Surveyed Communities
Community 1 - 199 households in Costa Rica and 18 in the United States
Community 2 - 198 households in Costa Rica and 1 in the United States
Community 2 belongs to the municipio Central of the province of Alajuela and –thereby- to the large Metropolitan Area of San José. It is located 10 km. away from Juan Santamaría International Airport and 12 km. from downtown Alajuela. The region features a template, dry climate, which is relatively stable all year long. This type of weather has aided the establishment of retirement houses, or “quintas”, a majority of which is inhabited by foreigners.
Poultry production is the main economic activity in the survey area. Both individual producers (family farms) and larger companies commercialize eggs, meat and livestock. Additionally, the proximity of the community to the most important cities of the country allows their members to commute and work in services, commerce and government jobs.
Health services are scarce within the geographic boundaries of the community. There is only one prevention health center with an emergency room. However, the local population can readily access the great diversity of services in both Alajuela city (the second largest city in Costa Rica) and San José, including a hospital with specialized services of high complexity.
The case of educational services is similar: Within the community, there is only one elementary school and one high school, the latter established in 1970. Nonetheless, the large urban centers mentioned above, close enough to the community, offer a wide range of educational services, especially at the college level.
A vast majority of housing units has ready access to the (drinking-quality) water supply network, while equipped with sewer tanks. The electrical energy and telephonic networks have extensive coverage, and most streets are paved.
Community 3 - 198 households in Costa Rica and 16 in the United States
Community 4 - 198 households in Costa Rica and 2 in the United States
Community 5 - 200 households in Costa Rica
Community 6 - 201 households in Costa Rica
Community 7 - 197 households in Costa Rica
