Costa Rica

Population  Costa Rica’s estimated population in 2011 is approximately 4,5 millions.  Ethnic groups: white 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%, Chinese 1% and other 1%.  Must of the population speaks Spanish and in some places of the region of Limon they speak English.

Customs  In Costa Rica, people do not give directions by street number.  Cost a Rica is a very Catholic country and we always celebrate the holydays like birthday parties.  Another custom are bullfights “a la tica” and they are similar to the bullfights in Pamplona, Spain.

Religion  Costa Rica has a variety of religions, these are the most influential ones: 1. Catholic 76.3% 2.Evangelical 13.7% 3.Jehovah’s Witnesses 1.3% 4. Protestant 0.7% 5. Other 4.8% 6. None 3.2%

Food  One of Costa Rica’s most famous plate is called “Gallo Pinto”.  Another traditional plate is “Arroz con Pollo”.  We also have the typical tradition of eating “Tamales”.  Costa Rica’s gourmet coffee, the best around the world.

Plants and Vegetation  The major attractions that bring tourists to our country is its different types of forests and its diversity of tropical nature.  Forests: Cloudy Forest Tropical Rainforest Primary Forest  Costa Rica also has different types of flowers, but our national symbol is” La Guaria Morada”.

Animals  Costa Rica is famous for its natural beauty and tropical forests.  But it is also famous for its animals. For ex: the toucan, the whitetail deer( one of our national symbols), the yiguirro(another national symbol), and the turtle.

Politics  Costa Rica’s president is Laura Chinchilla, first women to be president in our country.  The system of government is democratic.  Costa Rica’s independence is on September 15.  The Capital is San Jose.

Economy  In Costa Rica, we use Colones.  Here are some examples of our bills and coins.  1oo colones = $o.25 cents  1000 colones = $2 dollars  2000 colones =$4 dollars  colones = $20 dollars

Attractions  Costa Rica has a lot of attractions for tourists. For example:  Arenal Volcano  Surfing, hiking, water rafting, fishing, diving, canopy tours, and bungee jumping.  Costa Rica’s new National Soccer Stadium.

Map of Costa Rica

Sources    Youtube (Costa Rica five senses)