Is Costa Rica a stable, friendly country?
Costa Rica has been a democracy since before the Civil War in the U.S. It has no military. And violent crime is not a major problem here. Costa Rica is often described in tourist publications, magazine articles, and travel guides as having one of the friendliest cultures of any country on earth. A proud people who take personal hygiene to extraordinary levels, Ticos (an endearing term for Costa Ricans) do not like confrontation. Maybe that’s why tranquilo (relax and enjoy) is such a prevalent attitude. This is not to suggest that one should not be vigilant protecting their personal belongings. As is the case in many countries where tourism is a major industry, theft is a problem here. However, unlike the U.S., Costa Rica is not gun culture. And, with reasonable precautions taken, it’s safe to walk the streets and beaches of this beautiful country at virtually any time; day or night.
