Costa+Rica+(Laquasia)


 * . Tea Rica **

** General Information ** (about Costa Rica) Major Exports/Industries:
 * Capital City: San Jose
 * Population: About 4 Million
 * Demographics:Out of about 4,579,000 people 94% are White and Mestizos ,3% are Black,1% Are Amerindian, and 1% are Chinese
 * Religion:Majority Roman Catholic, then evangelical; Methodist, Baptist, Episcopalian; Jewish And Bahai Faith
 * Official Language:Spanish

Monetary System: Costa Rica's monetary system consist of six coins of 5,10,25,50,100 and 500 Colones. Strangely all denominationsa have the same design.

**Geography**


 * The Land


 * Climate-Tropical and Subtropical; Dry season(December to April); Rainy Season (May to November); Cooler in Highland

** Brief History **

When Columbus arrived near Lim¢n on September 18, 1502 on his third and last voyage to the Americas, there were probably no more than 20,000 indigenous inhabitants They lived in several autonomous tribes, all with distinct cultures and customs. Costa Rica's only major archaeological site is at Guayabo, 30 miles east of San Jos‚, where an ancient city, dating back to 1000 B.C. and though to have contained 10,000 people at its peak, is currently being excavated. Many interesting gold, jade and pottery artefacts have been found throughout the region and are on display in several museums in San Jose.( []) While large-scale colonization was rampant in other Central American countries, few Spanish colonists claimed lands in Costa Rica due to the lack of mineral wealth (gold and silver) and an abundant Indian population to work the land. Initial attempts to colonize coastal areas were unsuccessful due to the extreme heat, dense jungle and diseases such as Dengue fever and malaria. Colonists finally settled in the cooler, central highlands of Cartago in 1563. As most of the native population had perished, the settlers worked the land themselves and became small land owners. Cartago remained a provincial capital of colonial Spain for nearly two and a half centuries([]) By 1821, after almost 300 years of colonialism in the region, Spanish occupation ceased in the Americas and independence was granted to Costa Rica. The news of independence resulted in a brief internal struggle between Cartago's conservatives pushing for monarchy rule and a more liberal, federalist movement in San José. After a brief civil war, Costa Rica declared itself a state in the Federal Republic of Central America, and the capital was moved to the liberal center of the nation, San José. For the next few years, Costa Rica struggled within its new community. While repressive elitists vied for power, Costa Rica avoided institutional rule and maintained a relatively classless society. Out of the war and confusion emerged the framework of democratic institutions that would help to resolve social conflict through reform( [] )

Government/Current Political Situation

Type: Democratic Republic

Independence Date: Sept 15,1821 Current Leader: The Current President of Costa Rica is a Female. Her name is Laura Chinchilla Miranda. The political climate in Costa Rica is peacefully democratic for 100 years. They have four branches in Costa rica : the executive, the unicameral legislative assembly, the judiciary, and the supreme electoral tribunal.

Culture

Costa Rican culture is sort of caught between the old and new cultural forces that really influence the young inhabiants. There traditions revolve around family from birth to the moment of death. Some really important traditions are baptisms,first communions, enagement parties, weddiungs and funerals. They stay home until they are married .Leaving home to go to college was very rare .Traditions are also shaped by gender differences  They call it the Machismo system. Men and women are expected to act differently from each other, and to respect thier roles. Food and Economy  Maize is consumed as tortillas usualy with rice and beans, eaten 3 times a day with eggs, cheese, meat, or chicken etc...   The most important meal to them is the midday meal which is basically lunch to us. The drink alot coffee, sugary fruit drinks and soda.They are no strangers to  alcohol.Costa rica used to depend on coffee and banana exports for moeny in the 60's beef and sugar   gaines greater importance. Since the late 90's tourism has been the second largest source of dollars, after bananas.([])



Tourism
Costa is a great tropical paradise. Tourist usually enjoy the beatufil beaches and seeing the sea creatures play. Nature lovers would enjoy the exotic and unique wildlife and tropical plants. The rainforest covering the mountains are a paradise for eco tourism. For those who like to fising you should visit the Pacific side. It has incredible fishing for saulfish,Marlin, Dorado, And More. The Caribbenan side and Northern Regions of  Costa RIca are famous for the big Tarpon and the big Snook.