Faces of Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a rich and interesting history. Known as the Cinderella of Spanish America because it lacked the large quantities of silver and gold and the indigenous slave labor population found in other areas, the country was largely neglected by the Spanish crown in colonial times.

After Costa Rica gained its independence in 1821, coffee growers or cafeteleros took political, social and economic control of the country. The revolution of 1948 is credited with creating today's Costa Rica, with its stable democracy and strong human rights record.