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Costa Rica

Costa Rica. “Rich Coast”. officially adopted on September 29, 1848 drew its design inspiration from the Flag of Argentina The blue and white are the original colors used by the United Provinces of Central America,

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Costa Rica

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  1. Costa Rica “Rich Coast”

  2. officially adopted on September 29, 1848 drew its design inspiration from the Flag of Argentina The blue and white are the original colors used by the United Provinces of Central America, the combined red, white and blue are modeled after the colors of the French Tricolore Flag

  3. Background • Explored by the Spanish in the early 16th century • Difficulties with colonizing due to a combination of factors, including: disease from mosquito-infested swamps, brutal heat, resistance by natives, and pirate raids • In 1563 a permanent settlement of Cartago was established in the cooler, fertile central highlands. The area remained a colony for some two and a half centuries • 1838 Costa Rica proclaimed its sovereignty and independence • Since the late 19th century Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread

  4. Borders both the Caribbean Sean and the Pacific Ocean Lies between Nicaragua and Panama 51,100 sq km in size which is slightly smaller than the size of West Virginia 1,290 km of coastline Capital is San Jose Geography

  5. Subtropical and tropical climates Dry season from December to April Rainy season from May to November Much cooler temperatures in the highlands Natural hazards include occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast; frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season and landslides; active volcanoes four volcanoes, two of them active, rise near the capital of San Jose in the center of the country; one of the volcanoes, Irazu, erupted destructively in 1963-65 Temperature & Climate

  6. The People • Population: 4,133,884 • Largely of European decent • Few of the native Indians survived European contact, died of attack and disease • Life expectancy: 77.21 years • Literacy Rate: 96% (age 15 and over can read and write) • Ethnic Groups: white 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%, Chinese 1%, other 1% • Official language is Spanish however some English is spoken

  7. Government • Democratic republic with a very strong system of constitutional checks and balances • The president(4 year terms) is the country's center of power: Executive Branch • Supreme Court of 22 judges(8 year terms) make up the Judicial Branch • Legislative Assembly is made up of 57 members who are elected by the popular vote(4 year terms) • Based on Spanish civil law system • Political system has steadily developed, maintaining orderly, constitutional scheme for government succession • Also, because Costa Rica has no armed forces, it has avoided military involvement in political affairs

  8. President: Oscar ARIAS Sanchez Foreign Minister: Bruno STAGNO Ugarte Ambassador to the United States: Tomas Duenas Ambassador to the UN: Jorge Urbina Leaders

  9. Economy • One of the fastest growing economies in the world • Costa Rica has achieved a high standard of living • Unemployment rate of 6.6% • 18% of population below the poverty line • GDP: $48.77 billion • $1.7 billion dollar tourism industry • Principle producer of bananas, coffee, pineapples, and technological advances • A dozen hydroelectric power plants, making it largely self-sufficient in electricity, but it is completely reliant on imports for liquid fuels • Currency: Costa Rican colon (CRC)

  10. Religion • 92% Christian • Buddhism is on the rise from the increasing Chinese population • Roman Catholicism is the official state religion • So, only that church's marriages are legally recognized by the government • national religious shrine of Costa Rica- The Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels

  11. Education • Universal public education is guaranteed in the constitution • There are many schools in every community • Stellar University System which produces a very stable work force • Those schools that finish at 11th grade receive a Costa Rican Bachillerato Diploma

  12. Culture • Tico (men) • Tica (women) • Mae (guy/dude) • Independence Day, 15 September (1821) • Popular music genres include; American and British rock and pop music along with calypso dance club music • Surfing is popular (Tamarindo is one of the hot spots to surf) • The nightlife is also great

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