Who are the Ticos?

Alyssa, 17
Costa Ricans, also known as ticos, come from a variety of different origins, but share the same traditions and values in their country. These origins include the Spanish, Europeans (mainly German and Swiss), African slaves, and the Natives. Out of the 3.96 million people living in Costa Rica, only 40,000, or 1% are indigenous natives of Costa Rica. This is partially because many of the native Costa Ricans died of sickness when the Spanish colonists came to Costa Rica. Ticos live very peaceful lives, and are considered to be some of the happiest people on Earth. In 1949, after the civil war, Costa Rica created a constitution, in which the army has been abolished ever since. Ticos are proud of their neutrality. In addition, the constitution allowed Africans to be granted citizenship and women were allowed to vote.
Tico society is far from urban, and Costa Rica has the highest rural population density in Latin America. The only true city located in Costa Rica is San Jose, the capital. Rural ticos live a simple life, spending time tending to animals and crops, or as cowboys in Guanacastae. The three most popular crops grown in Costa Rica exported to other countries are bananas, coffee, and sugar. Also, the vast majority of ticos retain ties to the land, including those who live in the city. Homes often have a small garden if they are not located in the rural parts of the country. Costa Rica’s geography includes volcanoes, rainforests, oceans, and beaches. Costa Rica is also considered an isthmus because it is connected to land on the top and bottom, but is otherwise surrounded by water. To the west, the country is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, and on the east, the Caribbean Sea. I look forward to being able to see the country of Costa Rica as well as the ticos culture and traditions.