Language and Religion

Over 80% of the population is Roman Catholic, at least in principle. Still, religious processions on holy days are less fervent and less colorful than in other Latin American countries. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a national holiday in Costa Rica, and everything, including the bus system stops from mid Thursday until mid Saturday. Buses run again on Saturday afternoon and Easter Sunday, but banks and many other businesses stay closed till Monday,

The blacks on the Caribbean tend to he Protestants, and most other Christian denominations have a church in or around San Jose. There is a small Jewish community.

LANGUAGE

Spanish is the official language. but English is understood in many hotels,airline offices, tourist agencies and along much of the Caribbean. Spanish courses are available in San Jose.