Talk:Costa Rica/Archive 1

Opening comments
165.123.142.82 did what I would call vandalism: changing from a country in central america to a mexican state: I Valecia reverted it. I´m a Costa Rican and since we didn´t join the Mexican Empire of Iturbide we haven´t been part of México!.Crio de la Paz 23:17, 30 April 2006 (UTC)

The official language of costa rica is Spanish. I removed the English entry: in the caribbean the native language of a lot of the population could be refered to as english but it is usually classified as some sort of creole or patois language from what I remember of reading the ethnologue. Bribri and cabecar are also native languages from this native people and are not the official language of Costa Rica. There are also some colonies of menonite germans and of italians, etc. The point being that these are not "offical" languages. --Crio 20:35, 29 April 2006 (UTC)

Does anyone know where I could find a summer job in Costa Rica?? I am a student from the America. LeviFunk
 * Hmm, Wikipedia is an encyclopedia, please use Wikitravel or a web search engine, maybe you can get better luck there. EliasTorres 07:44, 28 Apr 2005 (UTC)

Most of this info is in the main economy article (and, of course, the cia w-factbook). I may whack it down a bit and move other info to the main economy articxle as time allows. Zosodada 19:49, 5 Jan 2005 (UTC) --

Does Costa Rica and Belize really have the same coat of arms? Den fjättrade ankan 21:40, 21 Nov 2003 (UTC)
 * Compare Coat_of_Arms_of_Belize and image:CostaRica_coa.jpg EliasTorres 07:44, 28 Apr 2005 (UTC)

If anyone needs some pictures from Costa Rica of, say, the plantlife and terrain, I took some on my last trip down there and would gladly upload them... I have things like coffee fields, living fences, lots of tropica flora, rainshadow effect pictures, epiphytes, etc. Rei
 * Please do not use the Wikipedia increase your rank in the search engines. It may be considered spam. EliasTorres 07:44, 28 Apr 2005 (UTC)

There's no language section in the article - if anyone can add something I'd be very grateful. Hughcharlesparker 12:48, July 12, 2005 (UTC)

There is a big mistake where it says Costa Rica was the richest colony in Central America. The whole paragraph argues for it being the poorest, which it was. I cannot review it, so please someone that can do so. User:HernandoP 4:45, December 17, 2007  —Preceding unsigned comment added by Hpantigoso (talk • contribs) 21:41, 17 December 2007 (UTC)

Famous Costa Ricans
I'm trying to add Gil Chaverri - Chemist, Physicist to the list of famous Costa Ricans, however I cannot. He rearranged the periodic table, has numerous publications and books that he authored and sold around the world, he taught at the UACA Medical School for several years. Also Madeleine Stowe, Actor. She is Costa Rican. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Mccuffster (talk • contribs) 12:24, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

For what compelling reason did El_C delete my section about famous Costa Ricans like astronaut Franklin Chang-Diaz? I'm putting it back and adding another famous Costa Rican to boot, Nobel Peace Prize winner Oscar Arias. GreatAlfredini aka 66.80.5.229 08/03/2005 12:17 PM PDT.

I have some concern about this list of famous Costa Ricans: personally I agree with some choices but disagree with others. Any way I think the actual contents of the list are POV. From my own POV I think the list in the spanish site is much better.--Crio de la Paz 02:32, 1 May 2006 (UTC)

I'm was trying to add another famous costarican, but was not able, Jorge Strunz, world-known guitar player. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Caedocha (talk • contribs) 19:28, 6 January 2009 (UTC)

Why does the opening paragraph of the the article state that "Costa Rica has one of the biggest armys [sic] in the world"? The article later states that the army has been abolished.

Costarica does have an army. They have the same uniform and use the same weapons such as m-16 and same military vehicles use by teh united states army, so why not call it an amry?

