Costa Rica ( i /kost rik/), officially the Republic of Costa Rica (Spanish: Costa Rica or Repblica de Costa Rica,

pronounced [repulika e kosta rika]) is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the east and south, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south and the Caribbean Sea to the east Costa Rica, which means "Rich Coast", constitutionally abolished its army permanently in 1949.[4][5][6] It is the only Latin American country included in the list of the world's 22 older democracies.[7] Costa Rica has consistently been among the top Latin American countries in the Human Development Index, ranked 62nd in the world in 2010, and is cited by the UNDP as one of the countries that has attained much higher human development than other countries at the same income levels.[8] The country is ranked 3rd in the world, and 1st among the Americas, in terms of the 2010 Environmental Performance Index.[9] In 2007 the Costa Rican government announced plans for Costa Rica to become the first carbon neutral country by 2021.[10][11][12] According to the New Economics Foundation, Costa Rica ranks first in the Happy Planet Index and is the "greenest" country in the world.[13] Costa Rica ( i /kost rik/), officially the Republic of Costa Rica (Spanish: Costa Rica or Repblica de Costa Rica, pronounced [repulika e kosta rika]) is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the east and south, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south and the Caribbean Sea to the east Costa Rica, which means "Rich Coast", constitutionally abolished its army permanently in 1949.[4][5][6] It is the only Latin American country included in the list of the world's 22 older democracies.[7] Costa Rica has consistently been among the top Latin American countries in the Human Development Index, ranked 62nd in the world in 2010, and is cited by the UNDP as one of the countries that has attained much higher human development than other countries at the same income levels.[8] The country is ranked 3rd in the world, and 1st among the Americas, in terms of the 2010 Environmental Performance Index.[9] In 2007 the Costa Rican government announced plans for Costa Rica to become the first carbon neutral country by 2021.[10][11][12] According to the New Economics Foundation, Costa Rica ranks first in the Happy Planet Index and is the "greenest" country in the world.[13] Costa Rica ( i /kost rik/), officially the Republic of Costa Rica (Spanish: Costa Rica or Repblica de Costa Rica, pronounced [repulika e kosta rika]) is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the east and south, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south and the Caribbean Sea to the east Costa Rica, which means "Rich Coast", constitutionally abolished its army permanently in 1949.[4][5][6] It is the only Latin American country included in the list of the world's 22 older democracies.[7] Costa Rica has consistently been among the top Latin American

countries in the Human Development Index, ranked 62nd in the world in 2010, and is cited by the UNDP as one of the countries that has attained much higher human development than other countries at the same income levels.[8] The country is ranked 3rd in the world, and 1st among the Americas, in terms of the 2010 Environmental Performance Index.[9] In 2007 the Costa Rican government announced plans for Costa Rica to become the first carbon neutral country by 2021.[10][11][12] According to the New Economics Foundation, Costa Rica ranks first in the Happy Planet Index and is the "greenest" country in the world.[13] Costa Rica was the point where the Mesoamerican and South American native cultures met. The northwest of the country, the Nicoya peninsula, was the southernmost point of Nahuatl cultural influence when the Spanish conquerors (conquistadores) came in the 16th century. The central and southern portions of the country had Chibcha influences. The Atlantic coast, meanwhile, was populated with African workers during the 17th and 18th centuries. Costa Rican cuisine is a blend of Native American, Spanish, African and many other cuisine origins. Dishes like the very traditional tamale and many other made of corn are the most representative of its indigenous inhabitants, and similar to other neighboring Mesoamerican countries. Spaniards brought many new ingredients to the country from other lands, specially spices and domestic animals. And later in the 19th century, the African flavor did its presence with influence from other Caribbean mixed flavors. This is how Costa Rican cuisine today is very varied, with every new ethnic group who had recently become part of the country's population influencing the country's cuisine.[76]
[unreliable source?]

