Introduction
Costa Rica (“rich coast”) has a population of approximately 5.2 million in which 83 percent is of European or mestizo descent, 7 percent Afro-Costa Rican, 2.4 percent Indigenous, and significant Chinese and other Asian communities. About 80 percent of Costa Ricans live in urban centers.
Costa Rica has developed and maintained one of the most stable democratic governments in Latin America. They abolished their military in 1948 and are a fiercely democratic culture with a belief in peace through negotiations. The government is a unitary multiparty republic, composed of a president, a unicameral Legislative Assembly made up of 57 deputies, and the Supreme Court of Justice. The president is both chief of state and the head of the government, holding only one successive four-year term of office. The people of Costa Rica are politically active and proud of their government. Election voting is mandatory for anyone over 18 years old.
The official language is Spanish. English is widely understood. Roman Catholicism is the official religion. However, various Evangelical Protestant sects have grown substantially. Costa Rica generates over 98 percent of its electricity from renewable sources and has invested heavily in education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.
In recent years, Costa Rica has nearly become synonymous with the term “ecotourism.” Its pristine rainforests are painstakingly protected, and an ever-increasing tide of people come to witness the astounding abundance of plant and animal species each year. Women in business will meet with greater acceptance in Costa Rica than in other Latin American countries. Women have even been elected president and vice-president of Costa Rica. Costa Rica has a higher number of lawyers per capita than any other country in Central America.
Hofstede Analysis
Costa Rica is similar to many Latin American countries when analyzing Hofstede’s Dimensions, yet it diverges in important ways.
Costa Rica’s highest Hofstede Dimension is Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) at 86, indicating the society’s low level of tolerance for uncertainty. Strict rules, laws, policies, and regulations are adopted and implemented to control everything and eliminate the unexpected. The society does not readily accept change and is very risk averse.
Costa Rica diverges from other Latin countries on the Power Distance (PDI) Dimension with the lowest score of 35, compared to an average of 70 for all Latin countries. This low Power Distance indicates a de-emphasis on a citizen’s power and wealth — equality and opportunity for everyone is stressed. This is consistent with the country’s democratic traditions and abolished military.
Costa Rica also ranks lower on Masculinity (21) than other Latin countries (average 48) which indicates a low level of differentiation and discrimination between genders. In this culture, females are treated more equally to males in all aspects of society. This low Masculinity ranking may also be displayed as a more openly nurturing society.
Costa Rica has a low Individualism (IDV) rank of 15, as do most Latin countries. The score indicates the society is Collectivist — manifest in a close long-term commitment to family, extended family, or extended relationships. Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount.
In many of the Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, the population is predominantly Catholic. The combination of Catholicism and the cultural dimensions reinforce a philosophy predicated in the belief that there is an absolute “Truth.”
Religion. Roman Catholicism is the official state religion. Approximately 47 percent identify as Catholic — down from much higher levels in previous decades. Evangelical Protestantism has grown to roughly 25 percent. An increasing number of Costa Ricans report no religious affiliation. In our study of predominantly Catholic countries, we found the primary correlating Hofstede Dimension to be Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI). Only 2 countries out of 23 did not follow this correlation: Ireland and the Philippines.
Appearance
body language
& gestures
- Business dress: Men should wear a conservative dark suit. In warmer climates, a jacket is optional. Women can wear a dress or skirt and blouse for formal business meetings, but it is far more common for women to wear pants to work. Costa Ricans are much more formal and serious than other Latin Americans. Therefore, keep jackets on during business meetings.
- Local people bathe frequently because of the heat, and guests are expected to bathe at least once daily.
- Making a fist with the thumb sticking out between the middle and index fingers is obscene. This gesture is known as the “fig.”
- Most North American gestures will be understood in Costa Rica.
- Don’t put your feet up on any furniture except items expressly designed for that purpose.
- Fidgeting with your hands or feet is considered distracting and impolite.
Behavior
meetings &
general conduct
- Costa Ricans are by far the most punctual people in Central America. North Americans are expected to be on time for appointments.
- Since Costa Ricans allow themselves only a limited time for their midday break, everyone is expected to be on time for a business lunch.
- Most business entertaining takes place in the evening, since lunch is the main meal of the day. Spouses are welcome at business dinners.
- Gifts are frequently exchanged on all kinds of special occasions.
- If you are invited for dinner to a home, bring flowers, chocolates, scotch, or wine. Do not bring calla lilies; they are associated with funerals.
- Have business cards, proposals, and other material printed in both English and Spanish.
Communication
introductions &
conversation
- Handshaking is the common greeting. Abrazos (embrace of good friends) is not as common as in other Latin countries.
- Titles are important and should be included on business cards. For persons who do not have professional titles it is common to call a gentleman Don (plus his first name) and a lady Doña (plus her first name). This is a sign of courtesy for people doing business with each other.
- Most Hispanics have two surnames: one from their father, which is listed first, followed by one from their mother. Only the father’s surname is used when addressing someone.
- Costa Ricans call themselves Ticos (TEE-kos).
- Good conversation topics: families, children, ecotourism, national parks, soccer, Costa Rican coffee and cuisine.
- Topics to avoid: local politics, Nicaragua relations, personal income.
Resources
Government & Data
- CIA World Factbook — Costa RicaDemographics, economy, government
- ITA — Costa Rica Market OverviewU.S. International Trade Administration
News & Culture
- The Tico TimesEnglish-language Costa Rican news
- Visit Costa RicaOfficial tourism portal
Cultural Framework
- Cyborlink Hofstede ExplainerThe six-dimension model explained
- Hofstede Insights — Country ComparisonCompare Costa Rica scores with any nation
- Cyborlink Resource PageBooks, world press, language tools