Costa Rica has not army. It has a "Civil Police" and "Judicial Police". The first one is intended to protect the civil population from domestic criminality. In the latest years, this force has been improved in training and equipment, but still under the command of civil authorities, so it cannot be considered as an army. The Judicial Police, also called O.I.J. (from Organismo de Investigación Judicial) is supposed to be a scientific police, in charge of investigations for the crimes such homicides, narcotics, organized crime, and all sort of different investigations, that are stipulated on it creation rules book. The O.I.J. depends from the Court and responds to it. Beside the fact that the Civil Police use an uniform ( as every police in the civilized world ) and some of them has been trained to handle urban conflicts ( that exists in almost every country ), comparing this forces with an army is not only inaccurate but even funny. (Randall solano (talk) 13:50, 11 December 2007 (UTC)Fsol)

I bet most big city police forces have more fire power than all of the police forces in Costa Rica!!! There is no army as such: no conscription, no generals, no military coups... See the history of our neighbours including El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Colombia...--Crio de la Paz 23:17, 30 April 2006 (UTC)

Nicaragua has filed a complaint against costarica before the interamerican court of human rights for violating the rights of immigrant nicaraguans in costarica. So far the most "important" is the case of a nicaraguan killed in costarica by two rotweilers mean while costaricans including the owner of the dogs, bystandars and security forces stood watching and didn't do absolutely nothing to portect the nicaraguan screaming, crying for his life. Not so peaceful and non violent of a society seems to me.

The sad episode aforementioned, is a scare that Costa Rican, we will hold as a black dot on our common memory. The fact is that it is sad, not because the victim was an illegal immigrant involved in a breaking up of a private property, with a large criminal record for same kind of violations, but because he was a human been. What happened was large and deeply investigated and the two police officers who didn’t react in front of such situation, by killing the dog involved in the attack, are now facing criminal accusation, and they will pay by their negligence according to the penal code of Costa Rica. Trying to use such episode as an example to define the hectic an moral values of the people of Costa Rica, is unfair and fanatic. It is sad to conceive opinions with such a little information on hand.

What´s your source for saying this episode (2 possible inept cops one rotweiler... go check on riots in LA disturbs in France, manifestiations in Australia, kidnapings in Colombia... I could go on and on!) is the "most important"? What really is going on is a problem of excesive illegal inmigration, it´s toll on social services and what to do about it! The biggest issue has been costarican police incursions in poor neighbourhoods where a lot of illegal inmigrants from nicaragua (and other countries, and legal inmigrants and poor costaricans!) live and discussions about policies regarding social services to illegal inmigrants, not 2 rotweilers, a couple of police officers and a whole bunch of people behaving in this awful way!!! I do worry tough because a lot of my fellow costaricans are becoming (from my point of view) xenophobic towards nicaraguans _and_ a lot of nicaraguans (here in Costa Rica and in Nicaragua) are becoming xenophobic towards costaricans!!! --Crio de la Paz 23:17, 30 April 2006 (UTC)


 * Costa Rica does not have an army. PERIOD. Our constitution from 1948 abolished ::it. Our police forces obviously use guns, in which other way could they defend ::the people?.


 * The case about the rotweillers is out of place in this discussion what it has::to do with the army?.


 * I wonder if you ever been in Costa Rica?. If not please come by and take a look ::for yourself. More than 1 million tourists a year seems to me a measure of how::safe and peaceful the country is. It is not like violence doesnt exist,
 * the human race is far away from forming a single society without violence, (if it ever had been
 * possible) so don't preach on what you don't know. Heosphoros

I have just came from Costa Rica and I can tell you they dont have an army but they do have strong security at their banks and malls. The security gaurds at the bank have large semi automatic weapons and at the mall they have shotguns. It is far from tranquil in Costa Rica. (FreddyG)

I just came from a visit to the Vatican, and there were guys carrying semi automatic weapons, and I had to pass trough metal detectors to visit a church. Is that meaning that the Vatican is a dangerous place?. Common sense motivate to have discouraging measures in such places like banks and malls, it is better to prevent than to be sorry. I been travelling for almost half of my life, and I haven’t been in a bank in any country were I been, that doesn’t have some source of preventive measures. That is not because the country is unsafe but as and effect of the global grown in criminality acts all around the world. Costa Rica is not the exemption but either the example (Randall Solano)

Caribbean Wikipedians' notice board
I would like to announce the establishment of the Caribbean Wikipedians' notice board. Anyone with an interest in the Caribbean is welcome to join in. Guettarda 1 July 2005 03:56 (UTC)

