Host Community Information
Costa Ricans work hard to retain their old customs, even as new generations adopt a contemporary culture. Today, this country of nearly four million people (who refer to themselves as "Ticos") retains a unique identity, clearly distinguishing themselves from neighboring countries in Central America.
Ethnically, Costa Rica is one of the most homogeneous populations in all of Latin America. Ninety-seven percent is mestizo (of mixed blood, generally Spanish with Native American), or of direct European descent. Of the mestizos, the vast majority have a much higher percentage of European ancestry, and thus are fair skinned.
Afro-Caribbeans, who served as migrant labor on the railways in the 1870's, represent approximately two percent of the population. Of the original denizens of this land, the Native Americans, only about 30,000 remain, representing less than one percent of the total population.
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