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The official name of Costa Rica is the Republic of Costa Rica, and it is located in South America.
Answer: False
Explanation: The provided information indicates Costa Rica is situated in Central America, not South America.
Costa Rica's territory is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south.
Answer: True
Explanation: Costa Rica is geographically bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, with coastlines on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Cerro Chirripó is the highest point in Costa Rica, and Irazú is the highest volcano.
Answer: True
Explanation: Cerro Chirripó is indeed the highest point in Costa Rica, and Irazú Volcano is recognized as the country's highest volcano.
Costa Rica's climate is tropical, with a distinct dry season from May to November and a rainy season from December to April.
Answer: False
Explanation: The provided information indicates Costa Rica has a tropical climate with a dry season from December to April and a rainy season from May to November, reversing the seasons stated in the question.
Costa Rica is known for its low biodiversity due to its small size and tropical climate.
Answer: False
Explanation: Costa Rica is recognized for its exceptionally high biodiversity, not low biodiversity, despite its relatively small geographical area.
Costa Rica was the first tropical country to successfully reverse deforestation and implements payments for environmental services.
Answer: True
Explanation: Costa Rica holds the distinction of being the first tropical nation to successfully reverse deforestation and has implemented policies such as payments for environmental services.
Approximately 95% of Costa Rica's electricity is generated from renewable sources, mainly hydropower.
Answer: True
Explanation: Costa Rica demonstrates a strong commitment to renewable energy, with approximately 95% of its electricity generated from renewable sources, predominantly hydropower.
Costa Rica imposes a tax on water pollution but does not offer financial incentives for environmental conservation.
Answer: False
Explanation: Costa Rica imposes a tax on water pollution and also offers financial incentives for environmental conservation through its system of payments for environmental services.
Costa Rica is a leader in environmentalism, having reversed deforestation and advocating for renewable energy.
Answer: True
Explanation: Costa Rica is recognized globally as a leader in environmentalism, evidenced by its success in reversing deforestation and its strong advocacy for renewable energy sources.
What is the official name of Costa Rica?
Answer: The Republic of Costa Rica
Explanation: The official designation of Costa Rica is the Republic of Costa Rica.
Geographically, Costa Rica is situated within which region?
Answer: Central America
Explanation: Costa Rica is strategically located in Central America, connecting North and South America.
Which country borders Costa Rica to the north?
Answer: Nicaragua
Explanation: Nicaragua serves as the northern neighbor to Costa Rica.
What is the approximate land area of Costa Rica?
Answer: Approximately 51,180 square miles (19,760 sq km)
Explanation: Costa Rica encompasses a land area of approximately 51,180 square miles, equivalent to 19,760 square kilometers.
What is the highest point in Costa Rica?
Answer: Cerro Chirripó
Explanation: The highest geographical point in Costa Rica is Cerro Chirripó, which stands at an elevation of 3,819 meters (12,530 feet).
Costa Rica's climate is characterized by a dry season from December to April and a rainy season from:
Answer: May to November
Explanation: Costa Rica's tropical climate features a rainy season extending from May to November, following the dry season which occurs from December to April.
What environmental issue has Costa Rica successfully reversed, becoming the first tropical country to do so?
Answer: Deforestation
Explanation: Costa Rica holds the distinction of being the first tropical nation to successfully reverse deforestation, implementing comprehensive environmental protection measures.
What percentage of Costa Rica's electricity was generated from renewable sources in 2023?
Answer: Approximately 95%
Explanation: Costa Rica generates a substantial portion of its electricity from renewable sources, with approximately 95% accounted for in 2023.
What is a significant environmental initiative mentioned regarding Costa Rica's approach to water pollution?
Answer: Imposing a tax on water pollution
Explanation: A notable environmental initiative is Costa Rica's implementation of a tax on water pollution, designed to deter the discharge of contaminants into its water bodies.
Human presence in Costa Rica dates back to the 16th century, coinciding with its colonization by Spain.
