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Officially known as the Republic of Costa Rica, Costa Rica is situated in Central America and is bordered by Panama, Nicaragua, Caribbean Sea and the Pacific ocean. It is the first country in the world to abolish the army constitutionally. Presently the country has shown high levels of improvement in education and thus it has become an attractive place for the investors. Electronics, pharmaceuticals, financial outsourcing, software development, and ecotourism are the main industries in Costa Rica. To know more about Costa Rica, read through the write up.
Official Languages:
Official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. This language is used in all the government organizations, schools, colleges and universities, media, newspapers etc. Though they speak standard Spanish, they have developed their original pattern of speaking that language. This is thus an important part of its identity. Other than this English is also spoken by very few people.
Independence, Republic and Government:
Costa Rica was a Spanish colony and got its independence from them on September 15, 1821. It is presently a democratic republic and has a strong constitution. Records show that the country has an uninterrupted democracy of about fifty nine years. This is a record by itself as it is the longest democracy in Latin America. Costa Rica has been voted as the most politically stable country in Latin America. Though it is a democracy, the division in the government is different. The President is the head of the government here and is assisted by two vice presidents as well as a cabinet which is again formulated by the President. The term of the government is for four years. Earlier the President, Vice President and other members of the legislative assembly were limited for one term but now after the April 2003 constitutional amendment, this ban was lifted. The current issues which needs to be dealt with by the government of Costa Rica are security, crime, and immigration of people from Nicaragua.
Top Cities of Costa Rica:
Costa Rica is divided into 7 provinces which are further divided into several cantons. There is nothing as such called cities. To know more about the important provinces in Costa Rica read the following:
San Jose: The political, economic and technological center of Costa Rica, San Jose is also the capital of the country. Situated in the central part of the country, it is subdivided into 20 cantons and some of them include Acosta, Aserri, Curridabat, Desamparados, Dota etc.
Alajuela: This province is famous for agriculture and industrial manufacturing. Situated in the north central part of the country, this province is subdivided into 15 cantons and some of them are Upala canton,Guatuso, Naranjo etc.
Heredia:This province is also famous for industrial manufacturing. It is also situated in the north central part of the country and is subdivided into ten cantons. Some of them include Barva, Belen, Flores, San Pablo etc.
Limon: Famous for agriculture and ecotourism, it is situated in the eastern part of the country. It is subdivided into six cantons. Some of them include Guacimo, Matina, Pococi, Talamanca etc.
Culture and Heritage:
Costa Rica has a culture which is influenced by the Mesoamerican and South American native culture. During the 19th century, a large number of Caribbean and Chinese immigrants came to the country and influenced the culture by their own. This has resulted in the wide ranging ethnic aspects of the country. Religion is an important part of their culture. Catholicism is the official religion of Costa Rica but devotion varies from person to person. Other than this Judaism and Islam are other religions which are followed by the people of Costa Rica. The country is basically tolerant about religion. The people of Costa Rica are very friendly, laid back, unhurried, educated, helpful, hygienic and environmentally aware people. The Costa Rican call the US people Gringo. The US people are seen as the main cause for rise in price and globalization. However they are also considered a friend of the nation. They also believe in the concept of Pura Vida. This term means “pure life”. This all embracing statement refers to the love for life and the fun and happiness of the Costa Rican people. The heritage of Costa Rica includes their music, festivals, large number of museums etc.
Tourism
Costa Rica is one of the famous tourist attractions in Central America. It is located on the central American isthmus. The highest peak of the country and the fifth highest peak of Central America is the Cerro Chirripi. Lake Arenal is the largest lake in Costa Rica and is an important tourist attraction. Other than this the important tourist attractions are Arenal Volcano Park, Cartaqo Our Lady of Los Angeles Church, Central Pacific Coast- Rainmaker, Orosi Church and Religious Museum, Osa Peninsula and Dulce Gulf, Tortuquero, Turialba surroundings, Central valley and adjacent highlands. As the weather is good all throughout the year, a large number of tourists visit this place and this industry is developed as a thriving industry in Costa Rica.
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