Culture section
The culture section seems like it has poor quality (esp. with the parens (and sub parens)). The second para were y'all try to explain the dimunuative seems esp. silly. Couldn't you just link to Diminutive or Tico

The Switzerland of CA? Blatant POV.
The article states that CR "is often refered [sic] to as the Switzerland of Central America". I ask, by whom? As far as I can tell, only Costa Ricans themselves ever use the expression (stating an opinion which is in actuality not shared in many other countries), which would then make this statement blatantly biased. I suggest removing the sentence altogether. --SaulPerdomo 18:21, 2 November 2005 (UTC)

OK, it's been over 6 months, and the statement is still there, in the same form. Evidently this talk page hasn't been very fruitful in that respect; but I'm not very familiar with WP's policy in these cases (nor do I want to get into a petty flamewar regarding an affectionate nickname), so I won't take it upon myself to edit it. However, the point remains valid: it is POV, and while WP likes to be enriched by differing points of view (in the sense that every unique individual has his/her own unique POV), that does not mean that we shouldn't strive for a neutral POV. In any case, I ask what is so great about comparing CR to a country that was proven to be anything but neutral in aiding the Nazi regime to hide the gold looted from Jews killed in the Holocaust? --SaulPerdomo 19:28, 29 June 2006 (UTC)

It is the Switerland of the Americas because Cananda has been part of the British Empire up 40 to 50 years ago. So that means it canada is not even close lol. In fact no one will ever say that about canada that Canada is "the Switzerland of the Americas" so yes it even surpasses Cananda in peacefulness and longer Standing Democracy.

Oh i reivewed your sources and they said what i said before that urugauy used to be " the switerland of the ameircas" and it is still for South America but for the ENTIRE Americas. Thats where Costa Rica still wins and that why it should be of the Americas not just of central America. Just as my sources proved before you totally deleted everything i said and took a way all my sources so i will revert without even asking you just like you did to me. Your logic makes no sense as you posted also "sources" that state it is refered to as the Switzerland of the Americas". Your sources all state it being the Switerland of the Americas and some even contridict them selves which shows how there some are not very accurate.  Also NONE of them say Costa Rica is "the Switerland of the Central America" as you put so dont make things up or come to conclusions you dont even know about because not one of YOUR source is stating it "the Switerland of Central America".

Urugauy is no longer the Switzerlander of the Americas it used to be but ever since it military dictatorship it has lost its title. Costa Rica has NEVER had a military dicatorship and only had two periods of unrest there for Costa Rica is the Switzerland of the entire Americas while Urugauy is just in South America. I will revert the page and this time show you my sources. Unsigned by 24.60.161.63, please review WP:SIG. El_C 21:52, 9 December 2005 (UTC)


 * Both Costa Rica and Uruguay (relatively recently) have been called the Switzerland of Latin America (or the Americas), but only Costa Rica has been called the Switzerland of Central America and only Uruguay has been called the Switzerland of South America. It makes sense to be specific. References bellow are fairly random, but illustrate this usage outside of my own mind. El_C 08:55, 9 December 2005 (UTC)


 * But as I said, it was so noted recently enough; there is no need to clutter the lead with sources, we have the talk page here; your sources are not particularly authoritative (read: WP:RS), and you did not close the quoatation marks; you deleted a section of my response, and you placed your comments at the top rather than at the foot of the section &mdash; please refrain from that and please put grearer effeorts in learning how Wikipedia works; finally, Americas also implies Canada. El_C 21:52, 9 December 2005 (UTC)

Uruguay

 * Hrick, Christine. "State Terrorism in 'the Switzerland of South America'". Latin American Perspectives
 * "[W]as often called the “Switzerland of Latin America." montevideo.usembassy.gov
 * "[O]nce called the 'Switzerland of the Americas'." International Center, University of Utah

Costa Rica

 * "[H]ad been called the 'Switzerland of the Americas'". U.S. Department of Commerce
 * "[S]ometimes called the 'Switzerland of Latin America'" Instituto Británico
 * "[I]ts unofficial title as the "Switzerland of Central America" International Trade Canadait is the best thing ever

The fact of this highly POV contentious statement being sourced does not legitimise its presence in the article. our duty is NPOV and so this praising Costa Rica opinion has no place in the opening paragraph, SqueakBox 18:26, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

Nobody is saying it isn't true but it is not appropriate for the opening paragraph so I have moved it to the top of the culture section, SqueakBox 18:46, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

Calling Costa Rica the Switerland of the Americas is not a culture thing. Many Americans who come to Costa Rica also use this term including many travel services. it not a POV its just what it been refered to by others.

