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Culture and social development
Culture and Social Development in Costa Rica
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Maps
Costa Rica Maps. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/costa_rica.html
The map displays different economic aspects of Costa Rica. It specifically shows the areas where food and other items are packaged and distributed, as well as where certain crops are grown.
Distribution of Catholics. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7e/Distribution_of_Catholics.png This map shows the percent of Catholics present in each country around the world. The official religion of Costa Rica is Roman Catholic therefore, the percentage of people that are Catholic in the country is about 80%- 90%. |
Demographic Data
- Population- As of July 2016, the population in the country is 4,872,543 people (The World Factbook: COSTA RICA, n.d.).
- Population (Births)- As of 2016, there are 15.7 births for every 1,000 people (The World Factbook: COSTA RICA, n.d.).
- Health (Life Expectancy)- The average life expectancy is 78.6 years old (The World Factbook: COSTA RICA, n.d.).
- Population (Deaths)- As of 2016, for every 1,000 people, there are 4.6 deaths (The World Factbook: COSTA RICA, n.d.).
- Society (Language)- The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish (The World Factbook: COSTA RICA, n.d.).
- Society (Religion)- 76.3% of the population in the country is Roman Catholic (The World Factbook: COSTA RICA, n.d.).
- Energy- 24,362 people do not have electricity (The World Factbook: COSTA RICA, n.d.).
The World Factbook: COSTA RICA. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cs.html
Demographic Changes
Health- Life Expectancy
In Chart 1, it shows that the life expectancy in Costa Rica in 1800 was extremely low. As the years pass by, this number gradually increases. Chart 2 shows the life expectancy in 2015 and it is even higher than several other countries. From the above charts, it can be determined that as the income per person increases, the life expectancy increases. This can be due to a variety of reasons including access to better medical care, more resources, and overall better living conditions. I firmly believe that all of these reasons led to the increase of the life expectancy of a person in Costa Rica.
Gapminder World. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.gapminder.org/world/
Gapminder World. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.gapminder.org/world/
Population- Fertility Rate
Chart 3 shows that the average amount of children per woman in 1800 is high in Costa Rica, along with numerous other countries. This may be due to the fact that families needed more children in order to help them work and make more money for the family to stay afloat. Also, the average income per person is low during this time, further validating the reasoning behind a higher fertility rate. When looking at Chart 4, one can see that the fertility rate is low, while the income per person increased. It can be assumed that the number of children per woman decreased because the family was able to earn a living without the extra help.
Gapminder World. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.gapminder.org/world/
Gapminder World. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.gapminder.org/world/
Religion
Religion has been a factor in Costa Rica since the time that it was discovered. When the Spanish Conquistadores first explored Costa Rica, they were in the Nicoya Peninsula (Religion in Costa Rica, n.d.). It is there that hundreds of Chorotega Indians already lived and accepted Roman Catholicism (Religion in Costa Rica, n.d.). The first Catholic church was built in Nicoya Village in 1544 (Religion in Costa Rica, n.d.). From there, church was beginning to be integrated into the government and education, which are some of the ways that religion continued to spread throughout the country (Religion in Costa Rica, n.d.). The original draft of the Constitution did not allow the practice of other religions, but was altered to allow the people to choose their religion (Religion in Costa Rica, n.d.). This is one of the reasons behind the existence of alternate religions in Costa Rica today.
Religion plays a large role in the social development and culture in Costa Rica. One major cultural norm that is practiced as a result of religion is the celebration of holidays. It is known that “approximately 33% of official holidays are religious, and many other celebrations, including each town's patron saint day, revolve around faith” (Van Velzer, 2015). Some holidays include Holy Week, which is the week before Easter and includes Holy Thursday and Good Friday, and Christmas, which comes with celebrations for nearly the entire month of December (Van Velzer, 2015). Also, one major religious holiday is Our Lady of Los Angeles Day. Ending at the Basilica Nuestra Senora de los Angeles, thousands of people “make the pilgrimage, known as a romeria, on foot – a feat that can take several days, depending on the starting point. Once in Cartago, the faithful walk, or even crawl on their knees, to the alter to ask the Virgin Mary for guidance or a miracle” (Van Velzer, 2015). Nearly all people, no matter their religion participate in these holidays, defining the culture of the country.
