army & created the new abolished the Army & created the new Country’s constitution which Country’s constitution which continued the tradition of democracy.continued the tradition of democracy.

Since then, Costa Rica has been Since then, Costa Rica has been known as the “Sknown as the “Switzerland” witzerland” of Latin of Latin America. America.

DON PEPEDON PEPE

President of Costa President of Costa Rica during 3 Rica during 3 different periods.different periods.

1948-491948-49 1953-591953-59 1970-741970-74

Creator of the Creator of the National Liberation National Liberation Party. PLN Party. PLN

Not having an army is Not having an army is the the key to a real key to a real democracydemocracy

The government invests more in The government invests more in education, health and ecological education, health and ecological conservation.conservation.

Don Oscar AriasDon Oscar Arias Costa Rica’s second Hero Costa Rica’s second Hero

is “Don Oscar” Creator of is “Don Oscar” Creator of the “Esquipulas Peace the “Esquipulas Peace plan for Central America.plan for Central America.

President from 1986-President from 1986-1990 & current president 1990 & current president since 2005.since 2005.

1987 Nobel Peace 1987 Nobel Peace LaureateLaureate

GovernmentGovernment

Costa Rica like the US has a Costa Rica like the US has a bipartisan systembipartisan system

Two major parties dominate the Two major parties dominate the political scenario.political scenario.

Liberación Nacional ( Rightist)Liberación Nacional ( Rightist) Unidad Social Cristiana ( Leftist)Unidad Social Cristiana ( Leftist)

Liberación NacionalLiberación Nacional

Unidad Social Unidad Social Cristiana’s FlagCristiana’s Flag

EconomyEconomy

Costa Rica was Costa Rica was introduced to introduced to Coffee in the 16Coffee in the 16thth century, since century, since then coffee has then coffee has played a major played a major role in the role in the economy of the economy of the country.country.

CoffeeCoffee

The rich volcanic soils The rich volcanic soils are wonderful to grow are wonderful to grow coffee.coffee.

It was the nation’s It was the nation’s major export for years.major export for years.

It helped to create and It helped to create and maintain the maintain the aristocratic class.aristocratic class.

CoffeeCoffee

Costa Rica’s Costa Rica’s coffee is known coffee is known today as Arabica today as Arabica and it originated and it originated from Ethiopia.from Ethiopia.

BananasBananas

Have also play a very important role in Have also play a very important role in the economy of the country.the economy of the country.

The industry was introduced by the The industry was introduced by the American Michael Keith in the late American Michael Keith in the late 1800’s when he build the first rail road 1800’s when he build the first rail road that connected the Central Valley with that connected the Central Valley with the Atlantic Coast.the Atlantic Coast.

Banana PlantBanana Plant

BananasBananas

Michael Keith’s Michael Keith’s company would company would become later the become later the United Fruit United Fruit Company that Company that started the started the “Chiquita Banana” “Chiquita Banana” brand. brand.

BananasBananas

TourismTourism

Within the last twenty years tourism Within the last twenty years tourism has become the main industry in the has become the main industry in the country counting for ¾’s of Costa country counting for ¾’s of Costa Rica’s revenue.Rica’s revenue.

TourismTourism

Costa Rica’ s natural beauty and diversity Costa Rica’ s natural beauty and diversity attracts thousands of tourists every year.attracts thousands of tourists every year.

The political stability of the country is a The political stability of the country is a great incentive for people to travel.great incentive for people to travel.

The country has a wonderful tropical The country has a wonderful tropical climate with 2 distinctive seasons (dry climate with 2 distinctive seasons (dry and wet) and stays at around 60-80 and wet) and stays at around 60-80 degrees year round.degrees year round.

TourismTourism

The country has seven different The country has seven different provinces & great bio diversity.provinces & great bio diversity.

All provinces are very different from All provinces are very different from each other. each other.

Bordered by both the Atlantic and the Bordered by both the Atlantic and the Pacific ocean, the country has the Pacific ocean, the country has the diversity and richness of both costs. diversity and richness of both costs.

TourismTourism

Dry regions in the pacific.Dry regions in the pacific.

Rain forest in the pacific northwest.Rain forest in the pacific northwest.

Cloud forest in the central ValleyCloud forest in the central Valley

Multiple VolcanoesMultiple Volcanoes

BiodiversityBiodiversity

Since the 1970’s Costa Rica has Since the 1970’s Costa Rica has enforced very effective measures to enforced very effective measures to promote eco-tourism and to protect its promote eco-tourism and to protect its natural wonders.natural wonders.

Approximately 27% of the country’s Approximately 27% of the country’s territory is either national parks, territory is either national parks, wildlife refuges or natural reserveswildlife refuges or natural reserves..

The central ValleyThe central Valley

Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago y San José.Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago y San José.

These are the main cities located in These are the main cities located in the Central Valley, no matter where the Central Valley, no matter where you are you can see the mountains.you are you can see the mountains.

Very refreshing, spring like weather.Very refreshing, spring like weather.

