Costa Rica

Invasions

• Spain invaded the native Guaymi indians 
• that had lived in the reigon since 5000 bc 

Colonization

• Spain colonized Costa Rica
• it was first sighted by Columbus

Cultural Diffusion

• Costa Rica gained independence  from Spain
• they switched to a democratic economic system

Natural Resources

• Natural Resources include lush rain forests and river basins
• these resources provide lumber, fish and hydro electricity
• the resources attract a lot of tourists

Current System of Government

• Costa Rica has a democracy
• the 1949 constitution gives equal rights to 3 independent branches
• Executive - consists of a president and 2 vice presidents 
• Legislature - consists of a legislative assembly with 57 members
• Judiciary - consists of a supreme court

Current Economic Issues

• Immigration - immigrants not paying taxes has become a problem
• Growth of Tourism - has reduced economic opportunities for locals