Period+5+Group+3

=Country Name: Costa Rica=

media type="custom" key="333925"
 * ==Group Members: Jordan, Jalil, and Drew==

__**Cultural Features: By Drew**__
 * The main religion in Costa Rica is Christianity

The main language spoken in Costa Rica is Spanish though English is widely spoken

Dancing is an activity loved by //ticos// of all ages

//Futbol,// basketball, baseball, surfing, auto racing, volleyball, swimming, cycling, running, and tennis are all sports loved in Costa Rica**


 * Some social groups are the Mestizos and the Afro-Carribean**











__**Physical Features: By Jalil**__

Land Form:





 * The highest point of Costa Rica is the Chirripo Grande and is 12,500 feet. Costa Rica is founded between Nicaragua and Panama. Costa Rica is the third largest country in Central America. The Meseta Central that is found in the highlands of Costa Rica, is where most of the country's coffee industry can be found. The Meseta Central is 3,000-4,000 feet in elevation. The Caribbean lowlands lie east of Costa Rica's highlands. Costa Rica can be divided into four topographical regions. Tropical rain forests, mountain cloud forests, volcanoes, coastal lowlands, and beatiful rvers are all founded in Costa Rica.**

Climate

 * The climate is moderate and the temperatures range from 59-77°F. The rainy seasons in Costa Rica lasts from April to September and the rainfall averages approximately 100 inches. The country lies entirely in the tropical climate zone but since the elevation changes, the country experiences cold temperatures. The capital city (San Jose) and some of the central highlands temperatures averages to about 67**°F throughout the year.

Animals







 * More than than 200 mammals are found in Costa Rica and half of them are bats. Costa Rica has New World monkeys that includes the capichin, howler, spider, squirrel monkeys. The jaguar and puma are the symbols of the Central America jungle. Most all of the country's tropical animals are dangered by hunting and habitat destruction. The endangered manatee is the only coastal animal of Costa Rica. 10% of the world's birds come from Costa Rica. The scarlet and the great green mascaw are the most endangered bird species of this country.**

Current Events

 * A legislative meeting to reach a free trade treaty with Canada caused a recent bomb threat on Wednesday November 7th and had protesters knocking down barriers threatening police. The president, Pacheo, was forced to order a full-scale evacuation.**

Government

 * Costa Rica is well known for its strong and stable democracy. There are two vice presidents and one president. Each are elected every four years.**

Economy

 * Almost one fifth of Costa Rica's is in the agricultural business. Also,Tourism is obviously a huge part of business because Costa Rica's natural beauty. Bananas, coffee, and sugarcane are a few of the main crops grown. Costa Rica has a free trade treaty with Mexico, yet still the United States is 40% of their trading.**

History

 * Costa Rica's settlement began in 1522. Spain owned Costa Rica at the time, as well as Guatemala.The Spaniards called it "Rich Coast."**
 * Flag: Costa Rica's flag is based on the red and blue of Central American Federation's banner. The large red stripe was added in 1848 in honor of France's King Louis Phillipe and the founding of France's Second Republic. The picture in the middle has a rising sun (representing freedom), seven stars (representing Costa Rica's seven provinces), two ships (one sailing the Atlantic and one Pacific),and three volcanoes (representing the three volcanoes on the isthmus').**

[[image:500px-Flag_of_Costa_Rica_(state).svg.png]]
(Costa Rica's Flag) (Protesters take on Police)





Voicethread Story Workspace

Costa Rican bibliography