As a result of the immigration of Spaniards, their 16th century Spanish culture and its evolution marked everyday life and culture until today, with Spanish language and the Catholic religion as primary influences. The Department of Culture, Youth, and Sports is in charge of the promotion and coordination of cultural life. The work of the department is divided into Direction of Culture, Visual Arts, Scenic Arts, Music, Patrimony and the System of Libraries. Although the department creates many initiatives, they are constrained by lack of resources.[citation needed] Permanent programs, such as the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica and the Youth Symphony Orchestra, are conjunctions of two areas of work: Culture and Youth.[citation needed] Dance-oriented genres like soca, salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia and Costa Rican swing are enjoyed increasingly by older rather than younger people. The guitar is popular, especially as an accompaniment to folk dances, however, the marimba was made the national instrument.

"Pura Vida" is the most recognizable phrase attached to Costa Ricans and it reflects the Costa Rican way of life. Often, people walking down the streets, or buying food at shops say hello by saying "Pura Vida" which means pure life, or good life. It can be phrased as a question or as an acknowledgement of one's presence. A recommended response to "How are you?" would be "Pura Vi One aspect of Costa Rican culture must be treated separately from others- "machismo". The machista way of thinking is shared to some extent by most men and women, although it's not as extreme as in other Latin countries. While machismo has its negative aspects, it also has its advantages, and is often used by most local women to their advantage. Finally, when talking about culture, one must not forget the topic of religion. 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. Many foreigners have fallen in love with the country and the culture of Costa Rica. The main characteristic of the culture seems to be moderation, as opposed to other countries that offer a culture full of extremes and excesses. The race and the classes are pretty homogenous, while the ideal of the Tico identity encourages compromise and peace, instead of revolution and violence. Even the machismo attitude is tame when compared to other places in the region. Although religious, Ticos frown upon fanaticism or excessive power of the Church. Perhaps this respect for the middle ground is the reason why many foreigners have chosen the country as a travel destination or as a permanent residence. 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. 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.

Racially speaking, the country is one of the most homogenous of the region. Costa Ricans don't like to consider themselves as racists, but they also enjoy talking about their unique "whiteness" , when compared to other Latin American countries. The 1989 census classified 98% of the people as white or mestizo, and 2% as black or indigenous. A foreigner traveling through Central America will notice the difference between Costa Ricans and their neighbors. Even though racial problems don't exist to the extent that they do in the U.S. or in some European countries, some "Ticos" look down upon darkerskinned people. Blacks weren't even allowed to go beyond the Atlantic province of Limn, until a 1949 reform. However, racial confrontations are extremely rare and prejudice, even though it exists, is displayed in indirect and careful ways. When Christopher Columbus first called this country Costa Rica (Rich Coast), he could not have picked a better name for it. Costa Rica is one of the most developed countries in Central America with a richness of wildlife exceeding most places on Earth. Wise investment in the countrys main asset, its natural landscape, has earned it a place at the top of the leader board for eco-tourism. This is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world where 25% of the territory has been set aside for natural parks and biological reserves. The rainforests are home to monkeys, crocodiles, lizards and a plethora of exotic birds and insects. The coast is a breeding ground for the endangered sea turtle and the landscape is punctuated by rugged highlands, mountains and active volcanoes. Costa Ricas natural beauty is equalled by the locals legendary hospitality. The capital city, San Jose, is the hub of Costa Rican life and like all other major cities, bears witness to the prevalent European influence that is manifest in the countrys language, architecture and culture. Costa Rica contains a wide variety of climates. San Jose is pleasant all year round as it is elevated 1170m above sea level with average temperatures of 21C (70F). The Pacific coast tends to be hotter but less humid than the Caribbean coast with daytime temperatures making it perfect for relaxing in the sun. The dry season runs from November until May, although even during the wet season, the rain falls mostly during the evenings. Costa Rica has universal healthcare with one of the finest health systems in Latin America. Private healthcare is very affordable and is of high quality. Many doctors speak English and have received training in Europe, Canada, or the U.S. There are three large private hospitals which most expatriates use: CIMA hospital in Escazu, Clinica Biblica in San Jose, and Clinica Catolica in San Jose - Guadalupe. In addition, there are many other hospitals available throughout the country. Even though the per-capita income of Costa Ricans is about one-tenth of that of the U.S. and U.K Statistics, the World Health Organization frequently place Costa Rica in the top

