1. Costa RicaLand of natural wonders,Land of peace Costa Rica does not have an army. For over a century it has been a peaceful country. Costa Rica has contributed greatly to bring peace to Central America .

2. Location • Costa Rica is located in Central America, between Nicaragua to the North and Panamá to the South.

3. FACTS • It is a very small country compared to the size of West Virginia. • The official language is Spanish. • The official currency is EL COLON.

4. Currency5 colones bill

5. Currency2.000 colones

6. CurrencyMil colones bill & coins

7. 5000 colones

8. Facts • Costa Rica’s population is close to 4 million. • The capital is San José, located right in the heart of the country. • There is a 94% literacy rate, one of the highest in the world.

9. More Facts • The official religion is Roman Catholic and each “barrio” (neighborhood) has a church. Approximately 93% of Costa Rican are Catholics. • Most of the architecture is in colonial style. • Costa Rican calendar evolves around the church calendar.

10. More Facts • Religious festivities are the base of Costa Rican culture. • Holy Week is highly respected and celebrated with processions on the streets. • Christmas is also celebrated with great joy.

11. Basilica de Los Angeles

12. Iglesia de Sarchí

13. La Virgen de los AngelesNational Patron

14. Holy Week • Processions

15. Navidad ( Christmas)“El Portal”, The Nativity scene is a Christmas tradition

16. HISTORY • Costa Rica gained its independence from Spain in 1821. • It is said that it was called “ Costa Rica” ( Rich Coast ) by Christopher Columbus when he landed in the Atlantic Coast and was impressed by its beauty.

17. History • However, the Spanish considered it a poor colony. There was not much gold or other minerals and its indigenous population was very small. • Therefore, there was not much to conquer.

18. HISTORY • The lack of wealth became in the long run Costa Rica’s blessing. • Because of the lack of slavery and human exploitation, Costa Ricans develop a sense of high appreciation for peace and tolerance.

19. HISTORY • As a result, Costa Rica became mainly a land of farmers which created a large middle class.

20. HISTORY • In 1856, William Walker an American filibuster tried to take over Costa Rica. Soon enough the farmers got together and using their tools planned to get rid of him. • Juan Santamaría became the national hero. He gave his life when he burned the headquarters where Walker and allies were hiding and planning the invasion.

21. Juan Santamaría’s monument.

22. History • In 1948 “ Don Pepe” José Figueres abolished the Army & created the new Country’s constitution which continued the tradition of democracy. • Since then, Costa Rica has been known as the “Switzerland” of Latin America.

23. DON PEPE • President of Costa Rica during 3 different periods. • 1948-49 • 1953-59 • 1970-74 • Creator of the National Liberation Party. PLN

24. Not having an army is the key to a real democracy • The government invests more in education, health and ecological conservation.

25. Don Oscar Arias • Costa Rica’s second Hero is “Don Oscar” Creator of the “Esquipulas Peace plan for Central America. • President from 1986-1990 & current president since 2005. • 1987 Nobel Peace Laureate

26. Government • Costa Rica like the US has a bipartisan system • Two major parties dominate the political scenario. • Liberación Nacional ( Rightist) • Unidad Social Cristiana ( Leftist)

27. Liberación Nacional

28. Unidad Social Cristiana’s Flag

29. Economy • Costa Rica was introduced to Coffee in the 16th century, since then coffee has played a major role in the economy of the country.

30. Coffee • The rich volcanic soils are wonderful to grow coffee. • It was the nation’s major export for years. • It helped to create and maintain the aristocratic class.

31. Coffee • Costa Rica’s coffee is known today as Arabica and it originated from Ethiopia.

32. Bananas • Have also play a very important role in the economy of the country. • The industry was introduced by the American Michael Keith in the late 1800’s when he build the first rail road that connected the Central Valley with the Atlantic Coast.

33. Banana Plant

34. Bananas • Michael Keith’s company would become later the United Fruit Company that started the “Chiquita Banana” brand.

35. Bananas

36. Tourism • Within the last twenty years tourism has become the main industry in the country counting for ¾’s of Costa Rica’s revenue.

37. Tourism • Costa Rica’ s natural beauty and diversity attracts thousands of tourists every year. • The political stability of the country is a great incentive for people to travel. • The country has a wonderful tropical climate with 2 distinctive seasons (dry and wet) and stays at around 60-80 degrees year round.

38. Tourism • The country has seven different provinces & great bio diversity. • All provinces are very different from each other. • Bordered by both the Atlantic and the Pacific ocean, the country has the diversity and richness of both costs.

39. Tourism • Dry regions in the pacific. • Rain forest in the pacific northwest. • Cloud forest in the central Valley • Multiple Volcanoes

40. Biodiversity • Since the 1970’s Costa Rica has enforced very effective measures to promote eco-tourism and to protect its natural wonders. • Approximately 27% of the country’s territory is either national parks, wildlife refuges or natural reserves.

41. The central Valley • Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago y San José. • These are the main cities located in the Central Valley, no matter where you are you can see the mountains. • Very refreshing, spring like weather.

42. Local Artists: • Carmen Lyra: A writer of children’s stories and a wonderful poet

43. Local artits • A combination of Jazz and Latin traditional music, Editus is a delightful & unique band. • They have won 4 Grammies. • Listen to samples of their music at :http://www.edituscr.com/

44. Hotel Costa Rica y Plaza de la Cultura Located in the heart of San José.

45. Universidad de Costa Rica

46. San José

47. San José

48. La Feria Every Saturday local farmers sell their products at the outdoors market called “LA FERIA”

49. La Feria

50. La Feria