Several sacred places exist throughout the country of Costa Rica. One of these places is the Basilica Nuestra Senora de los Angeles in Cartago. As previously mentioned, this is where the citizens flock to on August 2 in recognition of the national holiday, Our Lady of Los Angeles (Van Velzer, 2015). Also, churches in general can be considered sacred places in Costa Rica because they are a place where people go to practice their religion. “Every town in Costa Rica is home to at least one Catholic church, and Sunday Mass is an event for many, especially the older generation” (Van Velzer, 2015). Overall, many sacred places can be found in Costa Rica.
Religion is connected to how the government is ran Costa Rica. “Representing the official religion of state, the Roman Catholic Church enjoys some privileges that are not automatically conferred on other religious organizations” (Costa Rica, n.d.). Some of these perks include the instant recognition of Catholic marriages, while other religions have to go through a process to have the marriage legalized (Costa Rica, n.d.). In addition to this, it is thought by many that Catholics have “more opportunity to be in open dialogue with the government concerning economic, social, and political causes” (Costa Rica, n.d.). However, the government does not suppress any other religions as stated in the constitution. Lastly, major Catholic holidays are recognized by the government, including Christmas and Easter. In all, religion does have an impact on some government aspects in Costa Rica.
Hundreds of religions are practiced all over the globe. While some are stricter than others, it is up to the person as to how much effort they will put into the religion that they have selected to follow. Costa Rica is no different. In Costa Rica, many religions can be found and because of that, make the country and its inhabitants unique. These religions have an impact on the decisions that a person makes, as well as what they believe. Each action of a person or group of people may directly or indirectly impact their community and their city, leading them to have an impact on the country as a whole.
References
Costa Rica. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.encyclopedia.com/places/latin-america-and-caribbean/costa-rican-political-geography/costa-rica#RELIGIONS
Religion in Costa Rica. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.vacationscostarica.com/travel-guide/religion-in-costa-rica/
Van Velzer, R. (2015, June 19). Religion in Costa Rica. Retrieved from http://costarica.com/culture/religion-in-costa-rica/
Religion plays a large role in the social development and culture in Costa Rica. One major cultural norm that is practiced as a result of religion is the celebration of holidays. It is known that “approximately 33% of official holidays are religious, and many other celebrations, including each town's patron saint day, revolve around faith” (Van Velzer, 2015). Some holidays include Holy Week, which is the week before Easter and includes Holy Thursday and Good Friday, and Christmas, which comes with celebrations for nearly the entire month of December (Van Velzer, 2015). Also, one major religious holiday is Our Lady of Los Angeles Day. Ending at the Basilica Nuestra Senora de los Angeles, thousands of people “make the pilgrimage, known as a romeria, on foot – a feat that can take several days, depending on the starting point. Once in Cartago, the faithful walk, or even crawl on their knees, to the alter to ask the Virgin Mary for guidance or a miracle” (Van Velzer, 2015). Nearly all people, no matter their religion participate in these holidays, defining the culture of the country.
Several sacred places exist throughout the country of Costa Rica. One of these places is the Basilica Nuestra Senora de los Angeles in Cartago. As previously mentioned, this is where the citizens flock to on August 2 in recognition of the national holiday, Our Lady of Los Angeles (Van Velzer, 2015). Also, churches in general can be considered sacred places in Costa Rica because they are a place where people go to practice their religion. “Every town in Costa Rica is home to at least one Catholic church, and Sunday Mass is an event for many, especially the older generation” (Van Velzer, 2015). Overall, many sacred places can be found in Costa Rica.
Religion is connected to how the government is ran Costa Rica. “Representing the official religion of state, the Roman Catholic Church enjoys some privileges that are not automatically conferred on other religious organizations” (Costa Rica, n.d.). Some of these perks include the instant recognition of Catholic marriages, while other religions have to go through a process to have the marriage legalized (Costa Rica, n.d.). In addition to this, it is thought by many that Catholics have “more opportunity to be in open dialogue with the government concerning economic, social, and political causes” (Costa Rica, n.d.). However, the government does not suppress any other religions as stated in the constitution. Lastly, major Catholic holidays are recognized by the government, including Christmas and Easter. In all, religion does have an impact on some government aspects in Costa Rica.
Hundreds of religions are practiced all over the globe. While some are stricter than others, it is up to the person as to how much effort they will put into the religion that they have selected to follow. Costa Rica is no different. In Costa Rica, many religions can be found and because of that, make the country and its inhabitants unique. These religions have an impact on the decisions that a person makes, as well as what they believe. Each action of a person or group of people may directly or indirectly impact their community and their city, leading them to have an impact on the country as a whole.