Well find somewhere else in the article that is not the opening for it. Trying to compare other American and Central American countries unfavourably with Costa Rica in the opening is pure POV. Please read NPOV, SqueakBox 18:56, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

It has nothing to do with Costa Rican Culture it belongs and i dont believe it violates the NPOV saying that people openly say Costa Rica is more Peaceful then other American Countries because it history proves it.

Yes it does in the opening. People say the US is Satan, does that mean that should go into the opening there. Have you read NPOV? SqueakBox 19:02, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

it doesnt belong in the culture section though and it introuduces a little about how peaceful costa rica is.

Well that is cultural, though I have to say I don't personally believe Costa Rica is either a particularly safe or peaceful country, SqueakBox 19:08, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

Just becuase you dont believe it doesnt mean its right sorry. You could be the one saying US is satan. Please you are pretty much admiting that you deleted the qoute in the first place because you dont agree with it. Not becuase of the NPOV. We have creditable sources on this very talk page. You on the other hand are NOT a creditable source.

I said I don't think it is a peaceful country because you said it is, this after I had done my reverts, so your imputation of my motivations is false. I removed it because it is opinion that in the opening paragraph pretends to be fact while showering praise on Costa Rica, but my personal beliefs don't come into it. try reading Assume good faith, SqueakBox 19:17, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

I have made it clear that I am not disputing that some people think this, but big deal as I say some people think the US is Satan but we dobn't put charged POV statements like this in the opening. Please follow wikipedia policies in how you edit, SqueakBox 19:19, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

Your statements are so wishwashy thought You first Delete the statement entirely then when I revert it you put it in another section. Seriously something is up. And just because You dont think its a peaceful country, the Creditable sources at top by El_C dont lie. Seriously looking back at the log now heres what you wrote the first time " (rm contentious statement and untrue statement about political stability) " haha now you say its true it just doesnt belong there. seriously read the talk full of the creditable sources before changing things you dont like to hear.

If you won't argue respectfully I won't bother arguing at all. Please be civil, see Civility. What has El C got to do with this? (I know what he has to do with you). Costa Rica is not an example of political stability in the region. You said you are trying to promote how peaceful Costa Rica is on this site. Please don't, there are many places you can do that on the web but this is not one of them, SqueakBox 19:32, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

What is your source for saying that "costa rica is not an example of political stability in the region". In Central America Costa Rican history compared to guatemala´s, el savadors´s, honduras, nicaragua, and panama does prove the point: costa rica has been a democratic state since 1948. In the rest of this countries there have been wars, military coups and the like in this period!--Crio de la Paz 23:23, 30 April 2006 (UTC)

The "Centralamerican Switzerland" issue got popularised among costaricans by means of a very popular folk song called "Linda Costa Rica", where it's lyrics state "Por ser tan linda Costa Rica la llaman la Suiza centroamericana" which roughly translates into "for being so beautiful Costa Rica is called the centralamerican Switzerland". This verse is repeated over and over again throughout the song. Another of the verses says "Es Costa Rica la reina del café" (Costa Rica is the queen of coffee", refering of course to the role of coffee as a major export. This very song is thus very patriotic, and of course reflects mostly an idillic Costa Rica. It really shouldn't be taken at face value.

