Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NICA VERSUS TICO
Ticos (Costa Ricans) have a well-deserved reputation for friendliness, and it's rare for
travelers of any sex, race or creed to experience prejudice in Costa Rica. However, it's un-
fortunate and at times upsetting that the mere mention of anything related to Nicaragua
is enough to turn an average Tico into a stereotype-spewing anti-Nica (note that though
the term 'Nica' is used colloquially by Nicaraguans, it is used by some Ticos in a some-
what derogatory manner - when in doubt, err on the side of 'nicaragüense' to refer to a
Nicaraguan person). Despite commonalities in language, culture, history and tradition,
Nica-versus-Tico relations are at an all-time low, and rhetoric (on both sides) ofla
frontera(the border) isn't likely to improve any time soon.
Why is there so much hostility between Nicaraguans and Ticos? The answer is as much
a product of history as it is of misunderstanding, though economic disparities between
the countries are largely to blame.
Though Nicaragua was wealthier than Costa Rica as recently as 25 years ago, decades
of civil war and a US embargo quickly bankrupted it, and today Nicaragua is the second-
poorest country in the western hemisphere (after Haiti). For example, the 2013 CIA World
Factbook lists the GDP-per-capita purchasing-power parity of Costa Rica as US$12,900,
while Nicaragua's is listed at only US$4500. The main problem facing Nicaragua is its
heavy external debt, though debt-relief programs implemented by the International Mon-
etary Fund (IMF) and the free-trade zone created by the Central American Free Trade
Agreement (Cafta) are both promising signs.
In the meantime, however, Nicaraguan families are crossing the border in record num-
bers, drawn to Costa Rica by its growing economy and impressive education and health
systems. However, immigration laws in Costa Rica make it difficult for Nicaraguans to find
work, and the majority end up living in shantytowns. Also, crime is on the rise throughout
Costa Rica, and though it's difficult to say what percentage is actually attributable to Ni-
caraguan immigrants, some Ticos are quick to point the finger in their direction.
It's difficult to predict whether relations between the countries will improve, although
current signs are fairly negative. Costa Rica, whose civil guard is better funded than many
countries' militaries, has a bad habit of being caught on the Río San Juan (the border with
Nicaragua) with a patrol boat of combat troops. Nicaragua, on the other hand, has
passed a law requiring all visiting Ticos to be in possession of a valid visa. As with all in-
stances of deep-rooted prejudice, the solution is anything but clear.
