The Land & Its People
Costa
Ricans, los Costarricenses, and Ticos are all names
for a people who possess a distinct identity: they are unique to the isthmus;
proud of their culture and traditions; appreciative of the extraordinary richness
of their environment; steadfast in their religious convictions; and stalwart
in 
their
pursuit of social equality. Costa Rica is a peaceful nation, one that has
essentially avoided the conflict and disorder that besets most Central American
countries. And no factor has been more important in crafting its self-reliance,
pacifism, and strong conservation ethic than Costa Rica's thoughtful and progressive
people.
Boasting
more teachers than policemen, more biological reserves than cities, and an
undying dedication to social programs, Coast Rica is an extremely progressive
nation. And this vision of civilization came earlier for Costa Rica than for
many Western nations. With the establishment of free, tax-subsidized education
as a constitutional right in 1869, the elimination of the death penalty in
1882, and the dissolution of the national army in 1948, it's clear that social
development and order are key to Costa Rica's approach.
Costa
Rica is truly a pacifist society. Since 1948, the country has avoided any
military action, a formidable task considering the likes of Manuel Noriega
of Panama, the Contras of Nicaragua, and the other malevolent entities who
have tormented the area. The Tico strategy to conflict resolution is rooted
in negotiation. They will use their humor, charisma, and even a disappearing
act, anything to avoid letting a conflict get the better of them.
Costa
Rica's populace consists largely of a huge working mass, from common laborers
and farmers to specialized professionals. Ticos are predominantly direct descendants
of Spanish colonists, the greatest immigration of whom came in the early 1800s
to grow coffee. Originally consisting of a population of over 200,000, Costa
Rica's indigenous people quickly approached survivalist status as they succumbed
to the new diseases introduced by their oppressors. Today's remaining indigenous
people are virtually unseen as many of them prefer to stay within the 
confines
of their reserves. On the the Caribbean coast, African slaves and the indigenous
natives had mixed as early as the 1500s, producing a people of darker completion
and African features known as Moskitos. In addition, the past 150
years has seen the immigration of Chinese and Italians and, to a lesser degree,
German, French, English and Lebanese.
