Bienvenido (That means "Welcome!")

This section contains interesting information on the culture of Costa Rica!

The beautiful island of Chira (west coast)

The capital city of Costa Rica, San Jose

Costa Rica is quite diverse. From Mountains and volcanoes to Lowlands and Rainforests, and all the way to the big cities, Costa Rica can be described as a "jumbled mass of all peoples." Ticos (as they call themselves) are altogether proud of this "variety of life." In fact, a phrase often heard in and of Costa Rica is "Pura Vida!," which means "full of life." And Costa Rica definitely fills this description. Population Costa Rica has a population of over 3.5 million people. The majority of the population is "mestizo," which infers a lighter brown skin. The rest of the population is Black, Indian, and Asian. Costa Rica is a fairly small sized country(land wise), and over half of the population is concentrated in one metropolitan area referred to as the greater San Jose metropolitan area. Over 51% of the nation live here. Because Costa Rica is a fairly small country it seems like they are running out of room. As a result the population growth rate has decreased since past years. Today it is 2.3% and if anything it is still dropping. Even agricultural areas seem to be low on space for living. Family Most would probably consider Costa Ricans as having an "old fashioned" way of living. (I like the way they live, but anyway....) Many Costa Ricans identify more with their town or village than with their country as whole. There is this loyalty and pride they have with were they are from or were born. Many of them actually live their whole lives in the same community, the same neighborhood, and sometimes the same house. Ticos traditionally live in these little clusters of close relatives. It is actually quite ironic, because even though they have this need to live in the same community as family they do like their space. Therefore, a Tico would rather live in a whole new house(if affordable) than with a really close relative. I guess they like to be close, but not too close. Although, it is common to find houses with third generation parties. More commonly, the families will simply settle in houses adjacent (beside) each other. More recently, however, these family or neighborhood ties are becoming weaker, and families to be dispersed. Due to technology and better transportation, workers moving to the city and villages commuting to work there are the cause of this break up. However, on a positive note, the small size of Costa Rica and the concentration of people in the metropolitan areas helps families stay in touch with each other. Family and kinship in Costa Rica are important and for the most part they remain strong. Health Costa Rica is making big steps in the welfare of their people. Compared to past years, Costa Rica is light years away, concerning health care, from the way they used to be and the struggles they used to experience. In less than 100 years Costa Rica's annual death rate has gone from 43 per thousand to about 3 per thousand. Their infant mortality rate has dropped more than 20% in 70 plus years, and infant mortality caused by malnutrition has dropped by 80% in the last 20 plus years. Also, the average life expectancy is 74 years old. A lot of this can be credited to the Program for Rural Health that was started in 1970. Ticos "Ticos" comes from a word from a colonial saying "hermaniticos," which means little brothers. And Costa Ricans consider themselves a lot different from most Central American countries. They have this feeling because of their lighter skin (Ticos have a noticeable lighter colored skin), and diversity of peoples. Further more, Ticos a very quick to concern themsleves with what others think about them; they have a very conscious self-image. This self-image contributes a lot to a Costa Rican's attitude and behavior. Ticos can be generalized as humble, not boastful, courteous, tranquil, respectful, and many other adjectives apply. This is all due to a common desire to "have a good impression." Costa Rican is not merely wonderful because of its beautiful scenery or fun things to do, but also because of the hospitality and peaceful attitudes of its people.