country rankings in the world for long life expectancy (at 77.3 years), often even ahead of Great Britain and the United States. Arguably, one reason for this is the slower pace of living in Costa Rica and the healthy, fresh, non-preservative-laden foods found here and the welcoming tropical climate; Costa Rica just seems to be a healthy place to live. Food in Costa Rica is excellent. Vegetables, fruit, fish and meat tend to be incredibly fresh, more so than in western countries due to the more strictly controlled use of pesticides and additives. There is a vast amount of choice of international cuisine available providing something to suit any diet. Drinks in Costa Rica are also extremely varied with many alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available as standard - beers in Costa Rica are of very good quality and wines are freely available, particularly from South America. There are many different opportunities available to someone looking to buy in Costa Rica.

Appearance
Business dress: Men should wear a conservative dark suit. In warmer climates, a jacket is optional. Women can wear a dress or skirt and blouse for formal business meetings, but it is far more common for women to wear pants to work. Costa Ricans are much more formal and serious than other Latin Americans. Therefore, keep jackets on during business meetings Local people bathe frequently because of the heat, and guests are expected to bathe at least once daily Making a fist with the thumb sticking out between the middle an index fingers is obscene. This gesture is known as the "fig" Most North American gestures will be understood is Costa Rica Dont put your feet up on any furniture except items expressly designed for that purpose Fidgeting with your hands or feet is considered distracting and impolite

Behavior
Costa Ricans are by far the most punctual people in Central America. North Americans are expected to be on time for appointments

Since Costa Ricans allow themselves only a limited time for their midday break, everyone is expected to be on time for a business lunch Most business entertaining takes place in the evening, since lunch is the main meal of the day. Spouses are welcome at business dinners Gifts frequently exchanged on all kinds of special occasions If you are invited for dinner to a home, bring flowers, chocolates, scotch, or wine. Do not bring calla lilies; they are associated with funerals Have business cards, proposals, and other material printed in both English and Spanish

Communications
Handshaking the common greeting. Abrazos (embrace of good friends) is not as common as in other Latin countries Titles are important and should be included on business cards. Address a person directly by using his or her title only. A Ph.D or a physician is called Doctor. Teachers prefer the title Profesor, engineers go by Ingeniero, architects are Arquitecto, and lawyers are Abogado. For persons who do not have professional titles it is common to call a gentleman Don (plus his firstname) and a lady Dona (plus her firstname). This is how children and subordinates refer to adults, and it is a sign of courtesy for people doing business with each other to refer to each other in this way unless otherwise requested by the person you are addressing. Most Hispanics have two surnames: one from their father, which is listed first, followed by one from their mother. Only the fathers surname is used when addressing someone Costa Ricans call themselves Ticos (TEE-kos) Politics are freely discussed because of the stability there Good conversation topics: children, history, art Bad topics: any personal criticism, religion

Greetings:

 Well-acquainted business associates and friends often greet with a kiss on the cheek. (male-female, female-female) Touch cheek-to-cheek and kiss the air, being sure to make the smacking kiss noise well-audible. Male business associates shake hands, sometimes using the other hand to pat the others arm or shoulder if the relationship is close. Abrazos (hugs) are typically reserved for good friends and family.

A note on handshakes between men: The handshake, particularly between men, is very important in showing solidarity and friendship, and it is used with great frequency. Handshakes are not only for first-time meetings, but should be used each time you meet a friend or business partner, and upon leaving as well.

Use correct titles and surnames. For example, address Senior Jose Alvaro Sanchez as Senior Alvaro, using only the last name inherited from the father. In this case Alvaro is his fathers name, and Sanchez is his mothers. Don and Doa are translated as Mr. and Mrs. respectively, but are considered very formal.

