Costa Rica

La Pura Vida

By Myles

Basic Info• Capital City – San José• Population: 3,834,934 (July 2002)

• Major Religion: Roman Catholic• Primary Language: Spanish• Government: Democracy• President: Abel Pacheco

Costa Rican

Geography

Where is Costa Rica?Costa Rica is located in central America. It borders the CaribbeanSea, the Pacific Ocean, and only two other countries:Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south.

Major Costa Rican Cities

• San José• Puerto Limón• Golfito• Liberia• Alajuela

La Ciudad de San JoséThe City of San José

• San José is the capital of Costa Rica• It is home to many monuments like the Teatro Nacional, and El Parque Morazán

<El Teatro Nacional

El Parque Morazán

La Cuidad de Alajuela

Alajuela is in central Costa Rica. In the Central Valley, it is a leading commercial center for the sugar and livestock industries as well as being a summer resort. It is the home of national hero Juan Santamaria.

Puerto Limón•Puerto Limón is one of the most valuablePuerto Limón is one of the most valuable port cites in the Caribbean.port cites in the Caribbean.•Christopher Columbus landed near Puerto Christopher Columbus landed near Puerto LimLimón when he discovered it on his fourth n when he discovered it on his fourth voyage to the Americas.voyage to the Americas.•Puerto LimPuerto Limón contains the largest portion n contains the largest portion of Costa Rica's English-speaking populationof Costa Rica's English-speaking population.

History of Costa Rica

Founding

• Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502

• Columbus named the region “Costa Rica” or “Rich Rich CoastCoast” because of the gold-bearing nearby indians.

Christopher Columbus

Central American Federation (1825-1838)

The Central American Federation was a The Central American Federation was a political confederation of the republics political confederation of the republics of Central America —Costa Rica, of Central America —Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador.and El Salvador.

Francisco Morazán held Costa Rica in the Francisco Morazán held Costa Rica in the confederation for the last eight years of confederation for the last eight years of the existence of the Central American the existence of the Central American Federation, until it broke apart in 1838.Federation, until it broke apart in 1838.

Costa Rican Civil War (1838 – 1850)

There was a short period of civil war skirmishes immediately following CostaRica’s secession from the Central American Federation.

The wars ended in 1850 when Spainrecognized Costa Rica as an Independent nation.

William Walker’s InvasionWilliam Walker’s Invasion• William Walker, an

American adventurer, attempted to invade Costa Rica with a Nicaraguan slave army in 1856.

• Juan Rafael Mora, president of Costa Rica at the time of the invasion, defeated William Walker And became a national hero.

Juan SantamariaCosta Rican Hero

• Juan Santamaria was born in Alajuela• The legend of Juan Santamaria is that during the William Walker invasion, Santamaria took a torch to the fort that William Walker was confined to after being defeated by the Ticos. He took many bullets in his torso but managed to set the fort ablaze.

Civil War of 1948

~The Costa Rican Civil War of 1948 was a resultof the Cold War

~Calderon Guardia (president 1940-1944) ran for president as a member of the Communist Party in the 1948 election

~Guardia lost to Otilio Ulate

~The standing president, Picado, under the political control of Guardia, refused to give up the presidential house.

~Peasants and politicians alike formed a militia and and removed Picado from office.

Where’s the Army?

• Costa Rica prohibited the recruitment and training of soldiers in the country in 1949.

• President Oscar Arias of Costa Rica received a Nobel Peace Prize for his pacifist actions in 1987.

• To this day, Costa Rica is the only modernized nation without a military.

Costa Rican Culture

La Cultura de Los Ticos

El Apodo para Los Costarricenses

• Just as Americans are referred to as “yanks,” the people of Costa Rica proudly refer to themselves as “Ticos”

•The word “Tico” derives from the Spanish word “hermanito,” for “little brother.” Somehow. No one knows exactly how “Tico” derives from “hermanito” But then again… what does “yankee” derive from?

= Tico= Tico

=Yankee=Yankee

“Las Carretas”-Costa Rican Ox Carts-

• “Carretas” are traditional Costa Rican ox carts.• They were used at first only as coffee transportation.• Carretas are painted colorfully and brought to fiestas.

