A dollop of Capitalism

So what happens when you have a peaceful nation who begins to give up the production of goods for the promises from afar? Oooh...it gets potentially nasty. I've been happily living in Costa Rica for several years and now things are beginning to get interesting. Costa Rica, a major exporter of pineapple, bananas and coffee has seen its exportation numbers decrease in the last few years. With the international business on stage, represented as calling centers, support desks and tourism, Costa Rica is finding itself in a position of change. The young, agricultural generation is leaving the farms and migrating towards the local tourism centers or cities in search of a more modern lifestyle. Everyone is in a mad dash to learn English. Costa Rica has just finalized the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). Too, they have finalized trade agreements with China and Panama. So, what happens when countries quit being autonomous and begin being supported by a foreign crutch? Well, in the Caribbean island of St. Thomas, there once existed a decent export of sugar, rum and slaves...Thankfully, the islands have progressed enough to eradicate human trafficking but they now have zero production. Their entire source of income is in tourism. Their island (luckily) is an incredibly beautiful setting which makes them "Winners by default"...so they are getting by...but the tourism isn't increasing as quickly as the population. The crime is rampant and the U.S.V.I are certainly noted as being dangerous. And when a 9/11 occurs or someone blows up a cruise ship...St. Thomas becomes an even larger hell hole for those who live there...

So, how will Costa Rica fair? It's still too early to tell. But what you do have is a Socialist society in full effect...and it seems to be working. But what happens to a Social nation when all of its residents sell their trades to cater to the tourism industry? When your GNP relies on the strength of other GNPs...how does the government cover that? I think that's what we're going to find out in the next few years...I hope someone has some ideas.