Real Estate
Costa Rica has a population of over 4 million people, heavily
concentrated in the Central Valley.
Well over one-half of the national population lives in this
area, which represents only 5 percent of the country's land
area, and almost one-half of the population is considered
to live in urban locations. The population growth rate is
relatively high; if it continues at the present rate, the
population will double in only 28 years. This population
pressure is one of the reasons why deforestation of Central
America is occurring at a rapid pace.
Costa Rica possesses a uniformity in ethnicity and culture unmatched elsewhere in Latin America. The vast majority (95%) of its population is of Spanish descent, speaks Spanish as the primary language, and adheres to Roman Catholicism. The remaining five percent are evenly divided between English speaking blacks of West Indian origin and Native Americans, most of whom live in isolated enclaves throughout the country.
Because large-scale plantation agriculture never dominated the economy of this nation as it did throughout the rest of the region, the basic social institutions were never dominated by a social and economic elite to the extent seen in the economies of nearby countries such as Nicaragua. Small farms have always been at the core of the Costa Rican economy and lifestyle, and a resolutely independent and democratic tradition continues to this day. The country has a long tradition of democracy, unlike its neighbors, and nearly every citizen is active in political campaigns and elections.
People unfamiliar with the region often assume that the political turmoil that has troubled Nicaragua, Panama, and El Salvador is typical of all of Central America, but this is far from true. Costa Rica is often described as the Switzerland of the Americas, and the analogy has more to do with the stable democratic government and its policy of relative neutrality than it does with its size and terrain. Costa Rica is a very safe place to travel, in that there is less political turmoil than in most other Latin American countries and the populace is pro-American. Travelers should be aware that theft is quite common, and violent crime against tourists is of increasing concern. Theft of camera equipment, wallets, and pocketbooks is common in San Jose and at some of the more heavily visited beach resort areas, so visitors should take all possible precautions to protect their valuables.
Costa Rica's economy is not as narrowly focused as those of some of its neighbors, but exports of coffee, bananas, sugar, and other agricultural products are the most important part of the economy. Tourism is of increasing importance in the local economy; it has now passed agricultural exports as the leading source of foreign exchange in the nation's economy. In addition, light manufacturing is of growing importance. A dependency on imported petroleum, fluctuating prices for agricultural products, and high interest rates have hurt the economy in recent years. This is unfortunate for the people of Costa Rica, but the stronger dollar relative to the Colon makes travel to Costa Rica even cheaper for foreigners.
Education and public health are high-priority items in Costa Rica. As a result, the literacy rate is quite high and infectious diseases have been largely eradicated in even the most rural parts of the country. Costa Rica has no army, but does maintain a small national guard unit. Expenditures for national security amount to only 2.6 percent of the national budget, one-tenth of what is spent by the central government on education.
When one travels the European continent, it is almost impossible not to leave without realizing that you have indeed traveled in time. This is largely due to the architectural feats which are everywhere to be found.
Costa Rica's architecture is no less impressive, blending much of its architecture with a combination of Spanish, Indian and Colonial influence. After the arrival of Columbus in 1502, much of the early construction was of Spanish stature and it wasn't until the 16th century that colonial architecture began to flourish. Cultural edifications began to emerge with the cultivation of coffee which paved the way to such magnificent structures such as San Jose's National Theater completed in 1897. Costa Rica can boast of 100 year legacy promoting institutional architecture that pivoted around its own cultural roots. Religious, governmental and educational buildings will remain landmarks of San Jos. The diversification of architecture in Costa Rica ranges from European influence to its own Spanish patrimony. One will not help but marvel at the prominent works of neo-gothical and ecclesiastical styles. There are seven some metallic structures imported from Belgium. "Beaux Arts" neo-classical, Byzantine influence and present neo-Mohammed are just one of the many architectural themes which embrace this beautiful country.
Today a stroll through the capital will manifest the great influence of stylistic currents derived from the Bauhaus and the Le Corbusier.
It is most certainly worthwhile for any visitor to capture the cross-currents of the diversification of architecture which Costa Rica has to offer the world.
