The Household Income and Expenses Survey by the National Statistics and Census Institute (INEC) stated that last month that Costa Ricans are now earning more and are some of Central America's most well paid employees. If you walk into a typical Costa Rican house you will see fridges, Cable TV, playstations, etc.

The Costa Rican Economy over the past couple of years has seen great increase however the bad things is the rich has reaped the rewards at an alarming rate compared to their poor neighbors. The INEC stated that in the last 18 years the per-capita incomes of the richest 20% nearly doubled compared to the poorest 20 %'s per-capita income only increasing by a few dollars.

In 2005, the richest 20% of the Costa Rican population earned 52% of the wealth, compared with 43% in 1988. Meanwhile, the poorest 20% of the population earned 5% of the wealth in 2004, compared with 6% 18 years earlier.

It is an alarming fact the the divide between rich and poor is growing however Costa Rica has a lot to be proud of. Being known as the Switzerland of the Central America's is not the easiest title to gain and keep!!

This years most famous day apart from Xmas will be rescheduled due to a conflict with the Semana Santa Holy week here in Costa Rica.

Juan Santamaría, famed for his heroic death on that date in 1856 during the Battle of Rivas is one of Costa Rica's most popular heroes. The normal day is 11th April where all Costa Rican's get the day off work however as it conflicted this year it will be moved to Monday 17th April.

The reason for the switch is due to the change in the Costa Rican labour law which states that any national holiday falling on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday is to be observed on the following Monday. The labour law changed so that instead of single days during the week it gave Costa Rican's the long weekend off.