“A government should not function based on pressure from anyone or anything else. I should try to adapt a mix of measures that fits each context and generates the appropriate steps forward." [Laura Chinchilla, President of Costa Rica] Costa Rica's history, geography, people, lifestyle and society are very important to the country's development. History In 1559, Costa Rica was conquered by the Spanish. The city Cartago was founded by Juan Vasquez de Coronado, but was then destroyed in 1723 by the Irazù volcano. In 1821, Costa Rica became independent from Spain and became part of Augustin de Iturbide's Mexican Empire, but in 1823 it entered into a civil war with Mexico and gained its freedom. Costa Rica also experienced difficult times. A disgruntled Southerner from the United States named William Walker sought to turn Central America into a slave state and attempted to invade with just 50 men. Defeated by Mexico, he moved to Costa Rica. There he was defeated and was later executed in Honduras. In 1948, civil war broke out in Costa Rica. Dr. Rafael Angel Calderon and the United Christian Social Party refused to release presidential power after losing the election. Calderon was then defeated by Jose Maria Figueres Ferrer in a month. Ferrer became one of Costa Rica's most influential leaders. He headed the founding junta of the Second Republic of Costa Rica, made extensive reforms in politics and civil rights, and gave women and blacks the right to vote. Furthermore, the Communist Party was banned, banks were nationalized, and presidential term limits were established. As you can see, Ferrer had a great influence on Costa Rica. Geography Costa Rica has a very complex geography. Its coastal plain is separated by rugged mountains, the Cordillera... in the center of the card... music and dance. SocietyCosta Rica has a very simple society. It is a democratic republic presided over by Laura Chinchilla, the first female president of Costa Rica. Its economy is based on agriculture. Their different means of transportation are shuttles, car rentals, taxis and even horses. Costa Ricans are highly literate people. There are schools present in every community. The University of Costa Rica enrolls approximately 35,000 students per year, most on scholarships. Costa Rica also has excellent healthcare. Their private hospitals offer high-quality medical care, cost a small fraction of the equivalent cost in the United States, and are constantly updated. Doctors rarely charge more than $60 per visit. The World Health Organization has placed Costa Rica among the top countries in the world for long life expectancy.