Frequently asked questions about Costa Rica

Do you have questions about Costa Rica?

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

WHY IS THERE NO ARMY IN COSTA RICA?

L'in Costa Rica was abolished at 1949 by the new democratically elected president Jose "Pepe" Figueres. Figueres' election follows the "44 days" civil war, which resulted in 1,000 deaths in 1948 after Otilo Blanco's non-recognition. Figueres, head of the army, took charge of the country and organized new democratic elections. He abolished the army and had a new constitution adopted. He won the elections. Costa Rica is one of 28 countries in the world without an army (like Monaco, Liechtenstein, Andorra, etc.), has a police force and enjoys the indirect but sustained political support of its North American big brother and the international community.

HOW DID SPANISH COLONIZATION DEVELOP IN COSTA RICA?

Costa Rica was discovered in 1502 by Christopher Columbus on his last voyage to the Americas ("Ah, what a rich coast!" he exclaimed). However, the Spanish colonial administration did not really establish itself in Costa Rica in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. On the one hand, it favored colonizing areas such as Mexico, Guatemala and Peru, where great and rich civilizations already existed (Aztecs, Mayans and Incas) to exploit gold. Enslaving these great civilizations was relatively easy. Because they were already in decline, and were organized in a pyramidal hierarchy (so all it took to enslave the civilization was to replace the head of the organization, the cacique and the native priests). In addition to gold, Spanish colonization was also looking for sugar. It did so in Cuba, where it imported black slaves from the West Indies. Against this backdrop, Costa Rica had no well-organized indigenous population (estimated at 400,000 pax, divided into clans and scattered tribes), no gold, and no coastline suitable for sugarcane plantations (the Caribbean coast is rife with mosquitoes). As a result, the region has always been considered a remote and wild province. Economic exploitation of the country only began in the 18th century, with the development of primary exports (a widespread economic trend in Latin America) of coffee and then bananas. As a result, there are no cities or Spanish colonial architecture like in other Latin American countries.

WHY DO WE LEARN FRENCH AT SCHOOL IN COSTA RICA?

France has always had a strong influence in Costa Rica. This link is due to historical circumstances, and numerous agreements and conventions have been put in place between the two countries. IS THERE A LINK BETWEEN THE FRENCH FLAG AND THE COSTA RICA FLAG? The Costa Rican flag was inspired by the French flag. It was created by Mrs Fernandez Pacifica. Blue: sky, white: purity, red: blood of all Costa Ricans, white: freedom, blue: sea WHERE DO THE NATIVES LIVE? ARE THEY OF MAYAN ORIGIN?

Costa Rican natives have 2 different origins: - the first, located in the north-west of the country (present-day Guanacaste), came from the north (Mexico) and were called Chorotega (the name comes from the ancient village they occupied in Mexico, Cholula3 or Chlouteca). They arrived around the 8th century as a result of confrontation with the Olmecs. The latter were more aggressive and extended their territory, so the Chorotegas fled to the south and the rest of Central America. The basis of their economic activity was corn (in addition to cocoa, cotton, tobacco and many other fruits). Rectangular houses were organized around a central square. Society was organized into 3 classes: priests and noble warriors, ordinary people and prisoners of war and slaves. This society was organized into clans. They practiced human sacrifice as part of their rites. - the second group, from the south and Colombia, of Chibcha origin, settled in the Talamanca mountain range and the central valley. They were renowned for their handling of gold and other metals. They settled further north in Costa Rica to trade (Costa Rica being considered a bridge between the north-south migratory flows. Considered less warlike, they were nonetheless skilled in the art of warfare. Women also took part in this art (cf. the "biritecas" of the Boruca Indians, related to the Amazons). They were closely linked to the indigenous communities of Chiriqui in Panama. Their houses had a conical base, called "palenque". They were also known for their ceramic work. They were well organized and often established in strategic locations at the confluence of two rivers (cfr Guayabo). The population moved northwards towards the Atlantic. Today, the vast majority of indigenous communities have acculturated and lost their languages and traditions. Only the Maquenques in the north at Guatuso, and the BriBris, Borucas and Diquis in the south on either side of the Talamanca mountain range, live in isolated regions and have preserved certain customs and traditions.

