The history of Costa Rica is rich with adventure and culture. Costa Rica history stretches back to ancient times. The peoples that lived here formed the cultural complex which was called the Intermediate Area as it lay between two regions Andean and Mesoamerican.
Early History
The Nahuatl area was a main cultural influence at the time of the invasion of the Spanish Conquistadores in this particular chapter of Costa Rica history. Many of the native people died at the hands of the Conquistadores and influenced modern Costa Rica history very little. Christopher Columbus was the first European visitor to this area. At this time the main city was the city of Guatemala. The distance from this city was crucial as it led to relatively extreme isolation. Looking at the history of Costa Rica, due to isolation and little influence from the Crown, this area became one of the poorest of the Spanish colonies. The settlers there had to farm their own land.
The 1800’s
Costa Rica history states that in 1821, this region with several other nations declared their independence. Costa Rica then entered into the Federal Republic Of South America from the 1820’s to 1839. This was short lived. The recorded history of Costa Rica shows that after losing interest in being a province, they declared themselves a sovereign state. September 15 is celebrated as “Independence Day”. Most of the African Costa Ricans came here when the railroads were being built. They descended from Jamaican immigrants who came here to help with the building of the railroad during the 1880’s. There are also Chinese immigrants who came to Costa Rica to help with the construction of the railroads. Costa Rica history is rich in diversity and this is evident in its culture.
1900’s
The history of Costa Rica has been more peaceful than its neighbours. However, during the 1900’s particularly the periods of 1916-1919 and 1948 mark a very bloody time in Costa Rica history. During the years of 1916 – 1919, Federico Granados ruled as dictator until 1919, when he was overthrown. Again in 1948, a part of history was marred again when Jose Ferrer led an uprising. The Costa Rican Civil War ended finally when the Junta relinquished its powers to the new democratic government in 1949. Since then, things have been peaceful compared to their neighbors. These were two of the more difficult times in current history. A peaceful democracy has been in place for over 60 years since that time.
Government in Costa Rica
Since 1949, the history of Costa Rica notes that it has been a democratic republic. There has been 59 years of uninterrupted democracy. This makes it one of the most stable regions in the area compared to some of their neighbors. There are three powers that govern the republic: President, Legislative Assembly and Supreme Court. There are also two vice presidents and a Cabinet. The Supreme Court has four chambers: Constitutional, Criminal, Civil and Merchant. Costa Rica history shows that this balance of power has never been troubled. Each of these elected officials serves a four year term. They cannot be re elected after that, unless they sit a term out. In 2003, a constitutional ban was lifted that the President could not run for a second term. There are many agencies that enjoy operational freedom such as the telecommunications industry.
Provinces and Districts
Costa Rica history shows that it is divided into 7 provinces. These are then divided into 81 cantons or cities, each one presided over by a mayor, who is elected every four years in a democratic election. It is divided into 7 districts: Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limón, Puntarenas and San José. There are no provincial legislatures in the current history of Costa Rica. Each of these seven districts is different both in area, climate and location.
Economy of Costa Rica
According to recent estimates in the long history of Costa Rica, the GDP is rated at $13, 500. However, this region has the fourth highest inflation rate in Latin America with 16% below poverty rate. While Costa Rica has the highest welfare state, it is also in need of more modernization for this developing country. The currency used here is called the Colon.