I agree that the claim to costa rica being "la suiza centroamericana" and that stuff shouln´t be taken at face value. It´s a cultural thing, based on this song that has being popular and used in political speaches and such. I do think it has a place here regarding costarican culture and beliefs. The fact is also that this is a point of discussion (even here!) Is costa rica "like" switzerland in any way? what does this really mean? are we (costaricans) really that peaceful? I think this whole thing is important regarding what costa rica is but should be written in a way that is NPOV.--Crio de la Paz 23:23, 30 April 2006 (UTC)

I don't understand why this discussion would go on after the references were posted. Uruguay and Costa Rica have been called the Switzerland of America. And...one last thing...Even Wikipedias bylaws state that POV ARE useful, because, Wikipedia is not a dictionary, so the stoic rejection of POV is just not true. I think some of the contributors here have to calm down. Just because they don't ike the facts, doesn't mean they are not true.Manuzel 03:06, 5 May 2006 (UTC)

POV : I am Costa Rican as well as Swiss citizen. I can tell you that I feel proud of been both. The two country shares a lot of great values : democracy, tolerance, preference for peace solutions, both are neutral to military conflicts from their political constitution, both have a great development in aspects as industry, education, health care, and even geographically, they are very alike, with the distinction that Switzerland has snow on its mountains and Costa Rica not. In any rate, is there any relevance in the fact that Costa Rican feels proud to compare themselves with the Swiss ? , I will concern the day we like to compare to dictatorial regimes with not respect for human life or freedom of rights of the minorities. Randall solano (talk) 14:23, 11 December 2007 (UTC)

stability
Please source that people generally think Costa rica is an example opf political stability in the region. Sure in the eighties, but the whole region is stable right now. IMO this is a cheap shot at the other CA countries. Stop trying to add your pro Costa Rica opinions to this article as if they are fact, SqueakBox 19:36, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

You must source your POV. I dopn't need to source it is wrong. Are you listening to what I anm saying. You have provided no argum ents for your stance today and for such an inexperienced editor you seem to be a great edit warrior, SqueakBox 19:40, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

"====Costa Rica====
 * "[H]ad been called the 'Switzerland of the Americas'". U.S. Department of Commerce
 * "[S]ometimes called the 'Switzerland of Latin America'" Instituto Británico
 * "[I]ts unofficial title as the "Switzerland of Central America" International Trade Canadait is the best thing ever"

OMG. Ive have told you just about every time to scroll up! But no you dont do so. Ok! jesus you need to listen more El_C has gotten these Creditable sources. ok? did i really have to put them on here.

Please be civil. No, these only say it is the Switzerland of the Americas, I want a surce that it is generally accepted tha\t Costa Rica is the most political stable copuntry in the region in 2005. Please provide that source, SqueakBox 19:46, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

ok WoW ? seriously that what the "swtierzland of the Americas" means damn it! jesus christ

Once you source your claim that it is currently the most political stable country in the region I will put it back in but I bet you can't source it because it isn't true, though it was probably up till about 10 years ago, as there has been no civil war in the region for since 96, SqueakBox 19:52, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

Are you kidding? wow ignorance... anyway here are a bunch of sources. I'm finding more as this is posted.

http://www.costaricainfo.com/

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cs.html

http://www.immigration-usa.com/wfb2004/costa_rica/costa_rica_economy.html

http://www.businesscostarica.com/

http://www.cocori.com/library/crinfo/nutshel.htm

http://www.vivacostarica.com/costa-rica-retirement.html

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107430.html

http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761572479/Costa_Rica.html#s1

Only http://www.vivacostarica.com/costa-rica-retirement.html claims it is the most stable country in the region, as would I if was trying to persuade retired Americans to live there. Then others just say it is stable which is very different from making a comparison, SqueakBox 20:06, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

You are not reading correctly then.

Infoplease.com a creitable sources state this "Costa Rica has a reputation as one of the most stable, prosperous, and least corrupt Latin American countries."http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107430.html

http://www.cocori.com/library/crinfo/nutshel.htm "Costa Rica is home to one of the oldest democracies in the Americas. The country has been noted for its friendliness and preoccupation with peace. Its policy of active neutrality has twice earned it the nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1987 this prestigious award was presented to then-president of the Republic Dr. Oscar Arias. This, the fact that over a quarter of its territory enjoys protection in the ever-growing network of national parks and reserves, its continued dedication to environmental protection, and many other reasons answer why Costa Rica has repeatedly been referred to as the Switzerland of the Americas."

