| osta Rica, or Rich Coast, received its name | | | | · 1821 - Costa Rica, along with the rest of Central |
| from the Spaniard Gil Gonzalez Davila who was | | | | America and Mexico, rebelled against Spain. |
| inspired by all of the gold jewelry worn by the | | | | · 1823 - Civil war develops when some opted to |
| inhabitants, the land was actually brought to the | | | | become part of Mexico. They were quickly defeated |
| Europe’s attention through Christopher | | | | and sovereignty was proclaimed. |
| Columbus in 1502 who discovered Costa Rica on his | | | | · 1824 — Juan Mora Fernandez is elected as |
| way to his final voyage to the New World. | | | | the first head of state. |
| Before his arrival, civilization had thrived in Costa Rica | | | | · 1870 — General Tomas Guardia took control |
| for nearly 10,000 years. Though the indigenous people | | | | of the government and contributed to many reforms. |
| numbered only a few hundred thousand, they were | | | | · 1948 — The Costa Rican civil war begins |
| firmly rooted in the land and had built a great civilization. | | | | after Dr. Rafael Angel Calderon and the United Social |
| Archeological finds have proven that the civilization | | | | Christian Party refuse to turn power over to the |
| was very advanced. In fact, ruins of a large city | | | | winning party after losing the election. |
| complete with aqueducts have been found east of | | | | · 1948 - Exile Jose Maria Figueres Ferrer quickly |
| San Jose. Exquisite and sophisticated gold and jade | | | | defeated Calderon in a month and became an |
| jewelry has also been uncovered. | | | | influential leader. Under his leadership the communist |
| Sadly, the civilization was not strong enough to | | | | party was banned, banks were nationalized, and |
| withstand Spanish Colonialism. The small population fled | | | | presidential terms were established. |
| or was overcome by disease. Today, only 1 percent | | | | Today, Costa Rica is on the upsurge not only politically |
| of Costa Ricans are of indigenous descent and an | | | | but economically as well. The country is experiencing a |
| amazing 98 percent are white. | | | | rapidly expanding economy and an influx of interest |
| Here is a brief timeline of major historical events in | | | | from investors and businesses that want to put down |
| Costa Rica: | | | | roots in this exotic and beautiful country. This has all led |
| · 1562 - Juan Vasquez founded the first colonial city, | | | | to Costa Rica being declared the most advanced |
| Cartago. | | | | country in Latin America today. |