Local Artists:Local Artists:

Carmen Lyra:Carmen Lyra:

A writer of children’sA writer of children’s

stories and a wonderfulstories and a wonderful

poetpoet

Local artitsLocal artits

A combination of Jazz A combination of Jazz and Latin traditional and Latin traditional music, Editus is a music, Editus is a delightful & unique band.delightful & unique band.

They have won 4 They have won 4 Grammies.Grammies.

Listen to samples of their Listen to samples of their music at music at :http://www.edituscr.com:http://www.edituscr.com

//

Hotel Costa Rica y Plaza de la Hotel Costa Rica y Plaza de la CulturaCultura

Located in the heart of San José.Located in the heart of San José.

Universidad de Costa Universidad de Costa RicaRica

San JoséSan José

San JoséSan José

La Feria La Feria

Every Saturday local farmers sell their products Every Saturday local farmers sell their products at the outdoors market called “LA FERIA”at the outdoors market called “LA FERIA”

La FeriaLa Feria

La FeriaLa Feria

Tropical fruit:Tropical fruit:Papaya, mamón chino, y magos.Papaya, mamón chino, y magos.

Tropical FruitTropical FruitJocotes, mangosJocotes, mangos

Local HomesLocal Homes

Costa Rica’s Costa Rica’s homes usually homes usually have very strong have very strong foundations foundations because of the because of the many and many and common tremors common tremors and earthquakes.and earthquakes.

Most homes are Most homes are made of brick.made of brick.

HomesHomes

HOMESHOMES

HOMESHOMES

View from a View from a Central Valley HomeCentral Valley Home

HomesHomes

HomesHomes

More HomesMore Homes

The Pacific CoastThe Pacific Coast

The Pacific CoastThe Pacific Coast

The Pacific CoastThe Pacific Coast

IguanaIguana

White Faced MonkeyWhite Faced Monkey

Sloth ( Perezoso)Sloth ( Perezoso)

Toucans & ParrotsToucans & Parrots

Monteverde ( Rain Monteverde ( Rain Forest)Forest) Heaven on earthHeaven on earth

ButterfliesButterflies

Red Eyed FrogRed Eyed Frog

HummingbiHummingbirdsrds

The Sky Trek & Canopy The Sky Trek & Canopy tourstours

The closest you The closest you can ever feel to can ever feel to heaven still being heaven still being on earth.on earth.

Sky WalkSky Walk

Exotic Flowers & Exotic Flowers & OrquidsOrquids

Arenal VolcanoArenal Volcano

Arenal VolcanoArenal Volcano

The craterThe crater

Tabacon Hot SpringsTabacon Hot Springs

La Paz WaterfallLa Paz Waterfall

TortugueroTortuguero

Activities you can Activities you can enjoy in enjoy in Costa RicaCosta Rica Bird WatchingBird Watching

SurfingSurfing

Scuba divingScuba diving

FishingFishing

WindsurfingWindsurfing

SnorkelingSnorkeling

KayakingKayaking

Horse back ridingHorse back riding

Whitewater Whitewater RaftingRafting

Tropical BungeeTropical Bungee

Scuba DivingScuba Diving

Wonderful both Wonderful both in the Pacific in the Pacific and Atlantic and Atlantic Coasts.Coasts.

SurfingSurfing

Witches Rock is Witches Rock is the most famous the most famous spotspot

Horse Back RidingHorse Back Riding

Whitewater RaftingWhitewater Rafting

Costa Rican PeopleCosta Rican Peoplecommonly called commonly called “TICOS”“TICOS”

““Tico” comes from the Tico” comes from the diminutives suffixed by diminutives suffixed by Costa Ricans to almost Costa Ricans to almost every word which helps every word which helps to soften the speech & to soften the speech & appears more appears more approachable when approachable when interacting with others. interacting with others.

Ticos are known for Ticos are known for being very warm & being very warm & caring.caring.

TICOSTICOS

The phrase that embodies the Tico lifestyle is Pura Vida, literally translated as Pure Life, meaning roughly "This is living!" or "Cool!" Friends often greet or salute each

other with Pura vida

PURA VIDAPURA VIDA

Education & ChildrenEducation & Children

Is the government’s greatest Is the government’s greatest priority.priority.

Oscar Arias & ChildrenOscar Arias & Children

TICOSTICOS

Costa Ricans love salsa, Costa Ricans love salsa, merengue and folkloric merengue and folkloric musicmusic

Costa Rican Typical FoodCosta Rican Typical Food

The staple of the Costa Rican diet The staple of the Costa Rican diet consist of rice and beans.consist of rice and beans.

Food is very natural & savory Food is very natural & savory although not spicy.although not spicy.

Fruit is included in almost every Fruit is included in almost every meal.meal.

Tropical FruitTropical Fruit

GuanábanaGuanábana CoconutCoconut

PapayaPapaya

Pejibaye Pejibaye

It is boiled It is boiled first and then first and then eaten with eaten with mayonnaise mayonnaise and lemon.and lemon.

Gallo PintoGallo Pinto

Black Rice & Beans Black Rice & Beans mixed together. It is a mixed together. It is a typical breakfast dish. typical breakfast dish.