So trust me i am right

I have now added It is seen as one of the most stable countries in Latin America. in the politics section. Favourable comparisons with other CA countries is unnecessary, SqueakBox 20:12, 31 December 2005 (UTC) No because if you look at the two sources they state it is the most. and this is why it is refered to as the "switerzland of the Americas" Thats what the title "Switerland of the Americas" mean

As I have said, I am not disputing the switzerland of the Americas statement merely its placing. The only thing you have to credibly source is that it is currently the most stable country in ther region, and even then I would argue it is an unnecessary comparison that insults other CA countries, but you have only sourced that claim with a retirement in Costa Rica ad, which doesn't count, SqueakBox 20:17, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

I believe it is necessary, it shows how stable and peaceful Costa Rica has been in history comapred to its others. http://www.cocori.com/library/crinfo/nutshel.htm "Costa Rica is home to one of the oldest democracies in the Americas. The country has been noted for its friendliness and preoccupation with peace. Its policy of active neutrality has twice earned it the nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1987 this prestigious award was presented to then-president of the Republic Dr. Oscar Arias. This, the fact that over a quarter of its territory enjoys protection in the ever-growing network of national parks and reserves, its continued dedication to environmental protection, and many other reasons answer why Costa Rica has repeatedly been referred to as the Switzerland of the Americas." This not a retirement site and states very clearly

And what are you talking about https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cs.html states the same too."Costa Rica is a Central American success story: since the late 19th century,"

http://centralamerica.com/cr/info/"Don Pepe died in 1990 a national hero, his deeds having set the scene for the social and economic progress that would earn Costa Rica the reputation as a peaceful and stable island of democracy in one of the world's most politically unstable, and often war-torn regions"

http://www.intel.com/jobs/costarica/sites/heredia.htm"...politically and economically stable countries in Latin America and is its oldest democracy, with a long-standing democratic tradition and one of the highest education standards in the region. "

This is not the place to either prove what a great country Costa Rica is or that the other CA countries are not so good. That is your POV not encyclopedic material. If you just want top promote CR do so elsewhere, SqueakBox 20:31, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

Now i think your just biased because I have shown you plenty of encyclopedic material that states this and you just won't accept it. Which makes sense after reading that you live and have an Honduranian wife.

Your 1990 quote is out of date and you still fail to source the disparaging claims about other CA countries. You have clearly failed to source your claim. You bet I won't accept your claims that disparage Honduras. Why should I? SqueakBox 20:34, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

I don't make opinionated claims about Honduras, and I am wanting you to not make them about CR, SqueakBox 20:36, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

You have sourced that it is considered the switzerland of the Alps and that it is considered politically stable, and both those bits of info are now in the article. What more do you want? Does it have to be the best, the most opeaceful or what? SqueakBox 20:38, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

IMO the quote about CR being a success story with $9,490 average wage is a joke, I wonder what the minimum wage is, clearly high enough to attract Nica workers but not anyone else. The CIA may consider that to be a success story but I think in saying that they are just being patronising, SqueakBox 20:41, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

Yes it should say so. you dont get it i had an exact conflict the other time with the user El_C and im tried of this coming up. I proved my points and its pretty obvious that some of my sources that arent even retirement websites state it. I dont believe it is being biaist if it was to be it would be like "Costa Rica is the most peaceful country in the Americas becuase the rest of Latin America has to many wars" all it stated was that many refered it to as such. And please everything you have said has just been shoved up ur mouth becuase you are speaking with NO SOURCES. I am. like that Igorant qoute right above. PS that GDP is a lot better then all the other central american countries. And it is 200 dollars off of Russias GDP to date

You have not sourced your claims. Give me a cached version with your claim about Costa Rica being better and then you will have sourced it. I don't have to source that your extreme opinion is not true. your gfzailure to source your claims other than with ads is glaring. Stop being juvenile and rude. If that is how you are and you are not willing to change hyou won't last very long here as rude boresd are not tolerated, SqueakBox 20:50, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

You are the one who is acting like this and as i can see from your log many people feel the same way about you. I have given you the sources and now you state that i dont? please. Besides, how am i going to respect you for saying ignorant things about Costa Rica?

