Costa Rica is an extremely multicultural society, and is often described as a land in which all cultures are united. The majority of the population are descendants of the Spanish conquerors, the creoles, however this group can no longer really be distinguished from the Mestizos, who have both Spanish and Indian forefathers. A minority of African and mixed-race immigrants live on the Caribbean Coast, who came to Costa Rica from Jamaica at the beginning of the railway line construction in the 19th century. Only about 35,000 of the indigenous Indian population have survived, and belong to eight different ethnic groups. In 1977, the parliament enacted the Ind?gena Act, still valid today, which guarantees the indigenous peoples 22 reserves in which the land belongs exclusively to them. Additionally, in Costa Rica there is a minority of Asians, many Latin Americans from other countries and many Europeans. The approximate 250,000 foreigners living in Costa Rica constitute 7.6% of the population. The Ticos are characterised by their likable nature, courteousness, peacefulness and pleasure in life. As a greeting, as well as a general expression of happiness and contentment, one hears again and again the national phrase: ?Pura Vida! - the pure life! - In light of this, it is not surprising that Costa Rica keeps topping the table when it comes to surveys of the friendliness of the population.