Bicentennial celebration in Costa Rica: the case of a singular democracy
By Alejandro Rodriguez ZamoraAlejandro Rodriguez Zamora, ambassador of Costa Rica to Korea / Courtesy of Embassy of Costa Rica in KoreaCosta Rica is celebrating the bicentenary of its independence in 2021. After signing the 1821 Act of Independence, Costa Rica has been characterized from the start for its clear institutional vocation.From its foundation, a guideline for conduct was expressly established in the developing Costa Rican State, a rule that is still current in both internal and international relationships. This standard determines that Costa Rica “recognizes and respects civil liberties, property, and other legitimate national rights of every person and any state or nation.”Today, 200 years later, this small but ambitious Central American country effectively proves to the world that even with scarce economic resources and facing important threats and challenges, it is possible to live in peace, freely and democratically, while respecting the environment.Throughout its independent existence, Costa Rica has placed singular value on peace and harmony. This vocatio