Costa Rica
Geography– Agricultural land, Central American isthmus, Capital is San Jose, Known for its environmental sustainability and policies
Language– Spanish is the official language, 2.5% English-speaking
Religion– Roman Catholicism
Trade– Decline in 1980s, 20% live in deep poverty despite some recovery. Main exports: Bananas, coffee, textiles. Tourism is also important.
Politics– Independent of Spain in 1821, stable democratic government.
Prayer needs– Church denomination rivalry, legalism in religion, improvement in leadership training for the Bible Schools, problems with drug addiction
Current News: “U.S. President Barack Obama issued a statement Sunday to mark Costa Rica’s 193rd anniversary of its independence, along with the rest of Central America. In his message, Obama highlighted Costa Rica’s ‘strong partnership’ with the United States, a relationship he said is based on the shared goals of “protecting human rights, freedom of expression, and our environment, especially our oceans.”
http://www.ticotimes.net/2014/09/15/obama-lauds-shared-democratic-values-in-statement-marking-costa-ricas-independence
Mission Opportunities based on previous World Racers’ experiences: teaching English, leading chapel and devotions, building relationships with the students, helping with various other tasks around the school, hospital ministry.
Resources: “Operation World” by Patrick Johnstone & Jason Mandryk
