Culture

Costa Ricans (commonly known as “Ticos” or “Ticas”) are a mixing of races.  Though most of the country’s 4 million inhabitants descend from Spanish immigrants, many families originated in other parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Central America.

The country’s culture is a reflection of its racial diversity.  The predominant influence has been European and is reflected in everything from the official language -Spanish- to the architecture of the churches and other historic buildings. The indigenous influence, less apparent, can be found in everything from the “tortillas” to the handmade ceramics sold at roadside stands.

An important aspect of Costa Rica’s cultural legacy is the love for peace and democracy.  Costa Rica has more than one hundred years of democratic tradition and the democratic culture is thoroughly inculcated into the population.  The country has no military establishment, a fact unique in Latin America and rare in the world.  The army was abolished in 1949, and the money the country saves is invested in improving the standard of living for Costa Ricans, which has fostered the social harmony.

Hence, the “Tico” sense of identity encourages compromise and peace, negotiation over confrontation, social development over military spending, and tolerance over hostility.

To learn about Costa Rica’s artistic expressions, please visit the website for the Costa Rican Ministry of Culture.