Costa Rica State Symbols, Song, Flags and more. Culture of a Peaceful Nation - Costa Rica Culture. Although Costa Rica was colonized by the Spaniards in the 16th century, they were not subject to as much exploitation as other colonial countries like Mexico and Peru where vast amounts of silver and gold were available making them more desirable to the Spanish Conquistadores. There was more or less a lack of “exploitable” resources in Costa Rica, leaving “colonialism” to those who were willing to work hard and brave the challenging terrain, resulting in a more humble existence. Throughout the centuries, Costa Ricans have lived with little civil uproar, and when civil unrest has been present, it has ended in a progressive manner, and the government has mostly complied with the demands of the people.
The Costa Rican Advantage As history has shown us, government systems in Costa Rica have more often been on the liberal side of the scale, with communist ideas of nationalizing public services, and socialistic practises such as national healthcare being of high value to the people. Breakfast. Country Explorers: Costa Rica - Tracey West. Costa Rica - National Flower. Last Updated: Jan 04, 2013 Costa Rica’s national flower, the guaria morada (Guarianthe skinneri), is an exquisite orchid known for its purple hues and diamond-like shimmer. The plant, which blooms from January through April, was designated as Costa Rica's national flower on June 15, 1939. The guaria morada is most concentrated along the Pacific coast and in pre-montane zones between 1,600 and 3,300 feet above sea level.
Due to heavy collection in the past, the flower may be hard to spot in the wild, where it grows on tree branches. Guaria morada are a type of epiphyte; the purple air plant merely uses trees as support. The national flower is still popular as an ornamental plant and local nurseries always have them on offer. The guaria morada has long been an important feature in Costa Rican homes. According to local Costa Rican tradition, the guaria morada brings fortune and good luck. Costa Rican Dance. Last Updated: Apr 19, 2014 Merengue, salsa, cumbia and dub fill Costa Rica's discos. From San Jose's nightclubs to rural dancehalls, you'll find Costa Ricans swaying their hips to these tropical rhythms. From an early age Costa Ricans learn the basic steps to the country's most popular dances making them accomplished dancers, but don't embarrassed, they'll be happy to show you their moves.
For a taste of Costa Rica's more traditional dances, join one of Costa Rica's many holidays and celebrations that feature performances from bygone eras like the Punto Guanacasteco and La Cajeta, where dancers twirls about in vibrant, Costa Rican-themed costumes. Merengue Merengue is one of the most popular Latin dances in Costa Rica – it can be heard in almost every home, discotheque and radio station in the country. Salsa Another popular local dance, salsa originated in Cuba and was influenced by mambo, Guaguanco and Afro-Caribbean beats. Cumbia Folkloric Dancing. Folk Dances of Costa Rica | Costa Rica Vacation and Travel. Costa Rican Folk Dancers. The three most popular dances from the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica known as bailes típicos include: the Cabillito Nicoyano (Little Horse from Nicoya ), El Torito (The Little Bull), and the Punto Guanacasteco (Guanacaste dance step). Guanacaste is known traditionally for their cattle ranches.
Many of the dances act out a farming story. Caballito Nicoyano In the Cabillito Nicoyano, the dancers are often barefoot and dressed in farmer’s clothing (campesino style). The dance essentially is between a male cattle rancher and the colt (played by the woman) he is trying to capture. El torito El Torito is a dance between a man portraying the bull and a woman who is the bullfighter. Punto Guanacasteco The Punto Guanacasteco, is the Guanacaste dance step. Some information contained in this article is from the book from Helmuth, Chalene 2000 Culture and Customs of Latin America and the Caribbean : Culture and Customs of Costa Rica London: Greenwood Press. Culture of a Peaceful Nation - Costa Rica Culture. Costa Rica - The Cloud Forest of Monteverde.
Voted as one of the seven wonders of Costa Rica, the cloud forest of Monte Verde is truly the unique place. This is where all the tourists fall in love with nature and scientists try to understand its rich biodiversity. The cloud forests of Monteverde are very beautiful, but what are they really? A cloud forest is a type of rain forest, but as mentioned earlier, they are unique in that they can only be found in a couple places in the world. These are complex ecosystems that can only survive in a specific tropical mountain areas. Also, because of their high altitude, most of the time they are in the middle of the clouds and hence, instead of rain you have water being deposited directly on the leaves of the trees.
In the higher parts of the cloud forests, there is a constant dripping of water from the leaves, making it a perfect environment for plants and animals to survive. There are over 755 species of trees in the Monteverde area and it is likely that even more will be found. The Food of Costa Rica. The food of Costa Rica is definitely delicious to taste and quite easy to prepare, once you get the hang of it. There are certain typical characteristics of this cuisine. A Casado can be considered to be a typical meal that is associated with this country. Other food items also have delectable dishes for the vegetarians as well as non-vegetarians. The food is quite simple in its structure and is prepared by using a lot of spices. One can also see a generous use of oil. Gallo Pinto is the national dish.
This consists of fried rice and black beans. Their food includes a large use of non-vegetarian items such as chicken, fish, beef, and loads of other seafood as well. The cuisine also involves the use of coconut milk and spices. Gallo Pinto-Rice with Beans Ingredients Oil, 3 tbsp.Salsa Lizano, 1 tbsp.Coriander, 1 tbsp. Delicious White Rice. Costa Rica Facts and Information. Costa Rica, or the Republic of Costa Rica, as it is officially named, is a country in Central America. It is bordered by Panama to the south-southeast, the Nicaragua to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Are you planning to travel to Costa Rica for a vacation? Then you'll definitely need some information about the same. Here are some interesting facts that you can look into. A Brief History of Costa Rica The first inhabitants of Costa Rica were around four hundred thousand (400,000) Indians.
