COSTA RICA

Costa Rica is known for its civilized way of life and it is no exaggeration to describe the country as an oasis of peace. This is a fundamental concept of the Costa Rican character. Costa Rica is a seat for the University for Peace and the Interamerican Court of Human Rights, which underlines the trust which the international community places in the country's political and social stability. The Costa Ricans are characterized by three main cultural lifestyles: the peasants and farmers of the Central Valley, the people of the Guanacaste pampas and the Caribbean from the province of Limon... Costa Rica is one of the oldest democracies in America, as well as being a free and independent republic. Its habitants enjoy full political stability with a longstanding commitment to democratic freedom. Peace is Costa Rica's most valued feature. The country has had no army since its abolition half way through this century, the Civil and Rural Guard being sufficient to ensure that citizens are..