61. Community Development With The Bribri Of Costa Rica Agriculture is the main activity of Bribri indigenous communities of costa rica, indigenous people and communities are empowered and strengthened by http://www.agroecology.org/cases/bribri.htm

Case Studies: Community Development with the Bribri of Costa Rica Community Development with the Bribri of Costa Rica Overview: Human resources are developed within Bribri indigenous communities using a participatory research approach based on traditional agricultural systems. Scale Household, subsistence farm, population, rural community, local region. Location: Upper Talamanca Valley, Limon Province, Costa Rica (82.8°- 83.3°W, 9.6°- 9.3°N). Elevation: 600 to 3000 meters Climate: Tropical rainforest (Af. Am - G.T. Trewartha) Agricultural Region: Plantation agriculture/Shifting cultivation (G/E) Population Density: 13.5 persons / square kilometer. Principal Crops: More than 120 species of domestic and wild crops per hectare, including subsistence crops, medicinal plants, commercial crops, building and boat construction, firewood, crafts, natural pesticides, and legumes. Domestic Animals: Pigs Poultry wild animals and birds Soils: Inceptisols (Aquepts 12 - G. T. Trewartha) Seasonally saturated with water.

62. Costa Rica People The indigenous people only earned their right to vote in 1994. A third aspectof costa rica is simply the hospitality of its people. http://www.worldheadquarters.com/cr/people/

costa rica people It is almost impossible to describe a people without succumbing to generalities and omissions; nonetheless a perusal of certain statistics and common values can help begin the lifelong process of getting to know a people. The indigenous population exists in the present as eight separate communities. Six native languages have survived the ravages of time, and are now encouraged by government legislation that allows for bilingual education. The majority of the indigenous groups are located in the south of the country; the two largest groups being the Cabecares and the Bribris. A 1977 Indigenous Bill established the right to land reserves as well as creating programs to preserve and stimulate native culture. The government has actually followed through with these initiatives, but has simultaneously failed to help protect the land rights versus the incursions of mining and squatting interests. The indigenous people only earned their right to vote in 1994. International standards would rank Costa Rica amongst those nations with high literacy rates. Although the government's claim of a 93% literacy rate is considered to be inflated, the great majority of its people can read and write. Education up to the sixth grade is obligatory and the network of public schools is dispersed into the far corners of the land. The country is now home to a handful of well regarded Universities such as the National University and the University of Costa Rica.

63. Costa Rica, Birds Of all the exotically named bird species in costa rica, the hummingbirds beat During the colonial period, the indigenous people of Central America came http://photo.net/cr/moon/birds.html

var subscriber_p=0, user_id=0; photo.net Classifieds Shop Classifieds ... Search Birds by Christopher Baker Home Travel Costa Rica ... CR Handbook : One Article In William Henry Hudson's Green Mansions, his great romantic novel of the American tropics, the young hero Abel is lured into the jungle by the mysterious call of an unseen bird. So stirred is he by the siren song that he follows the haunting sound deeper and deeper into the forest until he eventually discovers the source: a lovely, half-wild girl called Rima, who has learned to mimic the sounds of the birds. The birdlife of Costa Rica is so rich and so variedand often so elusivethat at times it seems as if Rima herself is calling. With approximately 850 recorded bird species, the country boasts one-tenth of the world's total. More than 630 are resident species; the remainder are occasionals who fly in for the winter. Birds that have all but disappeared in other areas still find tenuous safety in protected lands in Costa Rica, though many species face extinction due to deforestation. The nation offers hope for such rare jewels of the bird world as the quetzal and the scarlet macaw, both endangered species yet commonly seen in protected reserves. BIRDWATCHING Fortunately, Costa Rica's birds are not shy. Seeing them is relatively easy. Depending on season, location, and luck, you can expect to see many dozens of species on any one day. Many tour companies offer guided bird-study tours (see "Special-interest Travel and Recreation," in the "Out and About" chapter), and the country is well set up with mountain and jungle lodges which specialize in birdwatching programs (see "Mountain and Jungle Lodges," pp. 96-97).

