Costa Rica

Given the fact that Costa Rica devotes its greatest efforts to education and health, it comes as no surprise to know that the people may freely use any of the numerous libraries existing all over the country. The largest of all is the National Library, standing opposite the National Park in the capital. Its collection of books and documents, as well as microfilms, is one of the most complete of its kind. All educational institutions have their own library, ranging from the large University libraries to the small rural public libraries, as well as those possessed by secondary education schools. The Municipalities (cantonal governments) have their own public libraries, both in the capitals and in the other villages of the cantons. Mention should be made of the fact that over the past few years various national publishing houses have been created, the main one being the Costa Rica Publishing House, depending from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. This particular publishing house has published a great many books by good many authors and has thus made an extremely rich contribution to our libraries. It has also encouraged the tico the strive ever harder to improve his own cultural knowledge within the framework of healthy national pride.

The Bri-Bri tribe has lived for many centuries in the Talamanca Cordillera (the country’s highest) and has managed to preserve its vernacular language, customs and traditions. The tribe is practically the only native one remaining which still maintains its own identity in Costa Rica (however, it is fully integrated into national life in all its aspects) and as such has been given special attention by the State, particularly as regards health and education and the protection of its native values. Indeed in that part of the country there is a cultural radio station which broadcasts programs in the Bri-Bri language. There is also a newspaper written exclusively in Bri-Bri- It is interesting to observe the traditional folk ceremonies of the Bri-Bri tribe, especially those performed within their religious and cultural context and which have been preserved by them for many hundreds of years. Through  its cultural and linguistic bodies the University of Costa Rica has prepared a grammar book and a spelling book of the Bri-Bri language which have been invaluable tools in the training of people to collaborate with the Bri-Bri tribe.

Higher education in Costa Rica has seen dramatic development. Although this kind of education has always figured high on the list of the country’s priorities, it was not until 70 years ago that this field really begun to flourish. The most important landmark in the recent history of education in Costa Rica was the reopening of the University of Costa Rica. Then came the founding of the National University and later, the creation of the Costa Rica Technological Institute followed by the Central American Autonomous University and the UNED. The existence of all these institutions as well as private universities and schools for vocational training, agreements concluded with the universities of other countries (particularly with the United States) has meant that national potential has been developed to the full. In fact, Costa Rica is self-sufficient as regards the liberal professions, and graduates grouped together in their professional colleges have become fully integrated into the country’s development. It is worth pointing out that students come from numerous countries all over the world to train in our higher education institutions, especially medical and paramedical areas, in different branches of engineering and business administration as well as agricultural sciences.