IS THERE A LINK BETWEEN THE FRENCH FLAG AND THE COSTA RICA FLAG?

The Costa Rican flag was inspired by the French flag. It was created by Mrs Fernandez Pacifica. Blue: sky, white: purity, red: blood of all Costa Ricans, white: freedom, blue: sea

IN WHAT YEAR DID COSTA RICA BECOME INDEPENDENT AND IN WHAT CONTEXT?

In 1821, Costa Rica proclaimed a joint declaration of independence with four other Central American provinces: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua, Belize being British and Panama still belonging to present-day Colombia. For a time, Costa Rica was part of Augustin Iturbide's Maxcan empire, then of the United Provinces of the Americas (between 1823 and 1839). The capital was transferred from Cartago to San José in 1824, after a short civil war between supporters of the Mexican Empire, based in the former capital, and the burgeoning bourgeoisie in favor of the United Provinces, based in San José. Although the newly-independent states formed a federation, disputes over the delimitation of borders added to earlier conflicts. For example, the northern Costa Rican province of Guanacaste was annexed by Nicaragua. In 1838, when the Federation had de facto long ceased to function, Costa Rica officially withdrew, asserting its sovereignty. (ref: Wikipedia).

WHEN DID COFFEE GROWING BEGIN IN COSTA RICA? AND NOW?

A short history of coffee in Costa Rica : it was the English who introduced coffee to Costa Rica. The Costa Ricans didn't immediately believe in the commercial aspect of the plant; they only used it as a decorative element in their patios. Years went by and a law obliged Ticos to grow at least two coffee plants on their land... By 1830, numerous fincas(coffee) were mainly planted in the central valley, where the climate was ideal at altitudes of 1,200 m and above, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 28°C . Coffee was transported to the port of PUNTARENAS in the famous colorful ox carts. Coffee became one of the country's most important resources. The Coffee Barons (Cafetaleros) built the neoclassical buildings that were so fashionable at the time in San José. Théâtre National*. Today there are some 80,000 coffee growers, but more than 95 beneficios (processing centers). Yields are the best in the world. Despite the collapse in prices in recent years, coffee is still to 4th place in the economy behind tourism, bananas and pineapples. *The National Theatre in neoclassical style, was built (inaugurated in October 1897) thanks to a tax on coffee exports. The magnificent coffee allegory is also featured on the 5-colon banknote (no longer in circulation). From harvest to cup: from November to March* the picking In contrast to other countries, Costa Rica produces only top-quality coffees (among the best in the world), and only perfectly ripe fruit is picked. One of the disadvantages of this method is the need to make several passes, as not all cherries from the same plant are ripe at the same time. After picking, you need to separates This operation is carried out using a machine with a rotating drum ("dépulpeuse"). Once the kernels separated and washed comes the drying This can be done either in the open air, using the sun's rays, or using an industrial system, in large drums where hot air from wood-fired ovens is propelled through the drums. The grains are then roasted i.e. burnt (it is said that the benefits of roasted coffee were discovered by chance after a fire in Africa burnt down wild coffee trees...), roasting is fundamental to the quality of the drink. Great art... * which is why the long school vacations were decided around this time. Children used to be able to take part in the harvesting work. In Costa Rica: Grano de Oro This is what Costa Ricans call coffee beans. Indeed, these Grains of Gold have brought them wealth and development. In general cherry contains a double bean But especially in Costa Rica, "nature's kingdom", the cherry sometimes produces a single seed, called a "cherry seed".  caracoli  ". Some roasters seek them out for their customers, who particularly appreciate coffee roasted exclusively with caracoli, which, it is said, exude a unique aroma... Rarity brings with it a corresponding price, even if some fincas can produce up to 30%. The best altitude for coffee trees is between 1,200 and 1,800 m, and the shrub thrives particularly well in volcanic soils. The plant, although heat-loving, does not like direct sunlight, which is why it thrives in the Central Valley, where the sun is rarely very strong due to heavy cloud cover. In the Central Valley, flowering takes place 9 days after the first rains (March/April). The "cherries" reach maturity 8 to 10 months after flowering, depending on altitude. Occasionally, and only at higher altitudes, coffee trees flower 2 or 3 times a year. In Costa Rica, the fruits (beans or cherries) are picked by hand. The country is an exception in Latin America, being the only one where 33,000 small farmers have been able to exploit this richness following agrarian reform. Organic farming has become increasingly popular in recent years. Costa Rica ranks 10th worldwide with 150,000 tons per year. In 2005, coffee brought in 300 million USD, making it the country's 4th largest source of income.