Answer: False
Explanation: Human presence in the territory of Costa Rica dates back much further, estimated between 7,000 and 10,000 BC, predating Spanish colonization in the 16th century.
Costa Rica gained independence in 1821 and formally declared independence again in 1847 after a period within the Federal Republic of Central America.
Answer: True
Explanation: Costa Rica declared independence from Spain in 1821 and formally established its own republic in 1847 after its period within the Federal Republic of Central America.
Costa Rica permanently abolished its army following a civil war in 1948, a decision enshrined in its 1949 constitution.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1949 constitution, adopted after the 1948 civil war, permanently abolished the army, establishing a precedent for demilitarization.
Costa Rica's constitution grants universal suffrage and establishes social guarantees but does not mention the abolition of the army.
Answer: False
Explanation: Costa Rica's 1949 constitution explicitly includes the permanent abolition of the army, alongside provisions for universal suffrage and social guarantees.
Costa Rica is recognized for its high performance in democratic governance and press freedom.
Answer: True
Explanation: Costa Rica consistently receives high marks in international assessments for its democratic governance and press freedom, reflecting strong institutional frameworks.
The name 'Costa Rica' translates to 'Poor Coast' in Spanish.
Answer: False
Explanation: The name 'Costa Rica' translates to 'Rich Coast' in Spanish, not 'Poor Coast'.
During the colonial period, Costa Rica was considered a prosperous province due to its rich gold and silver resources.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the colonial period, Costa Rica was characterized as a poor and isolated province, lacking significant gold and silver resources, rather than being prosperous.
Costa Rica declared independence from Spain without direct conflict in 1821.
Answer: True
Explanation: Costa Rica, along with other Central American territories, declared independence from Spain on September 15, 1821, a process that did not involve direct military conflict with Spain.
Costa Rica withdrew from the Federal Republic of Central America in 1838 due to strong economic ties and frequent communication with Guatemala City.
Answer: False
Explanation: Costa Rica withdrew from the Federal Republic of Central America in 1838 due to distance and poor communication, fostering local autonomy, not due to strong economic ties with Guatemala City.
Costa Rica experienced only one period of significant violence in the 20th century, the 1948 civil war.
Answer: False
Explanation: Costa Rica experienced two significant periods of violence in the 20th century: the dictatorship of Federico Tinoco Granados (1917-1919) and the 1948 civil war.
The 1949 Costa Rican constitution abolished the military and instituted universal suffrage.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1949 constitution of Costa Rica formally abolished the military and established universal suffrage, alongside other social and economic guarantees.
Costa Rica abolished its military in 1949, and the former military budget is now used for healthcare and education.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the abolition of its military in 1949, Costa Rica redirected funds previously allocated to defense towards essential public services, primarily healthcare and education.
Costa Rica is divided into 7 provinces, which are further subdivided into 82 cantons.
Answer: True
Explanation: Costa Rica is administratively divided into seven provinces, which are further subdivided into 82 cantons.
Costa Rica's foreign policy objective is primarily focused on military alliances and defense pacts.
Answer: False
Explanation: Costa Rica's foreign policy objective is primarily focused on fostering human rights and sustainable development, not military alliances.
The International Court of Justice ruled that Nicaraguan visas were required for Costa Ricans navigating the San Juan River for subsistence fishing.
Answer: False
Explanation: The International Court of Justice ruled that Costa Ricans navigating the San Juan River for subsistence fishing were not required to have Nicaraguan visas, though certain protocols were stipulated.
Costa Rica broke diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China in 2007 to recognize Taiwan.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2007, Costa Rica broke diplomatic ties with Taiwan to recognize the People's Republic of China, not the other way around.
Costa Rica's commitment to pacifism is demonstrated by its permanent abolition of the army and redirection of funds to social programs.
Answer: True
Explanation: Costa Rica's dedication to pacifism is significantly demonstrated through the permanent abolition of its army in 1949 and the subsequent reallocation of military funds to social programs.