64. Costa Rica Hotels - Hotel Santo Tomas costa rica, costa rica travel, costa rica hotel, costa rica map, costa rica real In all, there were probably no more than 200000 indigenous people on 18 http://www.hotelsantotomas.com/history.htm

costa rica, costa rica travel, costa rica hotel, costa rica map, costa rica real estate, costa rica vacation, costa rica tourism, san jose costa rica, photos, images, pictures, costa rica chat, costa rica new, costa rica resort, hotel santo tomas, beach, beaches, Tamarindo Beach, Flamingo Beach, Manuel Antonio Beach, Manuel Antonio National Park, turtles, monkeys, horseback riding, fishing, diving, snorkeling, surfing, surf, costa rica surf, costa rica surfing, tours, tour, salt water fishing, Jaco Beach, Pavones Beach, Pavones, Jaco, Guanacaste, Puntarenas, Pacific Coast, Pacific Beaches, playa, playas Costa Rica History Located in Central America: Costa Rica is bordered on the north by Nicaragua, on the south by Panama, the Pacific ocean on the west and the Caribbean on the east. During his fourth voyage to the New World in 1502, Christopher Columbus landed at "Cariari," known today as Puerto Limon. Columbus actually named Costa Rica (rich coast) under the assumption that the land was filled with precious metals. The earth never yielded gold and silver, but the name was perfect for the wealth of natural beauty and flawless climate. The country has a territory of 51,000 km2 and a population of 5,000,000. Mountains spread from the northeast to the southeast forming a fertile central valley measuring approximately 3,000 km. At 4,000 foot elevation it has one of the most perfect climates in the world. The great majority of the population is concentrated here. The first settlers in Costa Rica were the Chorotega, Huetares and Brunca or Boruca Indians; today there are still about 20,000 Indians living here.

65. Costa Rica History Seen Through It's People costa rica history When Columbus arrived on the coast of this Central American there were probably no more than 20000 indigenous people in costa rica. http://www.globalvolunteers.org/1main/costarica/costaricahistory.htm

Volunteer In Costa Rica Volunteer Abroad Volunteer In The USA How To Apply ... Request Information Costa Rica's History Early Society Embraced Peace When Columbus arrived on the coast of this Central American nation in 1502, there were probably no more than 20,000 indigenous people in Costa Rica. He found several autonomous tribes, all with distinct cultures and customs. The Indians gave Columbus gold and he returned to Europe with reports of a plentiful supply of the yellow metal. But the adventurers who arrived later to cash in confronted hostile local people, hot and swampy coastlines and rampant disease, conditions that for decades drove would-be colonists away. In 1562, Spain's administrative center in Guatemala sent Juan Vasquez de Coronado to Costa Rica as governor and Cartago was established as the capital the following year. With no Indian slaves to work the land, the settlers were forced to work the land themselves, scratching out a meagre subsistence by tilling small plots. The impoverished colony grew slowly and was virtually ignored by the Spanish rulers in Guatemala. By the late 18th century, the settlements were stabilized, and exports of wheat and tobacco were making economic conditions somewhat better. Independence Leads to Sweeping Political Changes Central America gained independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. The news reached Costa Rica a month after the event. The question of whether Costa Rica should join newly independent Mexico or join a new confederation of Central American states resulted in a bitter quarrel between the leaders of San Jose and their counterparts in Cartago and Heredia. A brief civil war in 1823 was won by San Jose and Costa Rica joined the confederation.

66. Tropical Delight Costa Rica Directory And Market Place! indigenous People of costa rica. Personal Home Pages *Personal Home Pages incosta rica! Submit Your Interesting costa rica Home Pages! Submit your url. http://www.strayreality.com/costarica.htm

Cigars from Costa Rica Exquisite Costa Rica ! Web Index Tropical Delight Costa Rica Directory! About Costa Rica 1 About Costa Rica 2 ... CR Cigars! "Tropical Delight" Costa Rica Directory and Market Place! The Magic that is Costa Rica! Experience....Knowledge of New Costa Rica Laws! Get Your Costa Rica Residency The laws are changing in Costa Rica! If you have ever lived in Latin America then you understand that 'knowing the right people' and 'having the right connection' is what 'Makes Things Work' Let COSTA RICA INC Work For You! COSTA RICA INC - INFORMATION AND NETWORK CENTER Let Our Network Professionals, that have the connections and experience, help you get Costa Rica Residency www.costaricainc.net cr.info@costaricainc.net "Tropical Delight" Costa Rica Directory and Market Place! About Costa Rica *Information about Costa Rica, Retire in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Accommodations, Costa Rica Search Engines, Costa Rica Directories, Latin American Countries, Costa Rica Maps. * "Exclusive" Products from Costa Rica! Exports from Costa Rica! Imports from Costa Rica and other Countries!

