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COSTA RICA REAL ESTATE

By Ann Antkiw (EXPLORING COSTA RICA 2006 - THE TICO TIMES)

COSTA RICA's population of just over 4 million is undergoing radical changes in social and economic progress. Today democracy, peace and personal liberty still remain the foundation stones of this pacifist nation. However, the inherent characteristics of Costa Ricans are being challenged by contemporary lifestyles and recent events.

Most Costa Ricans remain strongly loyal to established traditions, family esteem and respect for oneself and others. A friend­ly, courteous, obliging people, they take pride in doing things a lo Tico - Tico style. (Costa Ricans call themselves Ticos, a prac­tice that comes from adding a diminutive; either "tico" or "ito" to the end of words connoting familiarity or affection.) Family bonds are strong and foreigners find it easy to make casual friendships with Ticos, but forming deeper relationships, a much greater challenge. Ticos are extremely proud of their history, culture, achievements and self-image. "Saving face" orientates much of their behavior, as individuals and a nation. Avoiding confrontation often entails fence-sitting, extended debates and indeci­sions. A prime example of this has been the not-yet-ratified Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) with the Unit­ed States. However, Ticos, known for their resignation, are no longer accepting events with a fatalistic attitude. Peaceful demonstrations, union-led strikes, and protest marches by many sectors of society, have resulted in the people's demands being heard. President Abel Pacheco's decision to support the U.S.  invasion of Iraq enraged the population and he withdrew Costa Rica's name from "The Coalition of the Willing."

Nepotism and cronyism are entrenched in the political system and recent corruption scandals have implicated senior public figures. Two former Pres­idents: Rafael Angel Calderon (19901 1994)   and   Miguel   Angel   Rodriguez; (1998-2002) await trial behind bars. A third, Jose Maria Figueres (1994-1998) lives in Switzerland and refuses to return to face charges. Some 84% of Ticos polled believe that these corruption scandals wil'| strengthen democracy and bring improvements to the system.

Two parties dominate the political scene, but in addition a number of less influential parties represent different facets of the politi­cal spectrum. Because of discontent and dis­illusionment with both major parties, support is growing for newly formed hopefuls and could affect the 2006 Presidential elections.

Personal appearance and cleanliness, plus higher education, are of the utmost importance. In the cities, well-dressed pro­fessionals and workers attend evening class­es at universities, technical institutes or lan­guage schools. Learning English has beco­me a top priority with the growing influx of tourism, and multinational companies.

Social courtesies are established in early childhood. Cordial greetings such as “buenos dias" (good morning) or "buenas noches" (good night) are customary etiquette. In rural areas a friendly "adios" will usually prompt a smile and reply. Men greet each other with firm handshakes, and women with a kiss on the cheek. Roman Catholicism is the official reli­gion pf Costa Rica, although freedom to Practice any religion is guaranteed by the country's constitution. More than 80% are Catholic, but visible evangelical and fundamentalist groups, plus Mormons and the Baha'i faith, are gaining adherents. A small Jewish community lives here, along with others who hold Middle Eastern and Asian beliefs. Everything grinds to a halt on Catholic observances such as Christmas and Easter week. People of all faiths celebrate the holi­days, even if they're not a component of their religious beliefs. Tico-style Catholi­cism tacitly accepts birth control and Tico society, divorce. Abortion is strongly op­posed unless the mother's life is in danger. Today nearly 60% of mothers are single heads of households, teenage pregnancy rate is high and it's common for men to have extramarital affairs and father children with various women. Latin American machismo permeates daily life, though women are accepted as equals in the professional world and many hold high government posts. A scourge on this pacifist nation is the epidemic of domestic violence, child abuse and the sex trade involving juveniles. Harsh­er sentences are being demanded for offend­ers, and extradition orders for foreign pedophiles involved in child prostitution. The increase in crime, prostitution and drug trafficking is often blamed on impoverished immigrants and those seeking refuge from repression. Inflation, the rise in cost of living  and an increase in poverty, plus illegal immi­grants making use of already overburdened free health care and education services, have caused a wave of resentment.

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