Pre-Columbian Period

Archaeological evidence indicates that the first humans arrived in Costa Rica between 10,000 and 7,000 BC. Recently discovered quarry areas and toolmaking facilities in the Turrialba Valley support this claim. The settlers of this period were nomadic bands, consisting of about 20 to 30 hunters and other members of the community. Interestingly, some of the animals hunted at that time still exist today.

As such, with the arrival of these first inhabitants, Mesoamerican cultures soon developed. The civilizations of the immediate area include the territory of Costa Rica, the eastern half of Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, and the Ecuadorian Pacific coast, all functioning as a bridge between Mesoamerican cultures and the Andean region. Technological exchange between both areas was possible, such as the development of metallurgy in Mexico and Central America.

Costa Rica Periods

– Colonial Period

In 1502, the navigator Christopher Columbus, on his fourth and last expedition to the New World, anchored in the city of Limón, specifically on Uvita Island.

European settlements began in 1522. During this period, the indigenous people of the country were conquered by the Spanish. Costa Rica, in turn, became the southern province of the Spanish territory, now called New Spain. The capital of the province at this time was Cartago. In 1513, Vasco Núñez de Balboa discovered the Pacific coast. Later, around 1560, Lake Nicaragua was discovered by Gil González Dávila. This territory was further explored by Juan de Cavallón and Juan Vázquez de Coronado. For the next three hundred years, Spain administered this region, as gold deposits were discovered by the Captain General of Guatemala, a military governor. The Spanish optimistically referred to the region as “Costa Rica” or “Costa Rica” because of the valuable gold and mineral deposits found there. Ultimately, since these lands are not as rich as they were initially believed to be, compared to other provinces, the inhabitants are primarily engaged in agriculture.
Independence

In 1821, Costa Rica unified the Central American provinces with its declaration of independence from Spain on September 15. For a brief period, from 1823 to 1839, under the rule of Agustín de Iturbide’s Mexican Empire, Costa Rica was part of the United Provinces of Central America. In 1824, the capital was moved to San José, but a period of rivalry with Cartago, the former capital, ensued.

Although all the newly independent republics formed a federation, disputed regional borders led to disagreements among them, adding to the instability in the regions. The northern province of Guanacaste freely annexed itself to Costa Rica in 1824.

Under the leadership of Tomás Guardia Gutiérrez (1870-1882), Costa Rica benefited from significant foreign investment in railways and other public infrastructure. The arrival of the United Fruit Company facilitated the development of the coastal plains in the southern part of the country, the railways, and other infrastructure. As a result of this development, countries like Costa Rica, despite their independence, became increasingly dependent on international markets and foreign capital.

Years later, the country enjoyed an era of peace and democracy that began in 1889, when free elections were considered for the first time in the country’s history.

– 20th Century

Costa Rica has largely avoided the violence that has plagued Central America. Only two periods of intense violence in the 20th century disrupted its democratic development. In 1917, Federico Tinoco Granados ruled as a dictator for two years after a coup d’état.

In 1948, José Figueres Ferrer, after the victory in the civil war, abolished the army, and since then, Costa Rica has been one of the few countries that operates under the democratic system without the help of an armed army.

The loss of 2,000 soldiers in the 44 days of civil war was the bloodiest in Costa Rica’s 20th-century history, but the Assembly created a Constitution that guaranteed free elections with universal suffrage and the abolition of a standing army.

Figueres became a national hero, winning the first election under the new constitution in 1953. Since then, the country has successfully held twelve elections, the last of which was in 2006.

Costa Rica has achieved a relatively high standard of living. Currently, the rapid expansion of technology industries, particularly in the form of e-exports and tourism, has surpassed agriculture as a source of income.

– Costa Rica Today

With an approximate population of 5 million inhabitants and a territory of 51,100 kilometers, Costa Rica is located in Central America, strategically situated between North America and South America.

It has two major ports, one on the Pacific Ocean and the other on the Atlantic, six hours apart. Its constitutional system comprises three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial. Due to the country’s rich flora and fauna and the population’s environmental awareness, 25% of the national territory has been declared protected areas.

Costa Rica Today Costa Ricans are often referred to as “Ticos,” and are known primarily for their respect for family unity, continued use of old customs, and general friendliness and fraternity.

Tico is a colloquial term for a native of Costa Rica. The plural form is Ticos. There are two explanations for the use of this word. One is that Tico is used as a diminutive suffix instead of -ito. The second explanation for the word tico is that it’s what the word “Hermanitico” used to do, which is a friendly and respectful way to refer to someone.

Costa Ricans are very proud of their history; they continue to revive old customs, such as cooking on a wood-burning stove, drinking coffee every afternoon, and going to church on Sundays, to name just a few. Everyone’s personal appearance is always clean and polished.

A friendly greeting, such as “Buenos Días” (good morning) and “Buenas Noches” (good night), is the norm among Costa Ricans. Men shake hands, and women kiss each other on the cheek as a way of saying hello or goodbye. The official religion of Costa Rica is Catholicism, although there is freedom to practice any religion. Women are accepted nationally, and men have equal employment opportunities.

In summary, Costa Rica is a must-see destination among the places to visit.