Culture

The approx. 4.2 million inhabitants of Costa Ricas call themselves Ticos and Ticas. Most of them are 'Mestizen' (a mixture of the Spanish and Indian and/or coloured ancestors). Approx. 0,7% of the population stem from the original inhabitants (for instance Bribrí or Cabécar); the original folk are in danger of dying out. Approx. 3% of the population are coloured because their ancestors came from Jamaica and migrated in the 19th Century to help with the construction of the railway. Today they live mainly on the Carabean coast and speak Mecatelio, a combination of English and Jamaican English and Spanish.
The Ticos are very proud of their country, and its agricultural treasures, of the high living standard and their level of education. The country is often referred to as the Switzerland of middle America. The fact that Costa Rica is in an area that is often effected by war, and despite this does not have an army, is amazing.
Costa Rica has the highest standard of living in middle America. However there are regional variations: the farmers and indigenous folk tend to live in the low lands and follow a simple way of life, and on the edge of the cities are slums, even if the number of people living in these areas is much smaller than in other latin American areas.
A recent problem has been the influx of immigrants from North America and partly from Europe. These immigrants bring many advantages with them, (such as the construction of, and financial means to carry out important natural and environmental programmes). However, some people refer to an amount of discrimination in regards to jobs being given to the indigenous folk or to foreigners.
The national sport is 'fútbol' and in every city you will find a football field. Thousands of enthusiastic football fans have been thrilled with the success of their national team in the past.
Costa Rica is well known for the beauty of the countryside, the tropical Flora and Fauna, and less popular for its culture. The indigenous folk have not had a big influence on the art and culture of the country.
You will find a big variety of theaters, such as the famous Teatro Nacional, as well as museums, galeries and music houses in the capital city.