The fact that Costa Rica is a non-aggressive country with no military also has its roots in history. Costa Learned of its independence only after the fact, when, on October 17, 1821, a rider from Nicaragua brought the new. The country subsequently joined the new Central American Federation. Perhaps because the first governor was a teacher, not a soldier, Costa Rica didn't suffer the civil wars that plagued other countries in the federation countries of the era. Costa Ricans were to busy building schools and making paper by hand.

Costa Rica is one of the oldest democracies in the Americas, its first election held in 1889. The few times tyranny tried to gain the upper hand it quickly failed. In 1949, the modern constitution abolished the arm and directed the country's resources to education, social programs and economic development. Two generations have grown up without knowing war. This political stability has attracted many international organizations to Costa Rica, such as the Interamerican Court of Human Rights, the International Development Bank and the Earth Council. 

Costa Rica's first university was established in 1843 although, in the early years, many of the coffee barons still preferred to send their children to Europe. They brought back European ideas and a taste for fine art and music that continues to this day. In fact, the construction of the National Theater, the country's premier architectural showpiece which was completed in 1897, was financed largely though an export tax on coffee. Free, compulsory education was established in 1917. Today, children must attend school until the end of the 9th grade, after which many scholarships and grants are available for continuing education. 

Respect for the dignity of all human beings is a Costa Rican reality. Slavery was abolished in 1823, the last execution held in 1859 and capital punishment officially abolished in 1883. Women won the right to vote in 1949. Perhaps Costa Rica's racial tolerance comes from being a very heterogeneous population: a mix of southern European, Asian, African and indigenous American ancestry. 

Historically an agricultural based economy, people maintain close ties with the land and owning even a small parcel is traditional. Although rural in spirit, "Costa Ricans" embrace high tech (just notice the number of cellular phones) and constantly look to the future. San Jose was the third city in the world to have electric lights! In the more consumer oriented Central Valley, Costa Ricans seen pretty much like North Americans. But strong traditions have forged a distinct national personality. On your vacation, be sure to make a "Tico" friend. 

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