Very tasty & colorful Very tasty & colorful calls for onion, garlic, calls for onion, garlic, cilantro and red bell cilantro and red bell pepper & Salsa pepper & Salsa Lizano, a spicy salsa Lizano, a spicy salsa made in Costa Rica.made in Costa Rica.

PlantainsPlantains

Although they look Although they look like bananas, they like bananas, they are not bananas. are not bananas. They belong to the They belong to the same family but are same family but are different. They different. They maybe boiled, fried maybe boiled, fried or baked. They are or baked. They are very sweet and very sweet and yummy.yummy.

Arroz con polloArroz con pollo

It is the It is the weekend dish weekend dish and the most and the most commonly commonly served at served at family family gatherings gatherings and partys. and partys. The chicken is The chicken is mixed in the mixed in the rice.rice.

Casado Casado

A casado A casado consists of consists of black beans, black beans, rice, potato rice, potato hash, salad, hash, salad, plantain and plantain and any type meat.any type meat.

It could be It could be served with served with chicken, steak, chicken, steak, fish, etc.fish, etc.

EmpanadasEmpanadas

Empanadas are Empanadas are made of a fine made of a fine pastry filled with pastry filled with beef, chicken, beef, chicken, potatoes, or fruit. potatoes, or fruit. They could be salty They could be salty or sweet.or sweet.

Lengua en SalsaLengua en Salsa

Believe it or not Believe it or not

““Cow tongue” is a Cow tongue” is a delicatessen in delicatessen in Costa Rica. It is Costa Rica. It is made for special made for special holidays or holidays or celebrations. celebrations.

TamalesTamales

It is one of Costa Rica’s It is one of Costa Rica’s most traditional dishes. most traditional dishes. They may look like a They may look like a simple dish but they take simple dish but they take an entire day to make. an entire day to make. They are made out of They are made out of corn and wrapped in a corn and wrapped in a banana leaf. Tamales banana leaf. Tamales are filled with pork, rice are filled with pork, rice and vegetables.and vegetables.

They are traditionally eaten They are traditionally eaten during the holidays.during the holidays.

Carne rellenaCarne rellena

A traditional holiday A traditional holiday dish. It is very dish. It is very similar to a Costa similar to a Costa Rican style tamal Rican style tamal but made with but made with ground beef.ground beef.

Sr. Gerardo Jara Sr. Gerardo Jara

Heredia, Costa Heredia, Costa RicaRica

Tres LechesTres Leches

A traditional Latin A traditional Latin American dessert.American dessert.

Every country has Every country has its own variety but its own variety but they all call for “3 they all call for “3 milks” , evaporated, milks” , evaporated, condensed & condensed & whipping cream. It whipping cream. It is very refreshingis very refreshing

Pan ( Bread)Pan ( Bread)

Costa Ricans eat Costa Ricans eat bread 3 times a day. bread 3 times a day. At breakfast, as a At breakfast, as a snack and at coffee snack and at coffee break in the break in the afternoons around afternoons around 4:00 pm. In the 4:00 pm. In the cities, there is a cities, there is a bakery shop almost bakery shop almost on every corner. on every corner. When riding the bus, When riding the bus, the smell of fresh the smell of fresh bread is everywhere. bread is everywhere.

CoffeeCoffee

The smell of fresh The smell of fresh brewed coffee is brewed coffee is everywhere.everywhere.

Coffee is not only one of Coffee is not only one of Costa Rica’s main Costa Rica’s main income sources but an income sources but an excuse to chat and excuse to chat and relax. relax.

Costa Ricans drink Costa Ricans drink coffee anytime as an coffee anytime as an excuse to take a break excuse to take a break and socialize.and socialize.

National brandsNational brands

National brandsNational brands

Coffee BrittCoffee Britt

Salsa LizanoSalsa Lizano

There is no There is no gallo pinto gallo pinto without Salsa without Salsa lizano.lizano.

National EmblemsNational Emblems

La guaria La guaria Morada. Morada. The The

national national FlowerFlower

El YugüirroEl Yugüirro

The National BirdThe National Bird

El árbol de GuanacasteEl árbol de Guanacaste

The national TreeThe national Tree

La carretaLa carreta

The oxcart used to The oxcart used to transport coffee in the transport coffee in the 1919thth century. Now it is a century. Now it is a popular souvenir and popular souvenir and decoration.decoration.

El escudoEl escudo

The National Emblem.The National Emblem.Represents the sevenRepresents the sevenprovinces, the two provinces, the two

oceansoceans & a new nation with & a new nation with

greatgreathope for a wonderful hope for a wonderful future for its children future for its children

and and future generationsfuture generations

La BanderaLa Bandera

The national flag.The national flag.Blue represent the sky Blue represent the sky

which we all share.which we all share.

Red represents the Red represents the blood sacrificed for blood sacrificed for the country’s the country’s freedom.freedom.

White represents the White represents the peace that Costa peace that Costa Ricans enjoy and Ricans enjoy and treasure so muchtreasure so much

Peace & DemocracyPeace & Democracy

“ Costa Ricans way of living &“ Costa Ricans way of living & most precious treasure” most precious treasure”

A Costa Rican SunsetA Costa Rican Sunset