Costa Rica , the third-smallest republic of Central America, is located on the narrow isthmus connecting North and South America. It is bordered to the north by Nicaragua and to the southeast by Panama; the Pacific Ocean washes the western coast, and the Atlantic Ocean, or Caribbean Sea, laps its eastern shore. This small country is situated in the tropics, between 8º and 11º North latitude and between 83º and 85º West longitude.

A backbone of volcanoes and mountains extends north to south, the ranges, or cordilleras, being an extension of the Andes Sierra Madre chain. There are four distinct mountain ranges - Guanacaste and Tilarán in the north, Central and Talamenca to the south. As a live part of the Pacific “ Rin of Fire,” Costa Rica is home to seven of the isthmus’s forty-two active volcanoes. Earth tremors and small quakes that shake the country are not an unusual occurrence. Many dormant or extinct cones are also dotted along the mountain ranges. The country is divided into seven provinces: San José, Heredia , Alajuela , and Cartago , whose capital cities make up the central valley; Guanacaste , along the north-western area of the country; Puntarenas , which runs from the centre of the Pacific coast and is characterized by its Afro-Caribbean culture.


Climate

Costa Rica has a tropical climate, modified by topography. The country has two seasons, the wet season, or invierno (winter), generally between May and November, and the dry season, verano (summer), from December to April. The wet season is characterized by sunny mornings followed by torrential downpours later in the day. There are occasional temporales throughout the rainy season. These consist of continual drizzles, usually lasting a few days. The wet season has become known as the “green season” in the tourist industry. On the Caribbean coast the dry season tends to be shorter, though September and October are usually the driest months there, when the rest of the country is experiencing its wettest weather. The Pacific north-western area of Guanacaste is characterized by the driest climate in the country, though it too has a well-defined rainy season.
The dry season brings clear skies, sunny days, and breezes. December can be outright windy, with its famous north winds. Pelo de gato, or “cat’s hair,” is a fine mist that is blown down over the mountain slopes at this time of year, and afternoon rainbows over the mountains add to the magic. Clear, windy nights in the summer months can bring quite cool temperatures to the Central Valley and surrounding mountains. Temperatures vary little between the seasons, the main influence on temperature being altitude. Both coasts are generally very hot and humid, with the Caribbean coast being a few degrees cooler than the Pacific.

The lowland plains are also hot and humid. As you climb, the temperature cools. In one of the coldest spots, Mount Chirripó, it is not unusual to have morning frost and sheets of ice covering the small lakes. The mean temperature for San José, situated at 3,691 feet (1,125 meters), is a comfortable 75ºF (24ºC). The near-perfect conditions contribute to the agreeable nature of the Ticos. Because they do not have to fight the elements for survival, they can focus on enjoying their idyllic climate.

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Although no prototypical Tico exists in reality, by and large Costa Ricans tend to share broadly liberal values and attitudes. They are known for their friendliness, helpfulness, and hospitality, and have a healthy curiosity, which allows them to accept the possibility of valid alternatives. They judge for themselves whether “different” is positive or negative. Costa Rica is an island of stability in an area of political and social unrest. Broad social welfare policies have created a self-assured people who live in relative comfort. Ticos tend to look for compromise and peaceful resolutions, though when their rights are challenged they have no qualms about protesting. With a literacy rate of 96 percent and electricity and phone service available to 95 percent of the population, the Ticos appear to be pretty content with their lot. For the visitor, lack of punctuality is another, less endearing, trait found in Costa Rica, as it is in so many Latin countries. People living in warmer climates appear to have a more relaxed interpretation of time. Accepting this difference can avoid frustration.

Socializing –whether family gatherings or getting together with friends or business associates – is an important part of life in Casta Rica. Ticos are used to living, working, and playing together, and have developed habits of tolerance and cooperation. The solidarity of working together for the well-being of the whole is a Tico characteristic. Making the best of a situation and adapting has proved helpful in their society, and is a good example for visitors.

Family values

Costa Rica is a strongly family-oriented society. If anything is sacred, it is the family. Children are seen and heard everywhere, and treated with loving care by everyone.
It is quite common for the older generation to live with their children and grandchildren. They are an integral part of the family, and add in many ways to the smooth running and good atmosphere of the household. It is quite common for the older generation to live with their children and grandchildren. They are an integral part of the family, and add in many ways to the smooth running and good atmosphere of the household. The grandmother often prepares meals and looks after the children when the parents are at work, and the grandparent/ grandchild relationship is a strong bond.


Hospitality

Costa Ricans are very friendly, and enjoy getting to know their foreign visitors. They are both curious and helpful, and will do their best to make you feel at home. It would not be unusual for them to invite you to their home after you have become acquainted. This is especially true in the campo, or rural areas, where life is more informal than in the cities. Take advantage of the opportunity to get firsthand experience of a hospitable Costa Rican home. Food will be offered – anything from a full meal to a cafecito (coffee) and a savoury or sweet snack. This is one of the best ways to become acquainted with the Ticos, and they will enjoy the interaction as much as you will. Also, as English fluency is in great demand, they are always happy to find an opportunity to practice.

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The above extract is kindly provided by Culture Smart! the essential guide to customs & culture. The 168-page guide retails at £6.95 + P&P and is available directly from Kuperard, the publishers of Culture Smart! guides.

CultureSmart!Consulting in conjunction with Cactus Language Training creates tailor-made seminars and consultancy programs to meet a wide range of corporate, public sector, and individual needs. Find out more at www.cactuslanguagetraining.com.

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