Costa Rica has been largely recognized as a democratic and politically stable country in a region (Central America) characterized by instability, dictatorships, and social inequality. Several social and institutional problems have risen during the last decades, but the country still maintains good social and health indicators.

Historical Dictionary of Costa Ricacontains a chronology, an introduction, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 1,000 cross-referenced entries on important personalities, politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. This book is an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Costa Rica.

David Díaz-Ariasis professor of History and Director of the Center for Central American Historical Studies at the Universidad de Costa Rica. He has published many articles, essays, and books examining the constitution of populism, social movements, state building, national identity, civil war, peace process, and memory battles in Central America and Costa Rica during 19th-20th centuries.

Ronny Viales-Hurtadois professor of History and researcher at the Universidad de Costa Rica. He has published many articles, essays, and books examining inequality, poverty, economic and environmental history, and social studies of science.

Juan José Marín Hernández(1968-2015) was professor of History at the Universidad de Costa Rica. He authored, co-authored, and edited several books and published more than 40 essays in academic journals and books. He worked on topics like social control, local history, the history of prostitution, and the history of health.

Editors ForewordJon Woronoff
Acknowledgements
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Map
Chronology
Introduction
THE DICTIONARY
Appendixes
Bibliography
About the Authors