The Constitution of Costa Rica provides for freedom of religion.  Although the official state religion is Roman Catholicism, the Government respects the right of people to practice the faith of their choice.

According to a recent nationwide survey of religion in Costa Rica in 2007, 70.5 % of the population identify themselves as Roman Catholics, although only 44.9% are practicing Catholics.  Costa Ricans are by nature a very tolerant people and therefore accepting of others religions.  Holy Week (the week before Easter) is a national holiday and is supposed to be observed as a time of prayer, reflection, and good behavior.  Many  Ticos also use this week for vacations and celebrations. 

Older Ticos, as in many cultures, tend to be more pious than the younger generations.  Still, an overwhelming majority of the population still consider themselves Catholic, and have respect for the church. Every town, no matter how small, has a church facing east, on the west side of the central park; and its own saint’s day celebrated with fiestas with lots of food, music, dancing, and bull fights!

The Catholic marriage ceremony is the only church marriage recognized by the state.  For this reason and others, Protestant evangelism has yet to get a foothold in Costa Rica, with only about 14% of the population identifying themselves as Protestant.  11.3% do not identify with any religion and 4.3% belong to other religions.  There is a Jewish synagogue in San Jose (Sinagoga Shaarei Zion).  The Church of Latter-day Saints also built a temple in San Antonio de Belen.

Although there is growth of many kinds of sects in Costa Rica, they are nowhere near a majority.  Tradition, a deep sense of community, and respect for family will continue to keep Ticos responding to the church bells for marriage, baptism, and special events, but you will very seldom find a Tico getting upset or ready to fight about religion.