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.

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.

To talk about schools in Costa Rica is to talk about the most important institution. If it was said 50 years ago, and quite rightly, that in Costa Rica there were more teachers than soldiers, today it can be said that thanks to the law of the Republic there is no Army, and by the same law there is no population center which does not have its own school. Primary education is by law free and compulsory and paid for by the State. One of every four civil servants is a teacher; 25% of the national budget is earmarked for education. Many visitors to the country are surprised by the fact that during the frequent parades on the occasion of patriotic or protocol acts, our highest authorities, in an atmosphere of good citizenship, are surrounded by a veritable “army” of uniformed schoolchildren together with their bands of music and the national flag. The teaching year begins in February and ends in December, interrupted by a fortnight’s holiday in July.