Costa Rica Demographics

Out of nearly 4.3 million inhabitants, indigenous people comprise less than 1% of the population, while individuals of African descent make up only 3% and are concentrated on the Caribbean coast. A staggering 94% of the population is of European and mestizo descent, making Costa Rica one of the most racially homogeneous countries in Latin America.

Most of the eight groups of indígenas in Costa Rica who wish to protect their traditional lifestyles and languages do so on one of the 22 reserves scattered throughout the country. Reserve boundaries are often disrespected, however, and indigenous lands are constantly threatened. Other ethnic groups, including Germans, Americans, Italians, Britons, Chinese, and other Latin Americans have immigrated to Costa Rica over the past 150 years and have established communities. The town of Monteverde, for example, was founded by Quakers and is now home to a community that supports itself with cheese production.

More Cultural Essentials in Costa Rica

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