1. Like many Latin American countries, Costa Rica declared independence from Spain in 1821. However, it didn’t declare its sovereignty and become Costa Rica proper until 1839. What happened in the interim? Who governed Costa Rica? What was the República Federal de Centroamérica? Who belonged and when and why did it dissolve?

2. “Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Nicaragua, led by its new president from Nashville, Tennessee, threatens to invade Costa Rica!!” This might have been a headline in 1856. Who was William Walker? How did he become president of Nicaragua? Why was he trying to invade Costa Rica? What do Costa Ricans celebrate on March 11? Who is Juan Santamaría and how is he remembered in present-day Costa Rica?

3. Don Pepe described himself as a “farmer socialist” and was later described by others as a fierce pacifist. Yet, he disrupted Costa Rica’s period of democracy to mount a bloody revolution in 1948. Who was this famous Costa Rican historical figure? What was Don Pepe’s real name? How did he influence Costa Rica? What are some of his most important accomplishments? For what was he most critical of the U.S.?

4. La Universidad Earth.... What is the mission of this university? Where do most of the professors come from? What kind of degree can one earn there? What classes would you take? Read the description of their Academic Programs and educational philosophy and describe what is innovative about EARTH.

5. How do Costa Rica’s leatherback sea turtles (tortugas baulas) differ from the other 6 types? Why is there such a concerted effort to protect them? What threatens their survival? What do swordfish and tuna have to do with their decline?

6. If slow and steady wins the race, the Costa Rica’s sloths (perezosos) deserve a gold medal. Why are Sloths the slowest moving mammals on earth? Why are their internal organs out of place? What is the difference between a two and three-toed Sloth? To see just how slow they are, search the internet for videos of Sloths. Do they remind you of any other animals you have seen?

7. Manuel Antonio may be Costa Rica’s smallest national park but due to its tremendous biodiversity it is also the most visited park in the country. It boasts 109 species of mammals and 184 different kinds of birds. Name and describe 2 or 3 animals or birds you would like to see. What other types of activities do tourists typically participate in at Manuel Antonio? Which of these most interests you?

8. One of the internationally recognized symbols of Costa Rica is the carreta or oxcart. Why are the carretas so symbolic of Costa Rica? When and for what were they used? What is their purpose today? Where can one find them?

9. What kind of artist was Francisco Amighetti? For what types of media is he most famous? Visit his official website to see examples of his work. Describe the theme and style of his work. Describe the themes, colors, and include your reaction. Does his work remind you of any other artist?

10. Who is Franklin Chang-Díaz? Why is he famous? Where does he currently live? And what does he do?

11. Who are the Poll sisters and what made them famous?

12. Have you ever tasted chocolate cheese? In Monteverde a community of immigrants makes its living by producing dairy products and has become well known for the world class cheese they produce. Where did these immigrants come from? When did they arrive and why did they choose to settle in Costa Rica? What else are they famous for?

13. What is the difference between coffees grown in the shade versus that grown in the sun? Which is preferable and why? Why is this topic so controversial?