• What do we (also) do with coffee?  the roots of the coffee trees are pulled out after 20 to 30 years to renew the plantation; this wood is much sought-after by restaurants and rotisseries, and the branches are also used to fuel the ovens in the kitchens of the plantation workers. After a composting process, the pulp is used in the fields to improve soil structure. For some years now, trials have been underway to use pressed pulp as fuel for coffee drying ovens. The wood from the coffee trees is also used to make decorative or useful objects for tourists, such as fancy paper, jewelry, giant pencils, etc. Coffee liqueur and confectionery of all kinds, often combined with chocolate, are all products derived from coffee.

 

• The first cosmetics to use the flower of the coffee tree were created in Costa Rica: "Fleur de café" is a cosmetics line created in Costa Rica from an original idea by Charlotte Robert. After extensive research with international and Costa Rican specialists, Charlotte has developed the world's first three products called "Mountain Blossom": an eau de toilette, a body lotion and a mist, all scented with the delicate jasmine-like essence of the coffee flower. These products are on sale in Costa Rica's "good souvenir stores", at the Libreria Internacional or by mail order.

 

• The benefits of coffee: (according to La Nation, June 04, 2005)  Café rico para la salud! " Caffeine helps protect against colon cancer, diabetes and Parkinson's disease "A French researcher highlights the health benefits of coffee. Coffee consumption delays the onset of Parkinson's disease, reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and colon cancer. Drinking 3 to 4 cups a day reduces the probability of developing Parkinson's disease by 2 to 5 times. This conclusion applies to men, since the study was carried out on 8,000 men over a 20-year period. The protective molecule is said to be caffeine. As far as women are concerned, a study carried out on menopausal women (this is the period of life when Parkinson's most often appears) demonstrated that caffeine helps this part of the population, while it has a negative effect on women undergoing hormone treatment, increasing the risk of this disease. These analyses also highlighted the fact that moderate coffee consumption prevents type 2 diabetes and colon cancer, this time the benefits are due to another molecule, polyphenols. As a result, coffee drinkers (with little or no sugar) reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes by 15 to 60 %. By drinking 4 cups a day, the risk of colon cancer would be reduced by 24%, polyphenols being antioxidants. Caffeine is present in coffee, of course, but also in tea and chocolate. The average Costa Rican consumes 4 kg of coffee a year. Contrary to certain preconceived ideas, coffee does not raise blood pressure, cause heart disease or gastritis. On the contrary, coffee contains painkillers (especially for migraines).

 

• The main Arabica-producing countries : 70% of world production is Arabica (in thousands of tonnes) Brazil : 1 320 - Colombia: 450 - Mexico : 325 - Guatemala  : 235 - Ethiopia : 210... Nicaragua : 60 Costa Rica : 150, i.e. 10th in the world, but the country ranks 1st for yield (900 kg per ha). The country exports 9 tenths of its production.

WHY ARE TICOS CALLED THAT?

Ticos were and still are in the habit of ending their words with the suffix "tico": chuiquito petit garcon becomes chiquitico petit garçon...

ELECTRICITY GENERATION IN COSTA RICA? NUCLEAR?

Costa Rica is virtually self-sufficient in energy at 80 %. Electricity production: 80% hydroelectric, 12% geothermal, the rest wind-powered. There is no nuclear power.

