Costa Rican Culture
Experience the Costa Rican culture is one of the highlights of a trip to this vivid country. It is estimated that there are more than 4 million people in Costa Rica; not too large when compared to the other countries in the region, like Nicaragua with almost 6 million people and Honduras with more than 8 million estimated inhabitants.
Considering its proximity to the Caribbean, Costa Rica is one of the most homogenous in this region racially. The residents do not like the idea of being considered racists but they also stress their unique “whiteness” as compared to the neighboring Latin American Countries. When you visit, you’ll see this as a key point in the Costa Rican culture. A tour of the Latin American countries will not be complete without a Costa Rica vacation.
In a 1989 census, 98% of the people were classified as white or mestizo and only 2% as indigenous or black. Even though racial problems are not as bad as they are in the US, some “Ticos” still feel uppity against darker-skinned people. Racial confrontations however are very rate and even though some form of prejudice still exists, the people are very careful in publicly displaying it.
Costa Rican homogeneity is also seen in social classes. Even though there is extreme poverty, the larger segment of the population belongs to the middle class. When compared to developed country, the income in Costa Rica is very low; but salaries and income are much better compared to neighboring countries. The rich class is very elitist and there are traditionally rich and “nouveau riche” families.
The “Ticos,” or the Costa Rican natives, are very conservative and they don’t normally welcome modern and different ideas. Even if the economy of the country has grown exponentially in the previous years, the Costa Rican culture is still conservative. This is why foreigners think of the Ticos as being passive people who lack initiative. There are also complaints about Ticos not being punctual and ponderous in their decision-making. However, they can be very friendly, social and hospitable, and they enjoy celebrations and all sorts of gatherings. The Hotel Costa Rica offers one of the best accommodations for visitors and those attending gatherings and celebrations.
Religion plays a big part of people’s culture but even though more than 70% of the Costa Rican population is Catholic, the practice of Catholicism is “lukewarm.” Only 44.9% are practicing Catholics in a 2007 survey of religion. The Catholic Religion has not been very powerful politically or culturally since colonial times. In Costa Rica, Catholics regard religion more of a tradition than a practice of faith.
Foreigners have fallen in love with the country and the Costa Rican Condo has been providing foreigners and tourists with accommodations of the excellent quality and services they expect from a residential condominium. They like living in Costa Rica, even temporarily because the culture is of moderation and the race and classes are homogenous. The Ticos are peaceful people and do not advocate violence and revolution, unlike some of their South American neighbors. The Ticos maybe religious but they do not abide fanaticism and frown upon excessive powers of the Church. These aspects have made Costa Rica a chosen country for travel and even permanent residence.
