On Dec. 1, 1948, Jose Figueres, the president of Costa Rica, made a fiery and eloquent speech, reported latimes.com, after which he took a sledgehammer and bashed a hole in a huge stone wall at the nation's military headquarters, Cuartel Bellavista.
A symbol by which he took a step never seen before in the world: He renounced the military and redirected its budget toward healthcare, education and environmental protection.
Democratic institutions, the remarkably healthy and happy population, and the fact that Costa Rica preserved about 25 percent of its land area in either national parks or biological reserves are just a few of the resulted benefits. Ever since that day, Costa Rica has been a beacon for peace.
“A treaty with the USA might have been a supporting force for the peace-orientated dogma,” said Cole Castellano, a junior majoring in business from California, who served his mission in Costa Rica.
“The U.S .had their back as their ally. If anybody would try to take over Costa Rica, then the U.S. would step in. They boosted the economy and have better jobs. Most of the Costa Ricans are more educated.”
“I have been in other places,” said José Gómez, a junior majoring in peacebuilding from Costa Rica, “so I can see the difference now. People are really friendly. They would come up and talk to you in the streets. If you treat them like a friend, they will do so as well. They are hard-working. My dad worked 12-to-16 hours a day. They take the time to help you. If your car breaks down even the beggars from the street come to assist.”
Gómez told about Óscar Aries Sánchez, who was president of Costa Rica twice and won the Nobel Peace Prize for his Central American peace plan in 1987.
“I felt really safe there,” said Lauren Riboldi, a senior majoring in international peace building from Utah, who just came back from an internship in Costa Rica where she worked in a center for child rights. “It’s a lot different from Argentina, where I served my mission. McDonalds, KFC, and Burger King can all be found there. Also, pretty much everybody speaks English.”
Gómez further stated, “It is really beautiful with the perfect weather. If you like it fresh, you can go to the center valley, if you prefer it humid, then go to the beach and on the other side of the country it is a dry heat.” This environmental diversity attracts a lot of tourists, he said.
“They love to touch, to hug and kiss,” he remembered. “They make jokes of everything and are really passionate.” He drew the example of the national soccer team. “If it wins, everybody is happy and drinks beer. It loses, everybody goes and drinks beer. Whatever happens, they celebrate.”
Riboldi said, “The Costa Ricans love their country and see it as a place with lots of opportunities.”
The country is not perfect, however, with corruption and pollution is still a problem. Gomez commented on how the corruption drives people out of the country, because they see how little the home country has to offer compared to western societies.
“If you want to get your driving license, you just need to give the guy doing the test enough money and he will pass you." He continued, “People throw their trash in the rivers. The ones in the central valleys are completely messed up. They are like black waters.”