哥斯达黎加位于中美洲南部，东临加勒比海，西濒太平洋，北接尼加拉瓜，东南与巴拿马毗邻，首都是圣何塞。作为农业国家，哥斯达黎加的旅游业也比较发达，同时由于地处中美洲和南美洲的交汇处，故拥有多样的文化。本书从地理、历史、宗教、节日、习俗、商贸等方面介绍了哥斯达黎加的基本情况，还配有详尽的中文注释，帮助广大读者理解原文。书中的语言流畅、地道，内容浅显易懂，对读者了解哥斯达黎加的历史渊源、风土人情有很大帮助，使读者在阅读过程中获取相关文化背景，提高对文化差异的敏感度和宽容度。

前辅文
Costa Rica
  Introduction
  Key Facts
Chapter 01 LAND & PEOPLE
  ? A Geographical Snapshot
  ? Climate
  ? A Brief History
  ? The Regions
  ? The Capital, San José
  ? Government
  ? The Economy
Chapter 02 VALUES & ATTITUDES
  ? Family Values
  ? Respect for Elders
  ? Hospitality
  ? Religion
  ? Tolerance and Prejudice
  ? Pride, Honor, and Machismo
  ? Manners
  ? Ma?ana
  ? Attitudes Toward Foreigners
  ? Tico Directions
Chapter 03 CUSTOMS & TRADITIONS
  ? Public Holidays
  ? The Festival Calendar
  ? Pilgrimages and Fairs
  ? Quince A?os
  ? The Decorated Oxcart
Chapter 04 MAKING FRIENDS
  ? The Neighbors
  ? Invitations Home
  ? Learn the Language
  ? Foreign Students
  ? Clubs and Groups
  ? English-Language Publications
Chapter 05 COSTA RICANS AT HOME
  ? Costa Rican Homes
  ? Everyday Shopping
  ? Daily Life
  ? Education
  ? Names
Chapter 06 TIME OUT
  ? Shopping for Pleasure
  ? Eating Out
  ? Food and Drink
  ? Nightlife
  ? Cultural Activities
  ? Sports
  ? Lottery and Gambling
  ? Ecotourism
Chapter 07 TRAVELING
  ? By Air
  ? By Car
  ? By Train
  ? Intercity Buses
  ? Urban Transportation
  ? Where to Stay
  ? Health and Insurance
  ? Safety and Crime
Chapter 08 BUSINESS BRIEFING
  ? Company Organization and Behavior
  ? Business Style
  ? The Business Relationship
  ? Flexibility
  ? Making Appointments
  ? Communication Style
  ? Meetings
  ? Presentations
  ? Negotiations and Contracts
  ? Planning and Control
  ? Business Entertaining
  ? Gift Giving
  ? Women in Business
  ? Conclusion
Chapter 09 COMMUNICATING
  ? Language
  ? Speaking Spanish
  ? Face-to-Face
  ? Television
  ? The Press
  ? Communications Services
  ? Conclusion
Appendices
  ? Places
  ? People
Exercises