Wondering why Costa Rica is so different from the other vaction sun spots you've visited over the years? Trying to figure out how a tiny tropical country relying on coffee and banana exports become Latin America's most stable democracy. Interested in knowing where Costa Rica's big middle class came from, and why every village has a tidy schoolhouse? Or are you just curious about the background of the people you've met of the places you visited? The History of Costa Rica will answer your questions. The only book of its kind in English, written by two leading historians of this country, each page is illustrated with vivid photos, paintings, portraits, maps and quotes from Costa Rica's colorful past. A complete index allows you to use the book as a handy reference work before, during and after you read the compelling story of “the Switzerland of Central America”.