Costa Rica has a Bilateral Immunity Agreement with the United States military, exempting US personnel from ICC jurisdiction.
Answer: False
Explanation: Costa Rica is a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and notably does not possess a Bilateral Immunity Agreement with the United States military, distinguishing it from some other nations.
When did humans first begin to inhabit the territory of Costa Rica?
Answer: Between 7,000 and 10,000 BC
Explanation: Evidence suggests human habitation in Costa Rica dates back to between 7,000 and 10,000 BC.
Costa Rica declared independence from Spain in which year?
Answer: 1821
Explanation: Costa Rica declared its independence from Spain in the year 1821.
What significant political event occurred in Costa Rica in 1948, leading to major constitutional changes?
Answer: A brief civil war
Explanation: A brief civil war in 1948 precipitated significant constitutional changes in Costa Rica, most notably the abolition of its army.
Which of the following was a key outcome of Costa Rica's 1949 constitution?
Answer: The permanent abolition of the army
Explanation: A pivotal outcome of Costa Rica's 1949 constitution was the permanent abolition of the nation's army.
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an area where Costa Rica performs well internationally?
Answer: Military strength
Explanation: The provided sources highlight Costa Rica's strong international performance in democratic governance, press freedom, and subjective happiness. Military strength is not listed among these areas.
What is the Spanish meaning of the name 'Costa Rica'?
Answer: Rich Coast
Explanation: The name 'Costa Rica' translates directly to 'Rich Coast' in Spanish.
During the colonial period, Costa Rica was described as:
Answer: The southernmost province of the Captaincy General of Guatemala, lacking resources
Explanation: During the colonial era, Costa Rica was characterized as the southernmost province of the Captaincy General of Guatemala, noted for its lack of resources and peripheral status, rather than as a prosperous center.
What was the immediate political challenge following Costa Rica's independence declaration in 1821?
Answer: Internal political divisions leading to the first civil war
Explanation: The immediate political challenge following Costa Rica's 1821 declaration of independence was internal division, which culminated in the first civil war in 1823.
Why did Costa Rica formally withdraw from the Federal Republic of Central America in 1838?
Answer: Because of distance, poor communication, and fostering local autonomy
Explanation: Costa Rica withdrew from the Federal Republic of Central America in 1838 primarily due to geographical distance, poor communication, and a desire to foster local autonomy.
Besides the 1948 civil war, what other period of violence occurred in Costa Rica during the 20th century?
Answer: The dictatorship of Federico Tinoco Granados (1917-1919)
Explanation: In addition to the 1948 civil war, Costa Rica experienced a period of violence during the military dictatorship of Federico Tinoco Granados from 1917 to 1919.
Costa Rica's foreign policy primarily aims to foster:
Answer: Human rights and sustainable development
Explanation: Costa Rica's foreign policy is primarily oriented towards fostering human rights and sustainable development as foundational elements for national stability and growth.
In 2007, Costa Rica switched its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to which country?
Answer: The People's Republic of China
Explanation: In 2007, Costa Rica shifted its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to the People's Republic of China.
Costa Rica's commitment to pacifism is most notably demonstrated by:
Answer: The permanent abolition of its army
Explanation: Costa Rica's profound commitment to pacifism is most demonstrably evidenced by the permanent abolition of its army in 1949.
Which statement accurately describes Costa Rica's relationship with the International Criminal Court (ICC)?
Answer: Costa Rica is a member and does not have a US military immunity agreement.
Explanation: Costa Rica is a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and notably does not possess a Bilateral Immunity Agreement with the United States military, distinguishing it from some other nations.
Costa Rica's economy remains primarily reliant on agriculture, with little diversification into other sectors.
Answer: False
Explanation: Costa Rica's economy has diversified significantly beyond agriculture, now including robust sectors such as finance, pharmaceuticals, software development, and ecotourism.
Coffee cultivation became Costa Rica's primary export by the 1820s, fueling modernization and creating the 'Coffee Barons'.
