Contemporary Costa Rica has been shaped by a relatively benign history devoid of the great clash between pre-Columbian and Spanish cultures that characterized the formative period of neighboring countries. Following the colonial era, Costa Rica evolved stable democratic institutions that permitted sustained economic development. The nations declaration of neutrality in 1948 continues to help forge its identity today.

When Christopher Columbus landed off the coast of Central America in 1502, the region had a history that went back 10 millennia. The Chorotega, Huerare and Brunca Indians were the first inhabitants of Costa Rica, about 20.000 descendents of them still live in reserves. Most people are descendents of the Spanish dominators.

The Political Constitution or Great Charter of 1844 had provided a proper framework for the development of the country but concern for social improvement and economic development required a different state of things. And so it was that in 1949 after a very short civil war brought about by the ignorance of an election result considered as being extremely important, the nation took advantage of the situation and provided itself with a new constitution, which amongst other things abolished the army as a permanent institution. This great historic event together with the abolition of the death penalty a hundred years before by General Tomás Guardia and, lately, the creation of the University for Peace is a clear example of the character of Costa Rica and tribute to universal peace and brotherhood. After the civil war the army was abolished and Costa Rica became a thriving country.