This work is a fascinating guide to one of Latin America’s most stable and progressive nations, examining the country’s development, unique features, and the challenges Costa Ricans face in the 21st century. * Provides a chronology of key events in the evolution of the nation of Costa Rica from early signs of civilization over three thousand years ago through colonization and independence to the present * Includes political and geographical maps with photographs of natural attractions, tropical animals and plants, and the nation’s people