Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
José Figueres Ferrer becomes involved in national politics and opposes the ruling conservatives.
Figueres' social-democratic policies and criticism of the government angers the Costa Rican elite
and President Calderón.
1948
Conservative and liberal forces clash, resulting in a six-week civil war that leaves 2000 Costa Ric-
ans dead and many more wounded and destroys much of the country's fledgling infrastructure.
1949
Hoping to heal old wounds and look forward, the temporary government enacts a new constitu-
tion abolishing the army, desegregating the country, and granting women and blacks the right to
vote.
1963
Reserva Natura Absoluta Cabo Blanco at the tip of the Nicoya peninsula becomes Costa Rica's
first federally protected conservation area through the efforts of Swedish and Danish conserva-
tionists.
1977
The Indigenous Law of 1977 is passed, protecting indigenous communities' ownership of their
territories.
1987
President Óscar Arias Sánchez wins the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on the Central American
peace accords, which brought about greater political freedom throughout the region.
1994
The indigenous people of Costa Rica are finally granted the right to vote.
2000
The population of Costa Rica tops four million, though many believe the number is far greater due
to burgeoning illegal settlements on the fringes of the capital.