WHEN DID THE CREATION OF PROTECTED AREAS BEGIN? WHY?

Costa Rica's geography has given rise to a multiplicity of ecosystems, from mangrove swamps and coastal rainforests to sub-alpine meadows. The Central American isthmus has served as a bridge between the living species of North and South America, encouraging the mixing of species according to complex filter logics defined by local climatic and orographic conditions. Despite its small size, Costa Rica benefits from an exceptional biodiversity of flora and fauna, thanks to its position on this Central American isthmus. According to the GEO report (MINAE, 2003): "Costa Rica is one of the 20 countries in the world with a very high diversity of species expressed in total number of species per line unit. As a result, it could be the country with the greatest species diversity in the world, essentially thanks to its geographical position between North and South America." Costa Rica is home to an exceptional avifauna: over 2OO species of migratory birds from Alaska and Australia winter here, and almost 850 species have been recorded on the ground. There are some 237 species of mammals and 361 species of reptiles and amphibians. Plant biodiversity is also very high, with over 10,000 species of vascular plants (green plants with conductive tissues) inventoried, and new ones discovered every year. Orchids alone number some 1,300 species.

Focus on biodiversity

However, until the 1980s, this wealth of flora and fauna was not fully appreciated. Environmental conservation was far from being a major concern. In the 1880s, North American scientists and researchers were attracted by this unspoiled natural environment. Despite the government's early ecological awareness, it was particularly difficult to enforce the few environmental regulations. This was due to the country's farming practices at the time. Costa Rica's emergence on the world economic scene in the second half of the 19th century was based on the local coffee industry. Then came the rapid growth of the banana industry. The country's massive deforestation began with the agricultural boom. The proportion of the territory deforested rose from 36 % in 1960 to 58 % in 1977, 68 % in 1984 and 89 % in 2000 (Fournier, p 14). Even today, many farmers, livestock breeders and local residents make their living from forestry. While some practice slash-and-burn farming and collect firewood, others are attracted by the economic benefits of logging.

The creation of SINAC

So, on the one hand, the State encouraged deforestation by allowing peasants to settle on land covered by natural forest, and on the other, it sought to conserve forest life, which resulted, on the initiative of the United States, in the creation of protected areas as early as the 1960s, the Biodiversity Act of 1988 and, in 1989, the creation of the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), which has since become the Ministry of the Environment and Energy. However, faced with the growing threat of deforestation, more than 27 % of the country's territory was set aside for protection, including 13 % within the national park system, in order to safeguard the country's various biotopes and flora and fauna. Until then, Costa Rica had been largely unknown, and was not yet a source of interest, except to scientists. It wasn't until the 1980s, and particularly not until 1985, that attention turned to this small Central American country. Created in 1956, the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) - in charge of tourism promotion and development - thanks to the many public relations and destination promotion efforts undertaken in North America, widely disseminated Costa Rica's image abroad. The ICT reaped the rewards of its work when, in the mid-1980s, tropical nature became a determining factor in the choice of many visitors, and made its appearance in the field of tourism through ecotourism. With its stable political image, the growing presence of North American citizens and vast protected natural areas, Costa Rica has everything it takes to position itself in the ecotourism market. Costa Rica is easily converted to tourism, taking advantage of the growing worldwide enthusiasm for tourism.

HOW MANY VOLCANOES ARE THERE IN COSTA RICA? HOW MANY ARE ACTIVE?

In Costa Rica, every mountain has been or is a volcano. There are over 400 of them, of which around a hundred have been identified and studied by OSVICORI (ICE). There are 5 active volcanoes in Costa Rica (as of 09/17/2014): Poas, Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja, Turrialba and Irazu. The Arenal volcano is gradually entering its dormant phase. It hasn't been emitting lava flows since 2011. (It is not extinct, however, according to specialists).

WHERE AND WHEN TO SEE TURTLES?

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SEE HUMPBACK WHALES?

WHEN TO SEE THE RESPLENDENT QUETZAL? You can observe it at its best between March, May and June.