Costa Rican Culture

When you hear the word, “Culture”, what comes to mind? Do you automatically think of a person’s skin color? Do you hear their language or accent? What about how they act in public? Do they look or act different than you? The word culture is one of those terms that we use quite often, but what is it exactly? Webster’s dictionary defines culture as 1) the beliefs, customs, arts, etc., of a particular society, group, place, or time; 2) a particular society that has its own beliefs, ways of life, art, etc.; 3) a way of thinking, behaving, or working that exists in a place or organization (Culture, n.d.).
Each culture, no matter where it is located, shares at least five basic characteristics. The five basic characteristics that all cultures
90% of the country is Catholic. Most Costa Rican Catholics view their religion more as a tradition than as a practice or even a faith. The main characteristic of the culture seems to be moderation. The Tico identity encourages compromise and peace, instead of revolution and violence. Ticos look down on being a fanatic or excessive power of the Church (“Culture in Costa Rica”, 2002).
One of the greatest challenges facing the country is the maintenance of its infrastructure. Investments in this area have not kept pace with economic growth. There is more traffic than the old roads and ports can safely handle, and the communication and power networks are not strong enough for the country's demands. Costa Rica's communication infrastructure is less advanced than other Latin American countries. The country's power source is mostly hydroelectric, but geothermal and wind sources are also used (“Costa Rica: Infrastructure…,”
On Dec 1, 1948, the history of Costa Rica’s Army began. After the country won a civil war, President Figueres Ferrer abolished the Army. Some people believed President Ferrer abolished the Army to avoid a potential future military coup against him. The government remains democratic to this day. Despite threats from drug trafficking and some fights regarding a territorial dispute with Nicaragua, the country has maintained it’s peaceful, “Pura Vida,” existence. The country, however, does have protection. In 1996, the Police Force was created to patrol the border, control counter-narcotic operations, and to provide general law enforcement. The United States Coast Guard is extremely active in the waters of Costa Rica and actively involved in intercepting drug shipments. Ticos are extremely proud of the fact they have no army. After the military was abolished, the money that went to the military now went to the police force, education, environmental protection and cultural preservation. Without an Army, the country can fund all of its public universities as well as three hospitals (“The history of Costa Rica…,”