Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [20]
1987 President Oscar Arias Sánchez wins the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on the Central American peace accords, which brought about greater political freedom throughout the region.
2000 At the start of the new millennium, the population of Costa Rica tops four million, though many believe the number is far greater due to burgeoning illegal settlements on the fringes of the capital.
2006 Nobel laureate Oscar Arias Sánchez is elected president for the second time in his political career on a pro-Cafta (Central American Free Trade Agreement) platform despite winning by an extremely narrow margin.
2007 A national referendum narrowly passes Cafta. Opinion remains divided as to whether opening up trade with the USA will be beneficial in the long run for Costa Rica.
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The Culture
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TICO PRIDE
LIFESTYLE
ECONOMY
POPULATION
SPORTS
MULTICULTURALISM
MEDIA
RELIGION
WOMEN IN COSTA RICA
ARTS
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TICO PRIDE
Costa Ricans, or Ticos as they affectionately call themselves, take great pride in defining themselves by what they are not. In comparison with their Central American neighbors like Nicaragua and Honduras, there’s little poverty and illiteracy and they aren’t beleaguered by political tumult. It’s a curious line-up of negatives that somehow adds up to one big positive.
Ticos are also extremely proud of their country, from its ecological jewels, high standard of living and education levels to, above all else, the fact that it has flourished without an army for the past 60 years. They view their country as an oasis of calm in a land that has been continuously degraded by warfare. The Nobel Peace Prize that Oscar Arias Sánchez received for his work on the Central American peace accords is a point of pride and confirms the general feeling that they are somehow different from a grosser, more violent world. Peace is priceless.
Ticos are always well mannered and will do all they can to quedar bien (leave a good impression). Conversations start with a cordial greeting such as buenos días (good morning) or buenas tardes (good afternoon), as well as friendly inquiries about your well-being before delving into business. Bullying and yelling will get you nowhere, but a smile and a friendly greeting goes a long way.
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LIFESTYLE
A lack of war and the presence of strong exports and stronger tourism have meant that Costa Rica enjoys the highest standard of living in Central America. For the most part, Costa Ricans live fairly rich and comfortable lives, even by Western standards.
The most comprehensive and complete book on Costa Rican history and culture is The Ticos: Culture and Social Change in Costa Rica by Mavis, Richard and Karen Biesanz.
One of the main reasons for the social cohesiveness of Costa Rican society is the strength and influence of family ties. Indeed, the family unit remains the nucleus of life in Costa Rica and serves as a support network for everyone involved. Families socialize together and groups of the same clan will often live near each other in clusters. Furthermore, celebrations, weddings and family gatherings are a social outlet for rich and poor alike, and those with relatives in positions of power – nominal or otherwise – don’t hesitate to turn to them for support.
Given this mutually cooperative environment, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that life expectancy in Costa Rica is almost the same as that of the USA. In fact, most Costa Ricans are more likely to die of heart disease or cancer, as opposed to the childhood diseases that tend to claim lives in many developing nations. A nationwide healthcare system and proper sanitation systems account for these positive statistics, as does a generally stress-free lifestyle, tropical weather and a healthy and varied diet.
Similar to the industrialized world, families have an average of 2.2 children. For the most part, Costa Rican youths spend ample time on middle-class worries, such as dating, music, belly-baring fashions and fútbol (soccer).