Answer: True
Explanation: By the 1820s, coffee had rapidly become Costa Rica's principal export commodity, significantly contributing to the nation's modernization efforts and the rise of the 'Coffee Barons'.
The construction of the San José to Limón railroad was primarily driven by the need to export coffee and led to the development of the banana industry.
Answer: True
Explanation: The San José to Limón railroad facilitated coffee exports and was instrumental in the subsequent development of the banana industry.
The primary sectors contributing to Costa Rica's modern economy are agriculture and mining.
Answer: False
Explanation: Costa Rica's modern economy is significantly diversified, with key sectors including pharmaceuticals, financial outsourcing, software development, and ecotourism, rather than primarily agriculture and mining.
Costa Rica's Free Trade Zones (FTZs) primarily focus on agricultural exports and provide minimal employment.
Answer: False
Explanation: Costa Rica's Free Trade Zones focus on manufacturing and service industries, providing substantial employment opportunities, not minimal employment or primarily agricultural exports.
Tourism generates less foreign exchange revenue for Costa Rica than its traditional agricultural exports.
Answer: False
Explanation: Since 1999, tourism has generated more foreign exchange revenue for Costa Rica than its traditional agricultural exports, such as bananas and coffee.
Costa Rica's infrastructure, including ports and roads, is considered modern and requires no significant upgrades.
Answer: False
Explanation: Costa Rica's infrastructure, particularly its ports and roads, requires significant upgrades and is not considered fully modern.
Minor C. Keith was instrumental in developing Costa Rica's banana plantations after building the railroad to Limón.
Answer: True
Explanation: Minor C. Keith's construction of the San José-Limón railroad led to land grants that facilitated the development of Costa Rica's significant banana plantations.
The 'Coffee Barons' were a wealthy class of coffee growers influential in Costa Rica's 19th-century modernization.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historically, the 'Coffee Barons' represented a wealthy stratum of coffee growers whose economic influence significantly contributed to Costa Rica's modernization and development in the 19th century.
Bureaucracy is identified as a challenge for Costa Rica's economic expansion, often described as slow and cumbersome.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source material explicitly identifies a slow and cumbersome bureaucracy as a significant challenge impacting Costa Rica's economic expansion.
Which sector has become increasingly important in Costa Rica's diversified economy, alongside finance and pharmaceuticals?
Answer: Ecotourism
Explanation: Ecotourism has emerged as a crucial sector in Costa Rica's diversified economy, complementing established industries like finance and pharmaceuticals.
What crop quickly became Costa Rica's primary export by the 1820s, driving modernization?
Answer: Coffee
Explanation: By the 1820s, coffee had rapidly become Costa Rica's principal export commodity, significantly contributing to the nation's modernization efforts.
Who was instrumental in building Costa Rica's first railroad from San José to Limón and developing the banana industry?
Answer: Minor C. Keith
Explanation: Minor C. Keith played a pivotal role in constructing Costa Rica's initial railroad connecting San José to Limón and subsequently developing the nation's banana industry.
Which of the following is a key sector contributing to Costa Rica's modern economy?
Answer: Software development
Explanation: Key sectors contributing to Costa Rica's contemporary economy include software development, alongside pharmaceuticals, financial outsourcing, and ecotourism.
What is the significance of Costa Rica's Free Trade Zones (FTZs) regarding employment?
Answer: They support job creation in manufacturing and service industries.
Explanation: Costa Rica's Free Trade Zones are significant for supporting job creation, particularly within the manufacturing and service industries, by offering incentives to businesses.
Since 1999, which sector has generated more foreign exchange revenue for Costa Rica than traditional agricultural exports?
Answer: Tourism
Explanation: Since 1999, the tourism sector has surpassed traditional agricultural exports in generating foreign exchange revenue for Costa Rica.
Which of the following is identified as a challenge for Costa Rica's infrastructure?