67. WT 2006 - Indigenous Healing In Costa Rica Specifically, while in costa rica we will examine (a) how indigenous peopleunderstand the causes of disease and illness, (b) the scientific basis for the http://people.depauw.edu/bhanson/WinterTerm/WT2006/CostaRica2006.html

Winter Term 2006 - Indigenous Healing in Costa Rica Faculty Leaders: Matt Hertenstein Bryan Hanson 15 August 2005 News: This trip is full and there is a wait list. Click to download a one page synopsis of this web page or an application This web page contains some basic information about the trip. This is a serious study trip which should appeal to students with all sorts of interests and majors. No Spanish skills are required (but what a great opportunity to practice!). If you would like to be on the mailing list for further information, please e-mail us or stop by and visit. We will add to this web page as our planning evolves. Costa Rica is a very beautiful country with a rich natural environment and gentle people. Traveling in Costa Rica is easy and comfortable. The food is great and the water safe to drink. Costa Rica is an excellent choice for a first trip abroad. Brief Course Description: here for more details on the course. In 2003 Hanson sponsored a similar trip. Click

68. Indigenous People & Places Kytka s costa rica. A wonderful real estate and vacation site for people wantingto visit or relocate to costa rica, the land of Pura Vida! http://www.kytkascostarica.com/tribes.htm

Costa Rican History... In this Section News from Kytka's Costa Rica! My informative newsletter is sent to you on the first and third Wednesdays Do You Want to Sell Your Costa Rica Property? Visit our Specialized Costa Rica Book Store If you are considering a move to Costa Rica, we strongly recommend reading up on the subject with the following books: Indigenous Peoples and Ancient Cultures of Costa Rica The vast majority of Costa Rican people are White, mainly of Spanish descent. Less than 2% of the population is Black, except in the thinly populated Caribbean province of Limón. Here, about 33% of the inhabitants trace their ancestry to either the early days of slavery in Costa Rica or to the immigration of labor forces from Jamaica to build the railways and work the banana plantations in the late 1800's. The Costa Rican People call themselves Ticos or Ticas (male and female). This supposedly stems from their love of the use of diminutives such as chico (small) becoming chiquito or chiquitico. ** Please support these people by doing some shopping near their reservation lands instead of in the easy to reach tourist shops. Prices are low and their special hand made products will be an ever lasting souvenir!

69. Limon, Costa Rica Their cruel treatment of the indigenous people did not help the Spaniards in their 2) KéköLdi indigenous Reserve costa rica s indigenous population is http://www.angelfire.com/bc/gonebirding/limon.html

Costa Rica LIMON PROVINCE General Information: Climate: , in the Talamanca Cordillera. Likewise, the provincial boundaries also climb to over 2,000 m. elevation on the northeastern flank of Turrialba Volcano. History: Spanish settlement of Costa Rica came not from the Atlantic but from the Pacific side of the country. Given the mountainous barrier between the Central Valley and the Caribbean lowlands, as well as the dense forests and high rainfall characteristic of the latter region, would-be colonists were faced with a real challenge. The periodic expeditions organized with, at least in part, the purpose of establishing permanent settlements in the Caribbean region inevitably met with failure. Their cruel treatment of the indigenous people did not help the Spaniards in their objective either, since the natives in the area wholeheartedly resisted colonization. Thus, throughout the three centuries of the colonial period, while the Central Valley and northern Pacific portions of Costa Rica were being progressively dominated by settlers from Spain, the Atlantic wilderness continued to be an untamed frontier. The one small exception was the Valley of Matina where a number of farms existed for the purpose of growing cacao the source of cocoa and chocolate, which are produced from the seeds. Although it was a long and difficult journey from the Central Valley to Matina, near the Caribbean coast, the merchants from Cartago who invested in the cacao farms considered it a worthy enterprise given the otherwise limited opportunities for commercial trade with other colonies.

