Colones consist of colorful bills that depict some of Costa’s Rica’s most beautiful animals– these being sharks, monkeys, sloths and butterflies. Early History In 1502 when Christopher Columbus landed in Puerto Limon, less than 20 indigenous tribes occupied the lands which are now Costa Rica. Christopher Columbus was the first European recorded to have landed on Costa Rica’s shores on September 8, 1502. It is a very rich country in culture, history, food, and much more. Thanks to its stable and developed economic base, Costa Ricans enjoy a higher standard of living than many of their peers in neighboring countries. In 16th century, Spain controlled Costa Rica. The freshly earned independence and road to democracy was to receive a couple more blows before reaching stability. Learn about this topic in these articles: major treatment. Costa Rican culture is a vibrant blend of indigenous heritage and Spanish colonial influence, with a dash of Jamaican, Chinese, and other immigrant cultures lending character and customs. Facts about Costa Rica 2: the short history of Costa Rica. At the beginning of the 16th century the indigenous people of Costa Rica were divided into tribes of farmers. Our favorite thing is when people fall as in love with Costa Rica as we are. In 1502, Christopher Columbus arrived at Limon being lost. Unlike many of its Central American neighbors, the government in Costa Rica is a stable democracy, with presidential elections that take place every four years. But luckily, rights for the indigenous people have been put on the agenda and tourists can support them by visiting their villages and tribes. The Spanish conquest began in 1524. Costa Rica already existed. The weather here is tricky it rains when it wants and really all that depend on what part of the country you are in. it isn’t a big country, you may not have even heard of it until now but you are sure to know where Costa Rica is once you read this Article. Find out about some of the amazing history in Costa Rica. Call it Literacy or the love for education. There is no Daylight Savings Time, and Costa Rica’s time zone is the … While settlers were clearing land for coffee plantations in the late 1800’s, they happened upon an archeological site that remains one of Costa Rica‘s most famous ones today. As the story goes, Christopher Columbus landed on a small island located by Limon in 1502, and “discovered” Costa Rica. His ambitions to turn Central America into slaving territory. Additionally, the country boasts one of the highest life expectancy rates at 77 for men and 820 for women. Laura Chinchilla was the first female president elected in this country. Here are 20 interesting and lesser known facts about Costa Rica…. Discover the importance of rice and beans and all the ways Ticos include it in their diet! As a small country, Costa Rica now provides under 1% of the world's coffee production. This cultural heritage originates from the first indigenous groups who populated the area 10,000 years ago. At the time of the arrival of the Spanish explorers, the Guaymi were found in three distinct groups that were located in what is now known as western Panama. Costa Rica Pura Vida! Tourism Is A Flourishing Industry In Costa Rica. They had created a sophisticated society. 1539, the first time in recorded history that the term Costa Rica, or Rich Coast, was used to describe the territory between Panama and Nicaragua. Wind instruments called ocarinas are used in ancient … Costa Rica is divided into 7 provinces: San Jose, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Limon. It was a Spanish colony for about 250 years. My Costa Rica (CostaRica.Org) is a Travel Agency that offers Custom Costa Rica Vacations & Packages Including Hotels, All-Inclusive Resorts and Tours. The country’s education system is ranked one of the top in all of Latin America, with more than 4,200 schools scattered throughout the nation. The colors of the Costa Rica Flag have significant meaning in how the country is governed and came to be today. Walker and his army invaded the Guanacaste province at the now Santa Rosa National Park and the Costa Rican army expelled and followed them into Rivas, Nicaragua. Between Uvita Island and the current port of Limón.