They all speak Spanish and have many other shared values and customs. Ticos proudly share a very deep sense of national identity. They feel set apart from their Central American neighbors. They are lighter of skin color and are sharply different in culture and personality. They are peace loving, conformists, conservative and have a tendency to localism.
Democracy is a cherished value.
Their deep-rooted belief in a free press and fair elections with individual liberty is often counted as their greatest blessing. The family is still considered to be the cornerstone of society. The extended family group often functions as a unit in politics and business. In the family the masculine and feminine roles are still clearly defined. Formal education is highly valued as a means of upward mobility.