Costa Rica and the Guanacaste Province
Costa Rica is a small (population 4.3 million est.), peaceful country in Central America situated between Nicaragua and Panama, with coastline on both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Agriculture remains a driving force in the country's economy, but Costa Rica continues to develop its industrial and tourism industries significantly. The country is governed under a 1949 Constitution and is headed by an elected President and Legislative Assembly. Unlike many other countries in Central America, Costa Rica has enjoyed a peaceful history marked by a strong commitment to democracy.
The Guanacaste Province is located in the Northwestern area of Costa Rica, and makes up a majority of the Nicoya Peninsula. Many Guanacastecans are of European and Chorotegan indigenous heritage, which creates one of the many unique and special characteristics that distinguish them among other Costa Ricans. The region is largely comprised of tropical dry forest, lined with beautiful white sand beaches and flanked by several active volcanoes and national parks that foster abundant wildlife. Many people are attracted to Guanacaste for its unparalleled natural beauty and traditional, agrarian lifestyle. Family and community relationships are highly valued among the proud and humble Guanacastecans.
| View pictures of the rural village of Playa Potrero |
In spite of the marvelous environment and relatively high standard of living compared to other Central American countries, Costa Rica still struggles with poverty, unemployment, crime, and a large government external debt.
“I think there is a developed Costa Rica, with segments of society in which people have very good jobs, high incomes, big houses, two cars and all the amenities that you would expect in the upper class of developed countries. Then there's a poor Costa Rica, which is suffering quite a bit. You go into a poor residential area and you find every single problem there is … I wouldn't even say those areas are developing. They have stagnated in a general despair.” -Roman Macaya
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