Cultural Perspective

Costa Ricans in general perceive themselves as distinctly different from their Latin American neighbors. Ticos refer to themselves first and foremost as ‘Costarricenses’ and as ‘Latinos’ only as an afterthought. This Costa Rican psyche stems mainly from the fact that, in contrast to other Central-American nations, a vast majority of Costa Ricans are direct Spanish descendents, and there is relatively little indigenous influence in the social and cultural mosaic.

Costa Ricans are a humble and soft-spoken people. Regardless of wealth or status, boastfulness and aggressions of any degree are frowned upon, while the desire to ‘quedar bien’ (to get on well) dominates social behavior and speech. They are also considered ‘thin-skinned’ or easily embarrassed, which further explains the non-existence of confrontational behavior. For instance, for someone to appear loud and crude in public would be the epitome of self embarrassment; a ‘real’ Tico would sooner walk away than express anger, as it contradicts the instinct of ‘quedar bien.’

Although the country has its share of petty crimes and criminals, extreme violence is very uncommon. And although religious, Ticos are not prone to be driven by religious fervors as in some other Latin American countries. This is, as a whole, a superbly law-abiding nation; even distastes for authorities and the occasional political protests are staged in the most civilized way.

Costa Ricans are very proud of their democracy and cherish personal liberty more than anything. Faced with increasing North American influence, most Costa Ricans remain strongly centered on traditional values, based on respect for oneself and others, tolerance being one of their most characteristic traits. The corner stone of society is still the family and social life still revolves around the home and family relations.