Nobody thinks that. Nor have I insulted you but I am willing to take on trolls. You have blatantly insulted me on various occasions, you have been blocked for vandalism, you have made false claims and pretended to be an admin. Now stop insulting me, SqueakBox 20:54, 31 December 2005 (UTC) \ Why revert. Your opinions shouldn't go in the opening. We don't all share your belief CR is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Your arguments ahve failed, your harrassment does nobody any favours and so now you revert back to your opinion. Obviously you care a lot more about CR than you do about wikipedia, very sad, SqueakBox 21:09, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

I do care a lot about Wikipedia that is why im putting this Factual piece of Information up, I'm glad one of the users moved it to more suitable spot thought. So you can not say i dont care about Wikipedia. Now you are putting words into people's mouths. I never said Costa Rica was the most "superior" thing. All I state is what the page used to state before you kept reverting: "Costa Rica is seen as an example of political stability in the region, and is referred to as the "Switzerland of the Americas"." that's all.... nothing about being better than sliced bread.

I am very happy with what is there at the moment. Nothing in the opening paragraph, and the comments aren't implying Costa Rica is the best country in the region. That is all I wanted. Are you happy with what we have? SqueakBox 22:00, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

See here's the difference, that comment has been seen by many other users god knows how many times now, and no one but you has brought atention to it althought they have added to the page lots. I don't honestly think anyone thinks this statement means "Costa Rica is better", neither do I. It's just an important qoutation about what people have said about Costa Ricas history of peace and the abolishment of the army. And I am sorry if I misunderstood you, but since you deleted it entirely the first time I just thought you did because you had not liked it.

Pabloalbv 19:11, 26 January 2006 (UTC)Claims on CR's political stability have an empirical foothold, nevertheless in order not to make any comments that might despise the rest of Central America the title Switzerland of CA must be used with care, also no one in Costa Rica these days considers our country to be a Switzerland. With regards of CR's GDP a good source of first hand information is CR's yearly State of the Nation, a compilation of statistics coupled with analysis of social and economic trends: http://www.estadonacion.or.cr/. With regards of the term "Nica" workers my suggestion of to refrain from making desparaging comments or engage into verbal abuse against Nicaraguans, after all people who fought an alleged "Satan" for a whole decade and prevailed deserve some respect.Pabloalbv 19:11, 26 January 2006 (UTC)

I read through the argument, and I think what the article says now is fine, but I'm not sure why the same bit appears word for word in two locations. History section as well as politics section. Perhaps it is more relevant in one section, and should appear exclusively there, or one section could have it reworded a bit.NewishUser 15:06, 12 March 2006 (UTC)

Costa Rica has had a democratic and stable government since 1948, the rest of the central american region hasn´t (there have being wars, military coups, and nondemocratic regimes). I don´t see how stating that within this region Costa Rica has been stable. It does seem POV to me to state that "generally people" believe in this stability. This is a gross generalisation. I think it would be best to state that "some sources have mentioned costa rica as an example of political stability in the central american region". --Crio de la Paz 01:50, 1 May 2006 (UTC)

I agree with Crio. Stating that Costa Rica is the most stable country in the region is not insulting to the other Centralamerican countries. It's the truth, and insisting otherwise is just anoying reflects a personal subplot. You can even look at the CIA world factbook and they mention that "Costa Rica is a Central American success story"...Could it be that it's because other Central American nations have had a harder time? Stating that one country is good does not mean others are bad. For that matter all Central American nations are relatively stable if you compare them to some african nations, and I think most would agree to that statement. Drop the issue, it's a no brainer.Manuzel 02:51, 5 May 2006 (UTC)

This is my very first post on wikipedia. I studied at a University in Costa Rica (but am from the US) and am now a graduate student in Political Science in the US, currently doing a research paper on democratic peace, stability and consolidation in Costa Rica. I wanted to note that John Booth (1998) in his book "Costa Rica: Quest for Democracy" notes Costa Rica as the longest standing democratic regime in Latin America (the wikipedia page notes this, but says a citation is needed). He cites John Peeler's (1985) book: "Latin American Democracies: Colombia, Costa Rica, Venezuela" as a further citation. Thank you. kyoars 11:24, 8 Nov 2007 (UTC)