Appointments/Punctuality:
Costa Ricans, as with other Latin Americans, have a more flexible attitude toward time, particularly concerning social gatherings. A delay of 30 minutes is not unusual. However, concerning business meetings and events, Ticos can be more punctual than many Latin Americans. This is especially true for lunch meetings, as Costa Ricans generally take short lunch breaks, and dont participate in any sort of siesta, or midday nap.

Make appointments in advance by mail, fax, e-mail, or phone, and re-confirm by phone before your arrival.

Business Proceedings, Negotiation and Conflict:

Initiating Conversation and Small Talk When engaging in even the most daily and routine interactions, it is important not to get to the point too quickly. Costa Ricans appreciate being asked how they have been and about their families, especially if they have children. It would also be relevant to engage in small talk about the beauty of Costa Rica, as this is something they take great pride in, along

with their peaceful history as a country. While Costa Ricans acknowledge the country has many imperfections, any comments that could be considered critical of the country are not taken lightly. Due to the political stability, politics are often freely discussed, but be aware that the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) or Tratado Libre Comercial(TLC) in Spanish is riddled with very strong opinions, and you may want to avoid this topic if in a large and diverse group.

Negotiation Relationships are a key element in negotiations. They are often all about who you know and are connected to. Establishing connections can make a big difference. Even by knowing family members or knowing that someone is someone elses cousin, uncle, or aunt can help you get things done.

In general, business negotiations proceed slower in comparison with North American culture, and a direct approach may not be viewed as favorably as one that is more indirect and political. Impatience is widely viewed as a weakness and can sometimes lower your credibility.

Conflict Conflict should be approached very carefully and is often handled in a very indirect way when compared to the directness of North America. Be prepared to deal with methods of handling conflict that may seem vague and unclear at first.

Other Etiquette:
Most business entertaining takes place in the evening, and spouses are welcome at business dinners.

Lunch is the main meal of the day, and meetings are common at this hour.

Gift Giving If you are invited for dinner at a home, a gift of wine, scotch, flowers or sweets is always welcomed. (Flowers such as roses or carnations are appropriate, but avoid calla lilies, which are associated with funerals.)

 Have business cards printed in both English and Spanish.

An increasing number of Costa Ricans, particularly in business, are bilingual. However, knowledge of Spanish and some important moments in national history are viewed very positively.

IP-relevant Bilateral Treaties: Costa Rica-Panama Treaty on Free Trade and Preferential Trade Practices
Date of Text: Members: Subject Matter: Available Texts: English: English: Costa Rica-Panama Treaty on Free Trade and Preferential Trade Practices (Authentic text) [35 KB] Rules of Procedure of the Treaty on Free Trade and Preferential Trade Practices between the Republics of Panama and Costa Rica (Authentic text) [40 KB] Costa Rica-Panam Tratado de Libre Comercio y de Intercambio Preferencial (Texto autntico) [31 KB] Reglamento al Tratado de Libre Comercio y de Intercambio Preferencial, entre las Repblicas de Panam y Costa Rica (Texto autntico) [209 KB] Adopted on June 8, 1973 at Panama City Entry into Force on November 23, 2008

Contracting Parties/Signatories

Enforcement of IP and Related Laws

Spanish: Spanish:

Tourism
With a $1.92-billion-a-year tourism industry, Costa Rica stands as the most visited nation in the Central American region, with 1.9 million foreign visitors in 2007,[5] thus reaching a rate of foreign tourists per capita of 0.46, one of the highest in the Caribbean Basin, and above other popular destinations such as Mexico (0.21), Dominican Republic (0.38), and Brazil (0.03).

