Investing in their country has paid off – today, literacy rates soar to over 96 percent, infant mortality rates are the lowest in Latin America after Cuba and 26 percent of the country’s verdant landscape is protected by law. Instead of recruiting regiments of infantry, they recruited platoons of forest rangers and teachers. In 1948, Costa Ricans proved their confidence in the stability of their nation by abolishing their army. After WWII, Costa Rica stood as an island of tranquility in the sea of civil warfare that raged around them. Indeed, Costa Rica is a unique nation, built from their recent history of tolerance and prosperity. In other words, the pillars of Costa Rican society – democracy, peace, stability, education and the family – must always be upheld. In fact, though Costa Ricans were once part of a centralized Central American government, they are deeply proud of their Tico heritage – a classic folksong trills, “I’m Latino inside, but Tico at heart.” It is not uncommon to describe an action as “muy tico” (very Tico), and many believe that decisions, even governmental ones, should be done “a la tica,” or in the Tico way. Now, most Costa Ricans refer to themselves as “white,” and a surprising number of Ticos have blond hair and blue or green eyes.ĭespite color or creed, Costa Ricans universally share a strong cultural identity. Today, Costa Ricans are predominately mestizo, a mixture of European and indigenous peoples. This suffix may refer to smallness, but also implies fondness or affection.īefore Spanish colonization, it is estimated that 400,000 to 500,000 indigenous people lived in what is now Costa Rica – by 1900, just 400 years after Spanish arrival, the indigenous population had dwindled to a mere 2,000 individuals. Take it all in and enjoy the amazing experience of Costa Rica’s pura vida.Ticos, as Costa Ricans affectionately call themselves, are so named for their linguistic tendency to add the diminutive “tico” to the end of each word. Where ever you travel in Costa Rica you’ll find many opportunities to interact with Ticos and learn about their heritage and culture. Ticos also enjoy and sipping on a cold glass of horchata or sitting down to a hot cup of café (Costa Rican coffee is among the best in Central America) and chatting with friends, family, and travelers. Ticos still appreciate a tasty plate of traditional gallo pinto (black or red beans and rice) or olla de carne (pot of beef). Tico culture is rich in tradition, though the younger generations are adding their own layers of flavor. This uniquely Tico attitude toward life is expressed in the greeting pura vida (pure life) a reference to their gratitude for their blessings. Visitors to Costa Rica will note the Ticos are uniquely peaceful and laidback, respectful and friendly to those visiting the country. Costa Ricans are extremely proud of their Tico heritage and believe the mainstays of their society – peace, democracy, education, and family – should be done a la tica (as the Tico way) or muy tico (very Tico). The term Ticos appears to have risen from the Costa Rican inclination of adding “- tico” (a reference to smallness or fondness) as a suffix to words. Along with the mestizos, castizos, criollos, and expats hailing from around the world – the United States, Europe, Canada, and South America – all identify themselves as modern Costa Ricans or Ticos who share their citizenship with one another. The most predominate mix is European and indigenous people, known as mestizos. Today’s Costa Ricans are a blend of European, South American, Afro-Caribbean, and native peoples. Costa Rica also boasts the region’s lowest infant mortality and more than a quarter of the country’s natural wonders are protected.
Public education through high school is available across the country and literacy rates are above 95 percent. These governmental choices and positive changes have made Costa Rica a stand out in Central America.
Costa Rica has enjoyed peaceful and democratic elections since 1948. In 1948, they did away with their army and ceased recruiting soldiers and instead chose to employ teachers and forest rangers. By 1900, the native population had declined to around 2,000.Īfter World War II, Costa Rica stood apart from the civil wars that raged in neighboring countries.
Following the arrival of Christopher Columbus and subsequent Spanish explorations, the indigenous population dwindled quickly. The indigenous people of Costa Rica are believed to have numbered between 400,000 and 500,000 before the Spanish colonization. Let’s head to Costa Rica and meet the Ticos, the name by which Costa Ricans refer to themselves. Central America is home to unique cultures grown originating from a mix of races, ethnicities, and backgrounds including Native Americans, Europeans, and Africans.
0 kommentar(er)