Answer: Need for major upgrades to ports and roads
Explanation: A significant challenge identified for Costa Rica's infrastructure is the necessity for major upgrades to its ports and road networks, among other systems.
What role do the 'Coffee Barons' play in Costa Rican history?
Answer: They were a wealthy class of coffee growers who contributed to modernization.
Explanation: Historically, the 'Coffee Barons' represented a wealthy stratum of coffee growers whose economic influence significantly contributed to Costa Rica's modernization and development in the 19th century.
Costa Rica has a population exceeding 10 million people and covers a land area larger than 100,000 square kilometers.
Answer: False
Explanation: Costa Rica's population is approximately five million, and its land area is nearly 51,180 square kilometers (19,760 square miles), falling short of the figures stated.
San José is the capital city of Costa Rica and is home to the majority of the country's population.
Answer: False
Explanation: While San José is the capital, it is home to approximately 350,000 residents, and its metropolitan area encompasses about two million people, which is a significant portion but not the absolute majority of the country's total population.
Costa Rica ranks among the top 10 nations globally in the Human Development Index (HDI).
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2023, Costa Rica ranked 62nd globally in the Human Development Index (HDI), placing it among nations with high human development but not within the top 10.
Historically, Costa Rica's indigenous peoples were primarily classified under the Andean cultural area.
Answer: False
Explanation: The provided sources classify Costa Rica's indigenous peoples within the Intermediate Area and the Isthmo-Colombian Area, not primarily under the Andean cultural area.
The cultural identity of Costa Rica is primarily influenced by French and German traditions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Costa Rica's cultural identity is primarily shaped by Native American, Spanish, and African influences, not French and German traditions.
'Pura Vida' is a Costa Rican expression signifying a complex, stressful lifestyle.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Costa Rican expression 'Pura Vida' signifies a philosophy of simple, stress-free, and positive living, not a complex or stressful lifestyle.
Costa Rica is consistently ranked poorly on indices of happiness and well-being.
Answer: False
Explanation: Costa Rica is consistently ranked highly on indices of happiness and well-being, not poorly.
Costa Rican cuisine is characterized by staple dishes featuring corn, reflecting indigenous heritage.
Answer: True
Explanation: Costa Rican cuisine incorporates staple dishes featuring corn, such as tamales, which reflect its indigenous culinary heritage.
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Costa Rica, and the national team reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2014.
Answer: True
Explanation: Football (soccer) is indeed the most popular sport in Costa Rica, and the national team achieved a significant milestone by reaching the World Cup quarter-finals in 2014.
The Nicoya Peninsula is recognized as a 'Blue Zone' where people commonly live exceptionally long and active lives.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Nicoya Peninsula is indeed recognized as a 'Blue Zone,' an area noted for inhabitants who commonly live exceptionally long and active lives.
The demonym 'Tico' or 'Tica' is used for Costa Ricans and is associated with the country's friendly culture.
Answer: True
Explanation: The terms 'Tico' and 'Tica' are common and affectionate demonyms for Costa Ricans, often linked to the nation's friendly cultural reputation.
Spanish is the primary language, but indigenous languages and Creole-English are not spoken in Costa Rica.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Spanish is the primary language, indigenous languages and a Creole-English language are spoken in Costa Rica, contrary to the assertion.
The 'Camino de Costa Rica' trail allows travelers to walk across the country from the Pacific to the Atlantic coast.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Camino de Costa Rica' trail facilitates walking across the country, but it connects the Atlantic to the Pacific coast, not vice versa as stated.
Surveys indicate a rise in Catholicism and a decline in Protestantism in Costa Rica.
Answer: False
Explanation: Current demographic trends in Costa Rica indicate a decline in the Catholic population, accompanied by a rise in Protestantism and irreligion, reflecting a broader societal secularization.
Which city serves as the capital of Costa Rica?
Answer: San José
Explanation: San José is the designated capital city of Costa Rica.
In 2023, what was Costa Rica's global ranking in the Human Development Index (HDI)?