References
Costa Rica. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.encyclopedia.com/places/latin-america-and-caribbean/costa-rican-political-geography/costa-rica#RELIGIONS
Religion in Costa Rica. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.vacationscostarica.com/travel-guide/religion-in-costa-rica/
Van Velzer, R. (2015, June 19). Religion in Costa Rica. Retrieved from http://costarica.com/culture/religion-in-costa-rica/
Basilica Nuestra Senora de los Angeles
The Basílica Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles resides in Cartago, Costa Rica. It is popular with the locals and is also a suggested destination for tourists.
Reference Catholic Church In Costa Rica Expects More Than 1 Million And A Half Pilgrims. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2011/july/28/costarica11072801.htm |
Coronado Catholic Church
The Coronado Catholic Church can be found in San Jose, Costa Rica. It was built in the 1800s and is also a popular tourist attraction.
Reference Coronado Catholic Church, San Jose, Costa Rica. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.panoramio.com/photo/30789003 |
Inside of the Basilica Nuestra Senora de los Angeles
The inside of the Basilica de los Angeles is known for its high arches and tall pillars. The church fills each year on August 2 in celebration of Virgen de los Angeles Day, which is also known as The Day of the Virgin.
Reference High Ceilings and Tiny Organs. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.onblueundercanvas.com/2011/05/high-ceilings-and-tiny-organs/ |
Food
Commonly Eaten Foods in Costa Rica
A typical meal for a person in Costa Rica consists of “rice and beans, meat or fish, fried plantains, and a carrot, tomato, and cabbage salad” (Food & Drink, n.d.). Other foods common in Costa Rica also include…
Soup/stew
Fruits- mango, pineapple, melons, passion fruit
Vegetables- corn, carrots,
Tortillas
Meats- pork, chicken, fish, beef
I believe that these items are so common because some of them can be found growing in the country, specifically the fruits and vegetables. Several of these items can also be made out of simple ingredients, including tortillas. This makes the items cheaper and more easily accessible because they do not have to be imported from other countries.
References
Dlesterheft, R. (2005, January 4). Typical Costa Rican Food Called A "Casado" [Digital image]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/puroticorico/188949989
Food & Drink. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.vivacostarica.com/costa-rica-information/costa-rica-food.html
Soup/stew
Fruits- mango, pineapple, melons, passion fruit
Vegetables- corn, carrots,
Tortillas
Meats- pork, chicken, fish, beef
I believe that these items are so common because some of them can be found growing in the country, specifically the fruits and vegetables. Several of these items can also be made out of simple ingredients, including tortillas. This makes the items cheaper and more easily accessible because they do not have to be imported from other countries.
References
Dlesterheft, R. (2005, January 4). Typical Costa Rican Food Called A "Casado" [Digital image]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/puroticorico/188949989
Food & Drink. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.vivacostarica.com/costa-rica-information/costa-rica-food.html
Where the Food Comes From
As previously mentioned, commonly consumed foods in Costa Rica are produced in the country. “Bananas, plantains, pineapple and watermelon are some the country's largest exports, but Costa Rica keeps some of the best fruit and vegetables for itself: giant green avocadoes, mangoes, tamarind, lychees, guava, golden Peruvian brown cherries, pear squash, peach palm fruit, mangosteens, star fruit, passion fruit, noni, lemandarina and coconuts, just to name a few” (Van Velzer, 2014). Additionally, breads, meats, vegetables, and cheeses can be found at farmer’s markets for locals to purchase (Van Velzer, 2014). Seafood, like lobster and clams, can also be eaten near the coast of the country (Van Velzer, 2014). In all, nearly all of the food eaten by the people of Costa Rica is from their own country.
Reference
Van Velzer, R. (2014, April 18). Costa Rican Cuisine. Retrieved from http://costarica.com/culture/costa-rican-cuisine/
Reference
Van Velzer, R. (2014, April 18). Costa Rican Cuisine. Retrieved from http://costarica.com/culture/costa-rican-cuisine/
These are a few of the many farmer's markets that can be found throughout Costa Rica. Locals can purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and several other items.
References- Images
Ross, T. (2011, June). [Market in San Jose, Costa Rica]. Retrieved from https://www.goodfreephotos.com/costa-rica/san-jose/market-in-san-jose-costa-rica.jpg.php
The LEAF Project. (2013, January 7). [Typical Farmer's Market in Alajuela]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/leaflanguages/8359459474/in/photostream
Ross, T. (2011, June). [Market in San Jose, Costa Rica]. Retrieved from https://www.goodfreephotos.com/costa-rica/san-jose/market-in-san-jose-costa-rica.jpg.php
The LEAF Project. (2013, January 7). [Typical Farmer's Market in Alajuela]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/leaflanguages/8359459474/in/photostream
Recipe for Gallo Pinto
Gallo pinto is one of the most common dish served in Costa Rica. It is known for being served for breakfast with eggs (Food & Drink, n.d.). Its main ingredients, beans and rice, can also be found in almost every other meal alongside various other ingredients (Food & Drink, n.d.).
