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Costa Rica
- Culture
Costa Rican culture is in many ways a reflection of
its racial diversity. The predominant influence has long been European, which
is reflected in everything from the official language -- Spanish -- to the
architecture of the country's churches and other historic buildings. The
indigenous influence is less visible, but can be found in everything from the
tortillas that make part of a typical Costa Rican meal, to the handmade
ceramics sold at roadside stands.
Costa Rica is also homogenous when it
comes to social classes. Most of the population can be placed in a
middle-class, and even though extreme poverty exists, it's not as large a
problem as it is in other Latin countries. By the standards of a developed
country, Costa Rican incomes are very low, but when compared to other
neighbors, salaries and earnings prove to be much better. Besides the poor and
middle classes, there is an upper class, which is very elitist. As in other
countries, this class is composed by both traditionally rich families as well
as by "nouveau riche" families. Even with the existence of extremely rich or
poor individuals, Costa Rican society is composed mostly by a middle-class,
which causes the impression of class and social homogeneity.
Even
though 90% of the country is Catholic, they practice a "lukewarm" Catholicism.
Ever since colonial times, the Catholic Institution hasn't exerted a powerful
influence either politically or culturally. Most Costa Rican Catholics view
their religion more as a tradition than as a practice or even a faith.
Most of the "Ticos" are very conservative individuals who don't usually
welcome "strange" or different ideas. The country's economy and industry have
grown incredibly in the past years, but the culture still retains conservative
tendencies. A lot of foreigners view the Ticos as lacking initiative and as
being passive. They also complain of the lack of punctuality and of quick
decision-making. However, the positive aspects of the Tico identity are the
friendliness and hospitality that most people transmit. Costa Ricans are also
extremely social, and they enjoy gatherings and celebrations of all sorts.
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