Costa Rica's history is one of
triumph of peace over hostility, thus the tranquil laid back atmosphere in
this country.
Studies done in Costa Rica confirm that
civilizations had settled in this region 10,000 years ago, well before the
arrival of Spanish conquistadors. Many indigenous civilizations, now
disappeared, made Costa Rica their homes, and left mysteries and marvels
for the future generations. One of this wonders are hundreds of
perfect rock spheres, ranging from baseball-sized ones to huge car like
rocks, found throughout the west coast
Gold and Jade objects are other treasured
items left behind by ancient civilizations, now they can be appreciated in museums around the central valley.
More recently, some indigenous ruins have
been found around the central valley, discovering a very sophisticated
system of waterworks and canals, as well as other magnificent and
sometimes mind boggling constructions.
By the time the Columbus arrived, there
were four major indigenous tribes living in Costa Rica. The east coast was
the realm of the Caribs, while the Borucas, Chibchas, and Diquis resided
in the southwest. This populations were not numerous to begin with, and
when the Spaniards came nearly finished them all, some fled, while many
others perished, none the less many settlers established colonies in
Central America and Mexico, that finally won their independence from Spain
on 1821.
Due to this historical declaration
Costa Rica declared, after several military governments, a democratic,
publicly elected president and parliament or Asamblea. Early on coffee was
the main product of Costa Rica, an the oligarquía cafetalera (group of
coffee-head figures) became a the ruling class. Other products like
bananas also help raise the Costa Rican economy. All this
agricultural efforts lead to the updating of transportation and
telecommunication systems, making roads, railways, electricity and
education available to everyone. The world's investors took notice
and made very profitable businesses, that are still around today.
Many great presidents we had, and some not
so memorable, but they forged the Costa Rica that we have today. Without a
doubt, and to this date, the one person who did most for this
country was José Figueres Ferrer, ex-president and former leader of the
disbanded armed-forces, lead the civil war on 1948 and changed the face of
our nation forever, depicting it a the warm, calm and peaceful nation it
still is. Others came and went until ex-president Oscar Arias put Costa
Rica on the world's eyes again by winning the Nobel Peace price in 1987
for his efforts in the Central American Conflicts.
Today Costa Rica remains a peace loving
country, with no army, instead we have one of the highest literacy rates
in the world, and many international companies such as Intel have set up
corporations here. Tourism plays a big part too, costaricans have
learned to value an appreciate all the benefits that foreign investment can bring, thus they are very friendly and always ready to help.
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