70. Costa Rica: The Spanish Conquest And Colonization Summary of the Spaniards arrival in costa rica and subsequent settlement of thecountry. with the indigenous people of the Nicoya Peninsula. http://www.angelfire.com/bc/gonebirding/colony.html

Costa Rica The Spanish Conquest and Colonization: In spite of their insatiable lust for gold and precious stones, the Spanish conquistadors were never able to bring the eastern portion of Costa Rica under their dominion. At least a dozen expeditions to the Caribbean lowlands were made in the 100 years that followed Columbus' discovery. Like the Spanish conquest in other parts of the New World, these expeditions were usually characterized by their violent nature and disrespect for the native peoples. As a result, the natives resisted the Spaniards' efforts to subjugate them by either direct confrontation or by fleeing inland to more remote areas, often burning their own villages and crops behind them so that the foreign forces would not be able to make use of them. Deceit, jealousy, and competition among the Spaniards themselves, together with the difficult climatic conditions of the Atlantic region, were other factors that limited their success in ever establishing permanent settlements there during the first three centuries of the colonial period. Thus, colonization of Costa Rica occurred from the Pacific side of the country.

71. Costa Rica costa rica is a longstanding, stable, constitutional democracy with a president and indigenous people may participate freely in politics and government; http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2003/27892.htm

Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Releases Human Rights Western Hemisphere Costa Rica Country Reports on Human Rights Practices Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor February 25, 2004 Costa Rica is a longstanding, stable, constitutional democracy with a president and unicameral Legislative Assembly directly elected in free multiparty elections every 4 years. The presidential term of Abel Pacheco de la Espriella, of the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC), began in May 2002, after he garnered 58 percent of the vote in a fair and free election. The judiciary is independent. The 1949 Constitution abolished the military forces. The Ministry of Public Securitywhich includes specialized units such as the anti-narcotics policeand the Ministry of the Presidency share responsibility for law enforcement and national security. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces. Some members of the security forces committed human rights abuses. The market economy was based primarily on light industry, tourism, and agriculture; the country's population was approximately 3.9 million. The Constitution protects the right to private property; however, domestic and foreign property owners have in the past encountered difficulty obtaining adequate, timely compensation for lands expropriated for national parks and other purposes. The law grants substantial rights to squatters who invade uncultivated land, regardless of who may hold title to the property. Real gross domestic product (GDP) growth was 5.6 percent, compared with 2.8 percent in 2002. The unemployment rate was 6.7 percent. An estimated 19 percent of the population lived in poverty.

72. Costa Rica costa rica was invited by the Community of Democracies (CD) Convening Group to indigenous people may participate freely in politics and government; http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2002/18326.htm

Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Releases Human Rights Western Hemisphere Costa Rica Country Reports on Human Rights Practices Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor March 31, 2003 Costa Rica is a longstanding, stable, constitutional democracy with a unicameral Legislative Assembly directly elected in free multiparty elections every 4 years. The presidential term of Miguel Angel Rodriguez of the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC), who was elected in February 1998, ended on May 8 with the inauguration of Abel Pacheco de la Espriella, also of the PUSC. Pacheco was elected president during a second-round vote in April that was necessitated by the failure of any one candidate to obtain the constitutionally required 40 percent of the popular vote during the first-round election in February. The judiciary was generally independent. The 1949 Constitution abolished the military forces. The Ministry of Public Securitywhich included specialized units such as the antidrug policeand the Ministry of the Presidency shared responsibility for law enforcement and national security. Several police units were combined within the Ministry of Public Security into a single "public force" that included the Border Guard, the Rural Guard, and the Civil Guard. Public security forces generally observed procedural safeguards established by law and the Constitution; however, there were a few reports of police abuse of authority. The market economy was based primarily on light industry, tourism, and agriculture; the country's population was approximately 3.85 million. The Constitution protects the right to private property; however, domestic and foreign property owners encountered considerable difficulty obtaining adequate, timely compensation for lands expropriated for national parks and other purposes. The law grants substantial rights to squatters who invade uncultivated land, regardless of who may hold title to the property. Real gross domestic product (GDP) growth was estimated at 0.9 percent in 2001, compared with 1.7 percent in 2000. In October the official unemployment rate was 6.8 percent, the highest in 17 years. An estimated 21 percent of the population lived in poverty.