Fort of Heredia - Located in the City of Heredia, this towering Fort was built during the Presidency of Toms de la Guardia and by his request. Built of rock and mortar made of argamasa de cal, water and sand, it resembles a kind of Caribbean motif similar to some forts in Puerto Rico. Constructed before cement ever came to the Nation, the Fort was never a symbol of tyranny or war. In fact, its windows are fashioned as if to accumulate bullets instead of repelling them.
The Metallic Building - This marvel of architecture is locates in San Jose, capital of Costa Rica. Parque Morazan is nestled right next to the Metallic Building, bridging a contrast between nature and the marvelous creations of man. The Metallic Building was actually fabricated in Belgium in 1890 and transported to Costa Rica. It was assembled and finished in 1896. Today, such a feat would actually be cost prohibited.
The architecture is representative of the period of iron works and metal. The landmark Eiffel Tower in France would be a great example of this period. Though the construction is commonly attributed to Eiffel, history has proven it not to be a part of his works. It is somewhat interesting when two nations combine their efforts to produce an architectural piece. Designed by the architect, Charles Thirio and prefabricated by Herrerias de Aiseau in Belgium, the cost then was about 340 thousand francs. Today this price could not even pay for the shipping. Various segments of the edifice were shipped from Amberes, Belgium to Puerto Limon in Costa Rica where it arrives in 1892. When the assembly and additional structures both exterior and interior were completed, four years had past, thus accumulating an additional cost of 225 thousand colones.
The government of Costa Rica purchased the edifice influenced largely by the iron revolution of the period. The use of the structure was for two elementary schools to house 800 students combining boys in one part and girls in the other. The facade of the building is dressed with a bust if Minerva symbolizing "goddess of wisdom" To this day, the Metallic Building stands as a magnificent piece of architecture bringing to mind the proud, historic feats which Costa Rica accomplished.
The National Museum - The year was 1948: Israel had just become a nation, while Al Capone still ran the streets of Chicago. In Costa Rica, the new government had just abolished the Army. The intimidating Bella Vista Military Headquarters became the National Museum, now owned by the University, which serves as a center research and education.
One of the responsibilities of the National Museum is that of guarding the archaeological treasures of the nation. Since 1985, the museum has functioned with the aid of UNESCO, particularly that of the Cultural Patrimony Project for Latin America. In 1986, in conjunction with the United Nations and other Costa Rican government entities, a study was initiated to restore the complex; the Plaza de La Democracia in front of the museum was inaugurated in 1989, and in October of 1989 the Museum and the Plaza were the site of the celebration of Costa Rica's 100 years of democracy.
Permanent exhibits now include those dealing with habitats and ecological zones, the first appearance of man and his activities in these diverse environments, and the formation of the modern state. You should definitely see the exhibits portraying Costa Rican history since the Spanish Conquest. This is, indeed, a historical landmark and the finest conservation center in the country.
The National Theater - Inaugurated on the 19th of October, 1897, the legacy of the National Theater is a drama within itself. The impetus came from a large concerned group of Costa Rican merchants and coffee growers who petitioned the government to build a National Theater reflecting the image and pride of Costa Rica. A letter was sent to the then President, Carlos Duran, encouraging a 20 cent tax for every 46 kilograms of coffee exported. The tax was to be eliminated at the end of construction.
Blueprints for this marvel were created by Belgian architects and approved by Costa Rica engineers. The construction of the metallic structures were fabricated in Belgium while the ornaments and furniture were imported from Italy. Although much of the decor was accomplished by Europeans, many of whom remained in Costa Rica, the majestic walls were built by Costa Rican stonemen sons, the most lasting example of their skills.
The interior of the National Theater is as impressive as the exterior, with famous sculptors like Pietro Bulgarelli who caved the three statues that crown the facade.
Vulgi Bogmani's paintings grace the elegant Presidential Box in the main auditorium. The interior permeates neo-Renaissance with a combination of crystal candelabra gilt carvings and Carrara marble columns. The most popular of the theater's paintings is a colossal mural by J. Vila depicting banana and coffee production. The 1024 seat auditorium is a sight to behold and some of the world's best performers come and entertain. Truly this was an architectural feat and is a reminder that the love of culture is alive and well in Costa Rica.