Ingredients
Directions
Serve
Usually eaten with sour cream
*Recipe from Kuperman, M. (n.d.). Costa Rica's Most Traditional Meals and Recipes. Retrieved from http://gocentralamerica.about.com/od/recipes/tp/Costa-Ricas-Most-Traditional-Meals-and-Recipes.htm
References
Food & Drink. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.vivacostarica.com/costa-rica-information/costa-rica-food.html
Gallo Pinto (Costa Rican Beans and Rice). (2015, September 15). Retrieved from http://stripedspatula.com/2015/09/15/gallo-pinto/
Kuperman, M. (n.d.). Costa Rica's Most Traditional Meals and Recipes. Retrieved from http://gocentralamerica.about.com/od/recipes/tp/Costa-Ricas-Most-Traditional-Meals-and-Recipes.htm
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups cooked black beans
- 2 tablespoons onion- finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon bell pepper- finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cilantro- finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
Directions
- Sauté onion and bell pepper in oil on medium heat
- Add beans and cook two minutes longer
- Add rice and mix, cook three minutes more
- Add cilantro, mix well
Serve
Usually eaten with sour cream
*Recipe from Kuperman, M. (n.d.). Costa Rica's Most Traditional Meals and Recipes. Retrieved from http://gocentralamerica.about.com/od/recipes/tp/Costa-Ricas-Most-Traditional-Meals-and-Recipes.htm
References
Food & Drink. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.vivacostarica.com/costa-rica-information/costa-rica-food.html
Gallo Pinto (Costa Rican Beans and Rice). (2015, September 15). Retrieved from http://stripedspatula.com/2015/09/15/gallo-pinto/
Kuperman, M. (n.d.). Costa Rica's Most Traditional Meals and Recipes. Retrieved from http://gocentralamerica.about.com/od/recipes/tp/Costa-Ricas-Most-Traditional-Meals-and-Recipes.htm
Relationship Between Food and Religion
As part of the Roman Catholic religion, which a majority of people living in Costa Rica follow, there are a few common practices that exist relating to food. One of these practices involves not eating meat on Fridays (Purdy, 2012). If a person is a vegetarian, they are supposed to not eat a different, specified food. However, in modern times, it is found that some Roman Catholics do not eat meat on Fridays only occurring during Lent (Purdy, 2012).
Reference
Purdy, A. (2012, May 23). Dietary Guidelines of Some of the World's Major Religions. Retrieved from http://www.deseretnews.com/top/714/7/Roman-Catholic-Dietary-guidelines-of-some-of-the-worlds-major-religions.html
Reference
Purdy, A. (2012, May 23). Dietary Guidelines of Some of the World's Major Religions. Retrieved from http://www.deseretnews.com/top/714/7/Roman-Catholic-Dietary-guidelines-of-some-of-the-worlds-major-religions.html
Additional Resources
Culture of a Peaceful Nation. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.anywherecostarica.com/travel-guide/culture
This resource shares several aspects of the culture in Costa Rica, including cuisine, arts, and music. It also discusses the religion and traditions, as well as provides numerous dates of religious and traditional holidays and celebrations in the country.
Farley, S. (2013, November 1). 10 Quick Essential Cultural Facts to Know About Costa Rica. Retrieved from http://news.co.cr/10-quick-essential-cultural-facts-to-know-about-costa-rica/28856/
This article provides the reader with 10 key things that they need to know when going to Costa Rica, including how to greet people, what to wear, and how to act. When doing this, the author relates these points to the culture in the country, providing the reader with reasons behind the tips included.
This resource shares several aspects of the culture in Costa Rica, including cuisine, arts, and music. It also discusses the religion and traditions, as well as provides numerous dates of religious and traditional holidays and celebrations in the country.
Farley, S. (2013, November 1). 10 Quick Essential Cultural Facts to Know About Costa Rica. Retrieved from http://news.co.cr/10-quick-essential-cultural-facts-to-know-about-costa-rica/28856/
This article provides the reader with 10 key things that they need to know when going to Costa Rica, including how to greet people, what to wear, and how to act. When doing this, the author relates these points to the culture in the country, providing the reader with reasons behind the tips included.