73. CERD Concluding Observations: COSTA RICA The Committee considered the sixteenth periodic report of costa rica The Committee is concerned at the situation of indigenous people, in particularly http://sim.law.uu.nl/SIM/CaseLaw/uncom.nsf/0/13088c1d8c08962941256bb1002be985?Op

74. CERD Concluding Observations: COSTA RICA Meeting, 1331. State, costa rica, Huridocs Code, 6226 the Office of theOmbudsman and the bill for the autonomous development of the indigenous people, http://sim.law.uu.nl/SIM/CaseLaw/uncom.nsf/0/70ec3516bb1ca99bc125678a002dfee2?Op

75. The History Of Native Costa Rica There are some 36000 indigenous people in costa rica, representing about 1% ofthe population. 1977 Land Law not emforced on the reserves. http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/41/index-hl.html

The history of Native Costa Rica Hartford Web Publishing is not the author of the documents in World History Archives The history in general of Native Central America Indigenous Costa Ricans march for autonomy AP, 4 October 1998. Fifty indigenous people from the Ngobe Buglere tribe in southern Costa Rica began a 300 kilometer march to the capital to demand territorial autonomy. Another 400 indigenous Costa Ricans from the Brunca, Bribri, Teribe and Cabecar tribes are to join the march. There are some 36,000 indigenous people in Costa Rica, representing about 1% of the population. 1977 Land Law not emforced on the reserves. Indigenous Voices Take the Airwaves

76. Indigenous Costa Ricans March For Autonomy There are some 36000 indigenous people in costa rica, representing about 1% ofthe population. El Diario La Prensa 10/2/98 from EFE; 1st International http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/41/218.html

Documents menu Date: Mon, 5 Oct 98 16:34:46 CDT From: rich@pencil.math.missouri.edu (Rich Winkel) Organization: PACH Subject: Weekly Americas News Update #453, 10/4/98 Article: 44595 To: undisclosed-recipients:; Indigenous Costa Ricans march for autonomy Weekly News Update on the Americas, Issue #453, 4 October 1998 Fifty indigenous people from the Ngobe Buglere tribe in southern Costa Rica began a 300 kilometer march to the capital on Oct. 1 to demand territorial autonomy. The marchers left from the Ngobegue Cultural Center in Piedras Blancas; another 400 indigenous Costa Ricans from the Brunca, Bribri, Teribe and Cabecar tribes are to join the march, which is to reach the Metropolitan Cathedral in San Jose on Oct. 12, the day marking the arrival of European explorer Christopher Columbus in the Americas. Land, economic resources, health, education [and] infrastructure are some of our demands, said the Dikes Regional Indigenous Association (ARA-DIKES) in a communique sent by electronic mail to the Spanish news service EFE. When the marchers reach the capital, they will present their demands at the Legislative Assembly, the Presidential Palace and the Supreme Court of Justice. There are some 36,000 indigenous people in Costa Rica, representing about 1% of the population. [El Diario- La Prensa 10/2/98 from EFE; 1st International Communique from Ngobegue Cultural Association president Faustino Mora Jimenez, undated, posted by South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC) on 9/28/98]

77. Indigenous People In Costa Rica Work To Regain Land The challenge for indigenous people in costa rica is not just regaining controlof their land but also sustaining themselves and their environment. http://gbgm-umc.org/news/2001/mar/CostaRica.stm

Indigenous People in Costa Rica Work to Regain Land United Methodist News Service More Information Esther Camac, a Methodist involved in Ixacavaa, a 3-year-old nonprofit indigenous organization, discussed that challenge during a March 8 briefing sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. Like other countries, Costa Rica has laws protecting indigenous people. "We have the laws, but we don't have control of the resources and we don't have control of the territory," Camac said. Ixacavaa is working with indigenous leaders on a plan to manage their territory. Obstacles have included language differences, a lack of access to information and government plans, and a lack of comprehension by the government about the indigenous way of life. An example of those problems occurred two years ago, after the indigenous community lost its crops to a flood. "The government's response was to provide the community with some seeds and technical assistance so they could sow the seeds," Camac explained. But the seeds were genetically modified and required the use of chemical fertilizer, which differed from traditional cultivation practices. "The result was we lost 80 percent of the harvest." To help regain control of their territory, the indigenous people are taking inventory of their resources, such as the total size of the land, amount of forested land, amount of food produced locally and the potential for growing more food. "We're learning that this is land that is very fertile and could provide much," she said.

