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This work is a fascinating guide to one of Latin America's most stable and progressive nations, examining the country's development, unique features, and the challenges Costa Ricans face in the 21st century. Costa Rica: A Global Studies Handbook offers readers an authoritative tour of a remarkable country, tracing its historical development from pre-Colombian inhabitants and Spanish colonization through rising prosperity in the mid-19th century to current struggles to define itself economically and politically. Costa Rica combines narrative chapters on the nation's history and the current state of its political, social, and cultural institutions with alphabetically organized entries covering important people, places, and events in its development. Throughout, the authors, drawing on extensive research and their own experiences, highlight the many ways Costa Rica is different from its neighbors, as well as the challenges the country faces in the 21st century's globalized world.

Costa Rica is renowned for its tropical beauty, the warmth and charm of the "Ticos"—its people's own name for themselves—and its political stability. This "Switzerland of the Americas" is widely regarded as an oasis of democracy in turbulent Central America. Since the first edition of Culture Smart! Costa Rica was published in 2005, however, there have been some important changes and, with rapid economic development, some growing pains. Over the past few years there has been a movement of population to the towns of the Central Valley. Higher education is now the norm for young Ticos, and the middle class has expanded—but so has the gap between rich and poor. Tourism took a dive after the 2009 recession, and the national debt has grown, while the arrival of multinationals and significant Chinese investment has been welcomed. Unemployment has risen, people are prepared to go on strike more readily, and there is a general disillusionment with politicians. In the face of mounting difficulties the Ticos remain remarkably peaceable, relaxed, and fun-loving. Their enthusiasm for life is seen as much in their passion for soccer as in their demonstrations in support of human and political rights. Culture Smart! Costa Rica explores and explains the complex human realities of modern Costa Rican life. Armed with this information, you will be better equipped to understand your hosts and to enjoy your visit to this beguiling and beautiful country to the full.

One of over 400 titles in the Insight series, Insight Guide Costa Rica. This 298-page book includes a section detailing Costa Rica's history, 8 features covering the country's life and culture, ranging from the spectacular plant life to the best coffee in the worldallegedly, a region by region visitor's guide to the sights, and a comprehensive Travel Tips section packed with essential contact addresses and numbers. Plus 283 impressive photographs and 7 maps, including a National Parks and Reserves map.

Insight Guide Costa Rica is a comprehensive full-colour guide to the culture, history and people of this small but diverse country. Our inspirational Best Of Costa Rica section illustrates the country's highlights, from the heavenly beaches of Punta Uva and the small but exquisite Manuel Antonio Park teeming with resplendent birds to thrilling adventure trips in the rainforest canopy and the sweet aroma of Tarraz coffee - making sure you don't miss anything. Our unrivalled coverage of history, natural environment and culture provides an essential introduction to Costa Rica's rich heritage and contemporary life, to complement the in-depth coverage of the arts, activities and modern culture. The informative text, written by regional experts, is a pleasure to read and accompanied by stunning photography. Lavish magazine-style features offer a unique insight into Costa Rica's kaleidoscopic plant and bird wealth, out-of-the-ordinary adventure sports, colourful crafts and volcanic activity. All major sights are cross-referenced with the maps, and the travel tips section provides a wealth of practical information on how to plan your trip, as well as carefully selected hotel, eco-lodges and restaurant listings.

This Insight Guide is a lavishly illustrated inspirational travel guide to Costa Rica and a beautiful souvenir of your trip. Perfect for travellers looking for a deeper dive into the destination's history and culture, it's ideal to inspire and help you plan your travels. With its great selection of places to see and colourful magazine-style layout, this Costa Rica guidebook is just the tool you need to accompany you before or during your trip. Whether it's deciding when to go, choosing what to see or creating a travel plan to cover key places like Monteverde Cloud Forest, Manuel Antonio National Park, Playa Montezuma, it will answer all the questions you might have along the way. It will also help guide you when you'll be exploring Tortuguero National Park or discovering the Pacific Crest Trail on the ground. Our Costa Rica travel guide was fully-updated post-COVID-19. The Insight Guide COSTA RICA covers: San José, The Central Valley, The Central Pacific, The Northwest Mainland, The Northwest: Nicoya Peninsula. In this guide book to Costa Rica you will find: IN-DEPTH CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL FEATURES Created to provide a deeper dive into the culture and the history of Costa Rica to get a greater understanding of its modern-day life, people and politics. BEST OF The top attractions and Editor's Choice featured in this Costa Rica guide book highlight the most special places to visit. TIPS AND FACTS Up-to-date historical timeline and in-depth cultural background to Costa Rica as well as an introduction to Costa Rica's food and drink, and fun destination-specific features. PRACTICAL TRAVEL INFORMATION A-Z of useful advice on everything, from when to go to Costa Rica, how to get there and how to get around, to Costa Rica's climate, advice on tipping, etiquette and more. COLOUR-CODED CHAPTERS Every part of the destination, from Punta Uva to Manzanillo has its own colour assigned for easy navigation of this Costa Rica travel guide. CURATED PLACES, HIGH-QUALITY MAPS Geographically organised text, cross-referenced against full-colour, high-quality travel maps for quick orientation in San José, Osa Peninsula and many other locations in Costa Rica. STRIKING PICTURES This guide book to Costa Rica features inspirational colour photography, including the stunning Ujarrás and the spectacular Volcán Barva.