Often referred to as the "Switzerland of Latin America", Costa Rica among all the nations of Latin America is noted for the devotion of it's people to the ideals and practices of democracy and for its highly developed system of education. Since 1889, except for only two brief periods, in 1917-1979 and in 1948, Costa Rica has operated as a democracy. Attempts to seize power by force in 1948 were met by a popular uprising. Since 1948, Costa Rica has had no army. This makes the country very unique among Latin American countries. Costa Rica enjoys a high literacy rate of 93%.
COMMUNICATIONS: According to the 1996 Callbook there are 1502 Radio Amateurs in Costa Rica. There are 7 active shortwave broadcasters. The 1996 World Radio TV Handbook lists 760,000 radio in use.
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