78. Costa Rica People costa rica People population, ethnic groups, religions and customs to liveand start a family than in exploiting the indigenous people and their gold. http://www.world66.com/centralamericathecaribbean/costarica/people

Costa Rica People - population, ethnic groups, religions and customs the travel guide you write Recent Changes Home Destinations Mapsonomy ... Costa Rica Sections Costa Rica Map Sights History ... [Add Section] Map View Enlargement People [edit this] People of costa rica photo by: Jacobo Villegas [Upload image] What makes "Ticos" (Costa Ricans) so different? This is a common question. The answer lies in the country’s history and culture. Costa Rica has a mostly peaceful past. From the very beginning, Costa Ricans have been exposed to little violence. During colonial times, it was one of the few parts of Latin America settled by people more interested in creating a pleasant place to live and start a family than in exploiting the indigenous people and their gold. Most "ticos" are still as warm hearted and friendly as their ancestors. Hospitality, respect and friendship are enjoyed by visitors. Where did the word "tico" come from? Costa Ricans often use the diminutive form of words to be more courteous or friendly. They use, however, "ico", instead the more common "-ito". Although "-ico" is a correct form of the diminutive, it is rarely used in other Spanish speaking countries. The word "momento" (moment) thus become "momentico" (a little moment) and even "momentitico" (a very brief moment). Hence, people from other countries started calling Costa Ricans "ticos". Contributors April 28, 2005 change by

79. FLY COSTA RICA - Come And Visit Costa Rica - Adventure Relax Nature Are Waiting Fly costa rica provides complete information on travel in this tropical paradise, where an estimated 70000 blacks and 5000 indigenous people live. http://www.flycostarica.com/

OVERVIEW SIZE: 51,060 square kms (19,714 square miles) POPULATION: 4 million, (source: World Bank). CAPITAL CITY: San Jose, estimated population : 1,200,000 LOCAL TIME DIFFERENCE: GMT minus 6 hours. LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Spanish is the official language, although English is widely spoken in the business community and at most tourist destinations. CURRENCY: Colon (CC) = 100 centimos. EXCHANGE RATE: CC463.47 per US$ (February 2005). WORKING HOURS: Business: 0800/0830-1800/1830 (Mon-Fri) Government: 0800-1600 (Mon-Fri). Banking: 0900-1500, 1530-1800 (Mon-Fri). Shops: 0800-1800 (Mon-Sat). PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: New Year's Day Jan 1 Feast of Saint Joseph (San Jose's patron saint) Mar 19 Anniversary of the Battle of Rivas Apr 11 Easter (Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday)* Labor Day May 1 Corpus Christi* Jun 10 Saint Peter and Saint Paul Jun 29 Anniversary of the Annexation of Guanacaste Province Jul 25 Our Lady of the Angels Aug 2 Assumption/Mother's Day Aug 15 Independence Day Sep 15 Columbus Day/Dia de las Culturas Oct 12 Immaculate Conception Dec 8 Christmas Eve Dec 24 Christmas Day Dec 25 Christmas Holiday Dec 28-31 * Variable dates. Some offices close for the entire Easter week.

80. Educational Travel Services Ecotourism For Students Groups Individuals By Holbro Rather, the indigenous lived in small, scattered groups and practiced About the People. costa rica is generally a land of courtesy and gentleness. http://www.holbrooktravel.com/pages/educationexpeditions/dest_costarica.aspx

©Holbrook Travel, Inc. 2004 IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Holbrook Travel believes all information to be accurate at the time of publication. However, we reserve the right to make corrections. Costa Rica Destination Information General Information: Introduction Population Climate Geography ... History Culture: About the People; Customs Clothing Language Travel Information: Packing List Currency Passport/Visa Luggage and Frequent Flyer Miles ... Diet Introduction Costa Rica, renowned for its biological diversity and its dedication to environmental conservation, has protected more than 2.7 million acres of microclimates within 75 national parks and reserves. The country's efforts to protect and preserve these varied ecosystems serve as a model for countries around the world. Costa Rica's 19,575 square miles have a greater variety of bird species than in all of Europe or North America. It is possible to find between 50 and 100 different tree species in a few acres of forest, as compared to a handful of species in the temperate forests of North America and Europe. With a relatively small population of about three and a half million inhabitants, Costa Rica flourishes under one of the oldest democracies in Latin America. Since 1869, primary education for all children has been free, and today the country is proud of its 93 percent literacy rate - the highest in the Americas. This peaceful country abolished the death penalty in 1882, and the armed forces in 1949. In 1983, Costa Rica proclaimed a formal state of neutrality in world affairs, leading prestigious international human rights organizations to set up headquarters in the country.

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

Page 4     61-80 of 103    Back | 1  | 2  | 3  | 4  | 5  | 6  | Next 20