Answer: 62nd
Explanation: Costa Rica achieved a global ranking of 62nd in the Human Development Index (HDI) as of 2023.
Historically, Costa Rica's indigenous peoples were classified as belonging to which area, characterized by the overlap of Mesoamerican and Andean cultures?
Answer: The Isthmo-Colombian Area
Explanation: Historical classifications place Costa Rica's indigenous peoples within the Intermediate Area and, more recently, the Isthmo-Colombian Area, reflecting the cultural confluence of Mesoamerican and Andean regions.
Costa Rica's culture is a blend of influences from which groups?
Answer: Native American, Spanish, and African
Explanation: Costa Rican culture is characterized by a synthesis of influences originating from Native American, Spanish, and African peoples.
What does the Costa Rican expression 'Pura Vida' signify?
Answer: A philosophy of simple, stress-free living
Explanation: The expression 'Pura Vida' signifies a philosophy of simple, stress-free, and positive living, embodying a relaxed and optimistic outlook.
The Nicoya Peninsula is recognized as a 'Blue Zone' where people commonly live exceptionally long and active lives.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Nicoya Peninsula is indeed recognized as a 'Blue Zone,' an area noted for inhabitants who commonly live exceptionally long and active lives.
What is the most popular sport in Costa Rica?
Answer: Football (soccer)
Explanation: Football, commonly known as soccer in many regions, is the most popular sport in Costa Rica.
The term 'Tico' or 'Tica' is a common and affectionate term for:
Answer: Costa Ricans
Explanation: The terms 'Tico' and 'Tica' are commonly used, affectionate demonyms referring to Costa Ricans.
Which of the following is NOT a primary influence on Costa Rican culture according to the source?
Answer: East Asian heritage
Explanation: While Native American, Spanish, and African heritage are primary influences on Costa Rican culture, East Asian traditions are not identified as such in the provided material.
What trend is observed in Costa Rica's religious demographics?
Answer: A decline in Catholicism and a rise in Protestantism and irreligion.
Explanation: Current demographic trends in Costa Rica indicate a decline in the Catholic population, accompanied by a rise in Protestantism and irreligion, reflecting a broader societal secularization.
Costa Rica spends approximately 3.8% of its GDP on education, which is below the global average.
Answer: False
Explanation: Costa Rica allocates approximately 6.2% of its GDP to education, which is notably higher than the global average of 3.8%.
Education in Costa Rica has been free and compulsory since 1886.
Answer: True
Explanation: Education in Costa Rica has been mandated as free and compulsory since 1886, reflecting a long-standing national commitment to accessible learning.
Costa Rica has a literacy rate of around 70%, with education only compulsory up to primary school.
Answer: False
Explanation: Costa Rica boasts a high literacy rate of approximately 97 percent and makes education free and compulsory from preschool through secondary school.
Challenges in Costa Rica's education system include a high dropout rate and a need for more STEM graduates.
Answer: True
Explanation: Key challenges facing Costa Rica's education system include a high dropout rate among secondary students and a demand for increased numbers of STEM graduates.
Costa Rica's healthcare system is ranked lower than that of the United States, despite its lower GDP.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the statement, Costa Rica's healthcare system is frequently ranked higher than that of the United States, notwithstanding its lower Gross Domestic Product.
How does Costa Rica's government spending on education compare to the global average?
Answer: It is notably higher than the global average.
Explanation: Costa Rica's government expenditure on education, approximately 6.2% of GDP, is notably higher than the global average of 3.8%.
How does Costa Rica's healthcare system compare internationally, according to the source?
Answer: It is often ranked higher than the United States' system.
Explanation: According to the provided information, Costa Rica's healthcare system is frequently ranked higher than that of the United States, despite the nation's lower Gross Domestic Product.
What is a key challenge facing Costa Rica's education system?
Answer: A high dropout rate among secondary school students
Explanation: A significant challenge confronting Costa Rica's education system is the elevated dropout rate observed among secondary school students.