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People Costa Ricans (Ticos) have reasons to be proud of the 19,730 square miles of the Central American isthmus that their visionary, three time former president and revolutionary leader Jose Don 'Pepe' Figueres, at times affectionately, referred to as the 'finquita' (little farm). Ticos have carved an oasis of relative of well-being. And they have done it with good humor, vision, ingenuity, public debate and plenty of luck. The nation-wide literacy rate approaches 96 percent. Infant mortality rate is twelve out of 1,000 births. More than 95 percent of national territory has electricity and phone services and potable water is available in most remote communities. Technical communication is highly advance. Some 50 percent of children and 40 percent of teens and computer labs in their schools. And estimated 100,000 citizens and residents frequently use the Internet. Costa Ricans regardless of wealth or status are used to act with utmost humility and boasting of any kind is usually frowned upon. The rise of a young, self-conscious nouveau riche is changing all this. Fortunately, it remains true to say that the behavior and comments of most Ticos are dictated to quedar bier, a desire to leave a good impression. Like the English people, they are terribly frightened of embarrassing themselves, of appearing rude, vulgar or unhelpful.  And this might lead to somewhat hypocritical comments on their part: "Nice hairdo", while thinking the complete opposite. In Costa Rica violence of any kind is extremely rare. The religious fervor common in Mexico and Central America is also unknown. It has been said that the law-abiding Ticos respect and have faith in their laws,  and the state institution; but worrying statistics on theft and crime suggest the apparition of a different type of tico, heavily influenced by what is becoming a globalized culture of violence. In fact a distaste for anything that impinges on their liberty or that of the nation is just about the only thing that will make Ticos furious. Attempts to modernize the police force, for example, bring floods of editorial columns and popular outrage protesting for militarism.  Democracy is Costa Rica's most treasured institution, and the ideal of personal liberty is strongly cherished. Costa Ricans are very proud of their accomplishments in this area and show it on the eve of the Independence Day, when the whole nation comes to a halt and everyone  sings the national anthem. Many old virtues and values have faltered under the onslaught of foreign influence, modernity, and social change. Drunkenness, drug abuse, and a general idleness previously unknown in Costa Rica have intruded. And theft and burglary are seriously on the rise. But most Costa Ricans remain very strongly oriented around traditional values based on respect for oneself and the others, tolerance being one of their most characteristic traits. The corner stone of society is still the family and the village community. Social life still centers on the home and family, bonds are so strong that sons and daughters do not see a need to leave the home until they marry. Nepotism is common, but government attacks on corruption has thwarted it a bit.  You can generally count on Tico’s loyalty but don’t count on his punctuality. SEND THIS LINK TO A FRIEND