Showing results by author "Russell Maddicks" in All Categories

Costa Rica is renowned for its tropical beauty and for the warmth of its inhabitants—the "Ticos." With an infectious enthusiasm for life, the Ticos are a proud people who cherish their democracy in a region that has seen generations of political unrest. Culture Smart! Costa Rica explores the complexities of modern life in this lush coastal country. It introduces you to the key historical events that have shaped who the Ticos are today, and describes the values, attitudes, customs, and traditions that you are likely to encounter.

The largest and most populous Central American country, Guatemala is a land of contrasts and contradictions. It offers great physical beauty alongside ancient Mayan ruins and a conglomeration of diverse peoples and cultures. It is also unique in Central America in that more than half its population is of Mayan Indian origin. Today the country reflects a combination of ancient Mayan heritage, Spanish colonialism, and modern Western influences, mainly from the United States.