San Jose - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not that I'm aware of in a conspicuous way, but Costa Ricans think there is no racism here despite the fact darker-skinned Costa Ricans are agglomerated on the Caribbean coast due to racist laws in the past that wouldn't allow Jamaicans building the railroads to come to San Jose. - May 2024
Some racism, but better than in many places. - Sep 2020
Relatively tolerant society. Gender equality lags but not across the board, just in some instances. - Jul 2018
My experience is that typical Costa Ricans are much more prejudiced against people of African heritage than typical Americans are. Gender prejudices are also much stronger than in the U.S. - Feb 2016
Relatively tolerant. Women walking alone or sometimes even in groups will hear whistles, absurd cat-calls, and the occasional lewd suggestion. Any response may be viewed as an invitation. Machismo in effect but probably no more than elsewhere in Latin America. - Apr 2014
Costa Rica is a Roman Catholic country and they don't have problems with other religions. - Feb 2010
No. - Jan 2010
YES. I have mixed-race children, and as Latin Americans in general ALWAYS comment on their skin, eyes, hair, etc., - Jul 2008
