Spanish Schools in Costa Rica

Country Name:
Long Form: Republic of Costa Rica
Short Form: Costa Rica
Directory of Spanish Schools, Spanish School Directory, Spanish schools in Costa Rica, Study Spanish Costa Rica, Learn Spanish Costa Rica, Spanish Schools Costa Rica
Population: 4,195,914 (July 2008 est.)
Median Age: 27.1 years
Currency: Colón (CRC)
GDP: $13,500 U.S

History:

Although explored by the Spanish early in the 16th century, initial attempts at colonizing Costa Rica proved unsuccessful due to a combination of factors, including: disease from mosquito-infested swamps, brutal heat, resistance by natives, and pirate raids. It was not until 1563 that a permanent settlement of Cartago was established in the cooler, fertile central highlands. The area remained a colony for some two and a half centuries. In 1821, Costa Rica became one of several Central American provinces that jointly declared their independence from Spain. Two years later it joined the United Provinces of Central America, but this federation disintegrated in 1838, at which time Costa Rica proclaimed its sovereignty and independence. Since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred the country's democratic development. Although it still maintains a large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.

-information courtesy of the World Factbook