Ecotourism is extremely popular with the many tourists visiting the extensive national parks and protected areas around the country. Costa Rica was a pioneer in this type of tourism and the country is recognized as one of the few with real ecotourism.[6] Other important market segments are adventure, and sun and beaches. Most of the tourists come from the U.S. and Canada (46%), and the E.U. (16%),[7] the prime market travelers in the world, which translates into a relatively high expenditure per tourist of $1000 per trip. In terms of 2008 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI), Costa Rica reached the 44th place in the world ranking, being the first among Latin American countries, and second if the Caribbean is included.[8] Just considering the subindex measuring human, cultural, and natural resources, Costa Rica ranks in the 24th place at a worldwide level, and 7th when considering just the natural resources criteria. The TTCI report also notes Costa Rica's main weaknesses, ground transport infrastructure (ranked 113th), and safety and security (ranked 128th).[9] [10]

Exports, jobs, and energy

Costa Rica used to be known principally as a producer of bananas and coffee. Even though coffee, bananas, pineapple, sugar, lumber, wood products and beef are still important exports, in recent times electronics, pharmaceuticals, financial outsourcing, software development, and ecotourism have become the prime industries in Costa Rica's economy. High levels of education among its residents make the country an attractive investing location. The country has successfully attracted important investments by such companies as Intel Corporation, which employs nearly 3,500 people at its custom built $300 million microprocessor plant; Procter & Gamble, which is establishing its administrative center for the Western Hemisphere in Costa Rica; and Abbott Laboratories and Baxter Healthcare from the health care products industry likewise. Manufacturing and industry's contribution to GDP overtook agriculture over the course of the 1990s, led by foreign investment in Costa Rica's free trade zones. Well over half of that investment has come from the U.S. In 2006 Intel's microprocessor facility alone was responsible for 20% of Costa Rican exports and 4.9% of the country's GDP.[11][12]

Pos Volcano Crater is one of the country's main tourist attractions.

Trade with South East Asia and Russia has boomed during 2004 and 2005, and the country is expected to obtain full Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) membership by 2007 (the country became an observer in 2004). Tourism is booming, with the number of visitors up from 780,000 in 1996, through 1 million in 1999, to 2.089 million foreign visitors in 2008, allowing the country to earn $2.144-billion in that year.[13] Tourism now earns more foreign exchange than bananas and coffee combined.[14] In 2005, tourism contributed with 8,1% of the country's GDP and represented 13,3% of direct and indirect employment.[15] The country has not discovered sources of fossil fuelsapart from minor coal deposits but its mountainous terrain and abundant rainfall have permitted the construction of a dozen hydroelectric power plants, making it self-sufficient in all energy needs, except oil for transportation. Costa Rica exports electricity to Central America and has the potential to become a major electricity exporter if plans for new generating plants and a regional distribution grid are realized. Mild climate and trade winds make neither heating nor cooling necessary, particularly in the highland cities and towns where some 90% of the population lives.

Trade policy
Costa Rica has sought to widen its economic and trade ties, both within and outside the region. Costa Rica signed a bilateral trade agreement with Mexico in 1994, which was later amended to cover a wider range of products. Costa Rica joined other Central American countries, plus the Dominican Republic, in establishing a Trade and Investment Council with the United States in March 1998.

Costa Rica has bilateral free trade agreements with the following countries and blocs which took effect on (see date): o Canada (November 1, 2002) o Chile (February 15, 2002) o Caribbean Community (CARICOM) (November 15, 2002) o Dominican Republic (March 7, 2002) o El Salvador Customs union, (1963, re-launched on October 29, 1993) o Guatemala Customs union, (1963, re-launched on October 29, 1993) o Honduras Customs union, (1963, re-launched on October 29, 1993) o Mexico (January 1, 1995) o Nicaragua Customs union, (1963, re-launched on October 29, 1993) o Panama (July 31, 1973, renegotiated and expanded for (January 1, 2009) o United States (January 1, 2009) o China under negotiation o Singapore under negotiation o European Union under negotiation

Costa Rica also is a member of the Cairns Group which is pursuing global agricultural trade liberalization in the World Trade Organization and helping to maintain the proper economy level in Costa Rica.