Costa Rica 23

The Democratic Republic of Central America, Costa Rica, is located in the tropics. Between Nicaragua in the North and Panama in the South. It has a size of about 19.559 square miles. And the distance between the oceans is only about 119 km at its narrowest point. The highest point of the country is the Chiripó (12.532 ft), which is located on the Cordillera de Talamanca.

There are some small islands which belong to Costa-Rica: La Noita in the Caribbean Sea, Chira, Isla del Caño and Isla del Coco in the Pacific Ocean. The country is divided into seven provinces (Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limón, Puntarenas and San José).

Indigenous people

Approximately 400.000 Indians were living in this country, when in 1502 Christopher Columbus went ashore. Furthermore, there were four different Indian tribes: the Caribs on the East coast, the Borucas, the Chibchas and the Diquis in the Southwest. Some years later, the Spanish conquistadors tried to colonize the country systematically. However, when they detected, that the country had almost no raw material plus an insignificant strategic position, they classified this country as a subordinate colony. Soon, the city of Cartago was founded and remained the capital of this country until 1823.

Largest democratic republic

Two years before, in 1821, this country finally became independent, after it had belonged to Mexico for 2 years. Except of the military dictatorship by Tomás Guard, which lasted from 1870 to 1882. The country became one of the largest democratic republics in Latin America. Since 1949 it has no longer owned any armed forces. In addition, this country has the image to be one of the most stable and least corrupt countries in Latin America. When it comes to corruption, even its Presidents could go to court or finally to jail.

Costa Rica travel information on environment and nature

The national environmental problems are created by the cutting of the forests for agricultural purposes. Once, this country was completely forested. But then, between 1990 and 1995, it lost an average of 3% of its forest area. And finally reduced the total area to 25%. Another problem is the contamination of the soil by fertilizers and pesticides. In 1973 the Ministry of Health got the power to control the pollution of the environment.

The consequences

However, there was not enough money and staff to ensure effective controls. Also in terms of waste disposal, there are still many unsolved problems. Recycling solutions are still at the beginning. In addition to that, there are more and more international environmental problems.

international environmental problems

Like the global climate change and the warming of the oceans. Even more storms and hurricanes originate in the oceans. They cause toxic algae education, which then threatens sea dweller.

A global epidemic

In June 2009 physicians and researchers have again warned of health and environmental problems. Which are increasing due to the climate change. Moreover, the economic damage from climate change is far greater than the current economic crisis. The Health Organization has now recognized the influenza A (H1N1 virus) as a global epidemic. More than 30.000 people have fallen ill worldwide (by 11.06.2009). When it comes to environmental matters, Costa-Rica is far ahead of other countries.

Nature conservation

The conservation of the nature plays a big role in this country. No other country has such an impressive range of protected areas of different categories. In 2003, the Ministry of the Environment and Energy of this country (MINAE) published a survey. It says that the country has about 256 protected areas. 25% of the land area is protected, whether in reserves or national parks.

The Government

Costa-Rica has become an exemplary country of natural tourism. Especially when Nobel- Peace- Prize- winner Óscar Arias Sánchez became President in 2006. He immediately announced, to fight radical against the environmental destruction. And  also to make a policy, which will not harm nature but instead create some harmony between environment and economy.

Great hope

The government of Laura Chinchilla (2010-2014) first was celebrated. But later the government, for example because of their money collection laws, became one of the most unpopular governments in Latin America. In the presidential elections on the 6th of April 2014, Luis Guillermo Solís got 77.88 % of the votes. His goals were to fight against corruption and social inequality, and the people backed him with great hopes.

New President Carlos Alvarado Quesada

The presidential election in Costa Rica at the end of February 2018 was surprisingly won by Carlos Alvarado Quesada. He is a member of the Citizen Action Party (PAC). Which the previous head of government Luis Guillermo Solís belongs to. But the old president Solís was unable to run again. Because the Costa Rican constitution does not provide for a direct re-election of the president.

Currently, October 2018, there is a strike in this country against the new tax laws. President Alvarado stresses the need for tax reform that will allow international financiers to send favorable signals to improve debt conditions, which represent 52% of gross domestic product (GDP).

Quesada’s popularity plummeted.

In the end, however, Carlos Alvarado Quesada’s popularity plummeted.

Klaus Schwab talks with Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado Quesada, a graduate of the WEF’s Young Global Leaders program. Schwab brags about some of the world leaders he trained. Not a good moment for this country.

Costa Rica’s New President Rodrigo Chaves

In February of this year, a new president was elected. He immediately banned vaccinations and made them illegal. Rodrigo Chaves: „As of today, vaccinations are no longer mandatory, and therefore any action against someone who doesn’t want to get vaccinated is an action that is against the law.“

What a change and the Ticos are thrilled.

things to do in costa-rica

Besides, there is a new Tüv, costs only half, and the second screening is free.

https://youtu.be/o9hThItpqm4

last information: you can now stay 6 month in time costa rica with a frech Stamp from Immigration !

Natural disasters

On the 5th of September, 2012 there was an earthquake measuring 7.6 in Costa Rica. Amazingly, it only caused very little damage. Two deaths and scattered building damage were reported. It was followed by several aftershocks, which almost did not cause any damage.

There was an earthquake of 5.8 on the magnitude scale on the 5th of September 2013. It remembered the residents of Guanacaste of the earthquake one year ago. Apparently due to the hard soil structure, there was nearly no damage.

Life expectancy and quality of life

Costa-Rica is at the top of the Happy Planet Index (HPI). An index of human well-being and environmental impact. It was introduced by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) in July 2006.

Happy people – things to do in costa rica

In the 2012 ranking, Costa-Rica ranks first for the second consecutive year. Not  at least because of its very high life expectancy and quality of life. Happy people. But also here the national debt with 65% GDP (2018) is going higher and higher. As it is everywhere in the world.