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Christopher Columbus discovered Costa Rica, in 1502 on his
fourth and final voyage. He was Costa Rica's first tourist,
landing on the Atlantic Shore near Puerto Limón. Believing
or perhaps hoping that the area was rich in gold, he christened
it Costa Rica, which means "rich coast". He quickly
discovered that there was comparatively little gold, but the
natural beauty of Costa Rica, the warmth and friendliness
of its people has been attracting visitors ever since initial
of colonization. The abolition of the army in 1948, have created
the base for a country which has become more dedicated to
respect the law and human dignity. Costa Rica, known as the
charming, democratic paradise of Central America, is a great
land of diversity.
Costa Rica offers plenty of pleasant choices like that, especially
if you're interested in nature and outdoor activities. That's
why so many people have chosen to go there: In the past decade,
the number of visitors has quadrupled and tourism has become
a big part of the nation's economy.
This popularity is forcing Costa Rica to make some tough
choices of its own, and the alternatives aren't quite so rosy:
Do they want to remain primarily a low-volume ecotourism destination
when they might be able to develop a higher-volume, higher-profit
business? Do they want to encourage larger numbers of travelers
if that means compromising the rich natural habitats that
have been the country's main attraction? These questions won't
be resolved overnight, but in the meantime those interested
in spectacular scenery, biological diversity and adventure
sports will find Costa Rica a premier destination.
Costa Rica has become synonymous with ecotourism-travel that
incorporates education about the environment and promotes
preservation of natural resources. The country has a large
number of national parks and nature preserves that boast a
rich array of birds, mammals, reptiles and rain-forest plants.
The variety of birds, in particular, is astounding: Some 850
species-more than in the U.S. and Canada combined-are packed
into a relatively small area. Approximately 25% of the country's
land has been set aside in these protected areas, earning
Costa Rica the reputation of an ecologically friendly country.
(Nonprotected areas in the country have not fared so well:
Costa Rica has had one of the highest rates of deforestation
in the world over the last few decades.)
The country also has good conditions for a number of adventure
sports, among them surfing, river rafting, hiking and scuba
diving. And those who prefer a less strenuous vacation will
find plenty to interest them, including a selection of volcanoes,
boat trips down jungle rivers, coastal cruises and the world's
first Rain Forest Aerial Tram, which takes you floating through
the treetops.
Though a part of the Spanish empire, Costa Rica was a remote
region that never became strongly incorporated into the colonial
system. Independence came in the early 1820s. Civil wars erupted
between Costa Rica's major cities in 1823 and 1835 as they
vied for control of the country. The more liberal forces of
San Jose emerged victorious, which set the course for the
progressive measures that Costa Rica has continued to implement
to the present. Part of this trend was a move toward fair,
democratic elections in the late 1800s.
In the 1940s, the country became politically polarized. When
the results of a 1948 election were disputed, civil war broke
out once again. After a brief struggle, Jose Maria "Don
Pepe" Figueres emerged as the country's leader. He continued
to be a central figure in Costa Rican politics through the
1970s, serving two terms as president. He oversaw many of
the reforms that have helped keep the country peaceful and
prosperous in a region known for its armed conflicts and wretched
poverty. Costa Rica abolished its military in 1948, in contrast
with the many countries in Central America that have been
ruled by, or with the consent of, the military. Costa Rica
also invested in education and public health facilities throughout
the country, actions that helped prevent a flood of rural
poor into the major cities.
These measures have prompted many to view Costa Rica as a
model Latin American country, although it has had its share
of economic problems in the 1980s and '90s. More difficult
times may lie ahead: The country was recently forced to cut
back on its expensive social programs in order to reduce the
national debt. Ironically, the man overseeing this economic
belt-tightening is current president Jose Maria Figueres,
the son of Don Pepe Figueres. Don Pepe had expanded the public
sector during his tenure, thereby contributing to the country's
debt.
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