Costa Ricans pride themselves on being a mostly classless society, and to a greater degree than their neighbors, this is true.  Most of the population is Caucasian from Latin descent and Roman Catholics. But there are societal differences. 

Before Costa Rica’s independence from Spain, a small noble class (hidalgos) handled all the colony’s affairs and since Costa Rica’s independence these same hidalgos families have been prominent in the governing of Costa Rica, many being president s or congressional representatives.  But they are not elitist; they are well known to mingle often with the general public and being a part of the general society.  The distribution of wealth and land is not even, as it is not in any free democracy, but it certainly is more so than in other Latin American nations.

In the past, racism was a problem in Costa Rica, but since 1949 much progress has been made toward eliminating the discrimination against the black community.  Much of the black community, which mostly lives on the eastern Caribbean coast are descendants of Jamaican workers who came to Costa Rica to build the railway in the late eighteen hundreds.  The blacks did not have Costa Rican citizenship, and thusly were not allowed to vote or travel throughout the country. The new constitution in 1949 changed this situation, and now the black community enjoys all the same rights as any other Costa Rican citizen.

There are far fewer native Indians living in Costa Rica than in other Central American countries.  Most of the indigenous groups native to Costa Rica died from exposure to disease and mistreatment by the Spaniards long ago.  The few remaining are mostly poor.  They live in some of the most remote areas on reserves designed to allow them to live in their traditional manner and protect them from loggers, businesses, and prospectors.  These small groups add a great deal to the Costa Rican society with their artwork.  You can see evidence of their customs in the form of masks you will see in many shops in Costa Rica, along with their beautiful carvings.

Southern Costa Rica has an Italian community in the San Vito area, and the Monteverde area has a Quaker community that immigrated to Costa Rica from the United States in the mid 1900’s.  There are also small Chinese and Jewish communities that are well integrated in the Costa Rican society.  In recent years, many United States and Canadian citizens have found Costa Rica a desirable place to retire.  The friendliness of the Costa Rican people, along with the beauty of the land, the tropical temperatures, and lower cost of living make Costa Rica a good choice for retirement, or for people that just want to start a new life.  Many people from neighboring countries looking for a more peaceful existence have also moved to Costa Rica. These groups have turned Costa Rica into a multicultural society and added to the economic upturn that Costa Rica has experienced in the last decades.

Most of the population can be placed in the middle-class.  When compared to the standards of developed countries, Costa Rican incomes are low, but when compare to Costa Rica’s neighboring countries, earnings are higher and the standard of living is higher.  Even though there is an elitist class, composed of the traditional wealthy families and the “nouveau riche” families, Costa Rican society is mostly middle –class and gives the impression of class and social homogeneity.

Costa Ricans (Ticos) are a conservative people who resist “different” ideas.  They dress conservatively and you will seldom see them wearing “shorts” except in athletic or sports settings unless they are at the beach areas. Nudity or partial nudity is definitely not acceptable.  Many foreigners complain about Ticos lack of punctuality, or lack of initiative, or lack of quick decision-making.  But these are probably the same reasons they find the Ticos such a friendly happy people!  Costa Ricans are extremely social and welcoming.  They enjoy fiestas and celebrations of every kind!  Take a look at the calendar of holidays and fiestas and you will see you can find a fiesta in a town somewhere in Costa Rica on almost any week of the year.  Music, dancing, plenty of good food, and bull fighting (without bloodshed) are always plentiful at the fiestas.

One of the main characteristics of Costa Rican society is moderation – you seldom see extremes or excesses.  Ticos encourage compromise and peace – not revolution and violence. Ticos are religious but frown on fanaticism.  They love their Catholic churches, but resist excessive power of the Church.  The Costa Rican society is a wonderful example of respect for the middle ground and may be the secret to their happiness.  It certainly is loved by the many tourist visiting Costa Rica every year, and the many who wish to move to Costa Rica permanently.