Geography and Climate The total land area of Costa Rica is nineteen thousand five hundred and sixty square miles (19,560 sq mi). Costa Rica has subtropical as well as tropical climates. Politics and Economy The president is supported by the two vice presidents and a cabinet of ministers. Flora and Fauna Costa Rica has a rich flora and fauna. Quick Facts and Travel Info. Costa Rica. Well, those who are ardent followers of beauty pageants surely know about Costa Rica, because the participants from Costa Rica give others a run for their money!
Costa Rica is a country in Central America, flanked by Nicaragua in the north, Pacific Ocean to the west and Panama to the east and south. Costa Rica Facts and Information Planning to travel to Costa Rica for a vacation and seeking some Costa Rica facts and figures? Here is a list of interesting facts on Costa Rica along with useful travel information. Read these quick facts and information on Costa... Costa Rica Beaches Warm waters year-round, naturally beautiful landscapes, pristine white sand, deep blue sea, and lush green rainforest, Costa Rica, meaning 'rich coast' in Spanish, is an apt name for this tropical beach paradise. Best Vacation Spots in Costa Rica Planning a trip to Costa Rica? The Food of Costa Rica Take a trip through Costa Rica to know all about the specialties of its cuisine. Costa Rica Facts: Learn Costa Rica Facts. Costa Rica Facts and Information.
Costa Rica: History, Geography, Government, and Culture. Republic of Costa Rica President: Laura Chinchilla (2010) Land area: 19,560 sq mi (50,660 sq km); total area: 19,730 sq mi (51,100 sq km) Population (2012 est.): 4,636,348 (growth rate: 1.29%); birth rate: 16.4/1000; infant mortality rate: 9.2/1000; life expectancy: 77.89; density per sq km: 82 Capital and largest city (2009 est.): San José, 1,416, Monetary unit: Colón National name: República de Costa Rica Current government officials Languages: Spanish (official), English Ethnicity/race: white (including mestizo) 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%, Chinese 1%, other 1% National Holiday: Independence Day, September 15 Religion: Roman Catholic 76%, Evangelical 14%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1%, other Protestant 1%, other 5%, none 3% Literacy rate: 94.9% (2011 est.) Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2011 est.): $54.47 billion; per capita $11,500.
Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 1.482 million (2011); mobile cellular: 3,035,000 (2011). Transportation: Railways: total: 278 km (2011). Costa Rica map, flag and country information on the Yahoo! Kids World Factbook. Costa Rica. Custom Search Costa Rica Costa Rica gained its independence from Spain on Sept. 15, 1821. It has developed into a key ecotourism destination, attracting tourists to its biodiversity, plethora of outdoor activities and laid-back beachfront ambiance. There are many ecotours taking visitors to enjoy national parks, rainforests and nature preserves. Those seeking night life can find it in the capital, San Jose. 5 Facts You Might Not Know Costa Rica has beach lines on two coasts. Lying within the Pacific Ring of Fire, it is a land of volcanoes, with more than 100 volcanic cones. There are plenty of activities to do inland, including hiking to the country's highest point, Cerro Chirripo, in Chirripo National Park.
Costa Rica's rich wildlife includes the Yiguirro, a beige robin that is the national bird. Costa Rica has been called the 'Silicon Valley of Latin America.' The capital of Costa Rica is San José. Costa Rica belongs to the North American continent More countries starting with C Population. Costa Rica Facts, information, pictures | Encyclopedia.com articles about Costa Rica.
Republic of Costa Rica República de Costa Rica CAPITAL: San José FLAG: The national flag consists of five horizontal stripes of blue, white, red, white, and blue, the center stripe being wider than the others. ANTHEM: Himno Nacional, beginning "Noble patria, tu hermosa bandera" ("Noble native land, your beautiful flag").
MONETARY UNIT: The colón (c) is a paper currency of 100 céntimos. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard, but local measures also are used. HOLIDAYS: New Year's Day and Solemnity of Mary, 1 January; Day of St. TIME: 6 am = noon GMT. The third-smallest country in Central America, Costa Rica has an area of 51,100 sq km (19,730 sq mi), including some small islands. Costa Rica has three main topographic regions. The Atlantic coastal plain, on the Caribbean side of the highlands, comprises about 30% of Costa Rica's territory and is low, swampy, hot, excessively rainy, and heavily forested. Costa Rica supports varied flora and fauna. Costa Rica capital, history, map, flag, and people.
Capital: San Jose Population: 4,636,348 Brief History of Costa Rica: Christopher Columbus was the first European to set foot in Costa Rica. It was in 1502 during his last trip to the Americas. Costa Rica remained a Spanish colony for almost 300 years. Since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred the country's democratic development. Costa Rica has been a democratic country since 1899. The name Costa Rica comes from the Spanish for Rich Coast. The Geography of Costa Rica Total Size: 51,100 square km Size Comparison: slightly smaller than West Virginia Geographical Coordinates: 10 00 N, 84 00 W World Region or Continent: Central America General Terrain: coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes Geographical Low Point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Geographical High Point: Cerro Chirripo 3,810 m Major cities: SAN JOSE (capital) 1.416 million (2009), Limon The People of Costa Rica Nationality: Costa Rican(s)