Important CropsImportant Crops

CoffeeCoffee >

< BananasBananas

¡Teatro Nacional!National Theater

The National Theater in San Jose is over 100 years old.

Famous Costa Rican Dishes

• Most food is Most food is Costa Rica is Costa Rica is centered around centered around beans and rice. beans and rice. Therefore, the Therefore, the recipe for “gallo recipe for “gallo pinto” consists pinto” consists primarily of of primarily of of black beans and black beans and rice.rice.

Recipe for Gallo Pinto!!!1 cup raw brown rice (steamed) 5 cans (16 oz) black beans (rinsed and drained)1 chopped onion 2 large green peppers, chopped or diced 2 large red peppers, chopped or diced 2 1/2 tsp. ground coriander 4 Tbs. veg. Worcestershire sauce 2 Tbs. tobasco sauce 1 scant Tbs. salt 2 pkgs. chopped, frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed)

Spray large casserole dish with something like Pam.Cook rice ahead (use a steamer so that the rice wouldn't stick together). Saute peppers, onions, spinach, and seasonings. Add riceand mix. Add rinsed beans and mix. Heat through (covered). Enjoy.

Catholicism- Over 90% of Ticos are members of the Roman Catholic Church- The religion was brought to the area by Spanish conquerors. -The Roman Catholic Church, unlike others, has a hierarchy that controls the functions of the church. - The government is democratic, however, and is religiously tolerant to members of non-Catholic religions.

Costa Rican HolidaysCosta Rican Holidays

January 1 - New Year's Day January 1 - New Year's Day April 11 - Juan Santamaría Day April 11 - Juan Santamaría Day May 1 International Day of the Worker May 1 International Day of the Worker July 25 - Anexation of Guanacaste July 25 - Anexation of Guanacaste August 2 - Virgen of Los Angeles (Costa Rica's Patron) August 2 - Virgen of Los Angeles (Costa Rica's Patron) August 12 - Mother's Day August 12 - Mother's Day September 15 - Independence Day September 15 - Independence Day October 12 - Day of the Cultures (Columbus Day) October 12 - Day of the Cultures (Columbus Day) December 25 - Christmas December 25 - Christmas Easter - The week before Easter Sunday is an unofficial Easter - The week before Easter Sunday is an unofficial vacation time. Much of the country shuts down. vacation time. Much of the country shuts down.

Costa Rican Government

• The Costa Rican government has a long standing democratic traditions, and is one of the oldest democracies in the Americas.

The Crest of the FlagEl Crescudo

El Crescudo symbolizes the view of Costa Rica from Spain, with a view of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Costa Rican Currency:The Colón

$1.00 United States = ¢384.57 Costa Rican Currency (dollar) Currency (colón)

Costa Rican Natural Features

National Parks of Costa Rica1. Santa Rosa National Park 16. Chirripó National Park

4. Las Baulas National Park 20. Tortuguero National Park 5. Cabo Blanco Strict Nature Reserve 22. Braulio Carrillo National Park 9. Peñas Blancas Wildlife Refuge 23. Poás Volcano National Park 11. Manuel Antonio National Park 24. Irazú Volcano National Park

Parque Nacional Volcán Irazú

* * 3432 meters above sea level3432 meters above sea level• Irazu summit has four craters: 1. the Irazu summit has four craters: 1. the main or western crater,2. the "Diego de main or western crater,2. the "Diego de la Haya," and two small craters, one la Haya," and two small craters, one 3. southeast and the other 4. 3. southeast and the other 4. northwest of the main crater. northwest of the main crater. * Very cold, bring a windbreaker* Very cold, bring a windbreaker* Mostly in the clouds* Mostly in the clouds• Summit offers view of Atlantic and Summit offers view of Atlantic and Pacific oceans, when clearPacific oceans, when clear

Diego de la Haya

Manuel Antonio Manuel Antonio National ParkNational Park

- Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica's most famous.- Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica's most famous.- Endangered squirrel monkey is found here.- Endangered squirrel monkey is found here.- The beaches are fringed with coconut palm, as befits - The beaches are fringed with coconut palm, as befits a tropical paradise.a tropical paradise.

SQUIRRELSQUIRREL MONKEYMONKEY

Parque Nacional Volcán Parque Nacional Volcán ArenalArenal

•The Arenal Volcano in Arenal Volcano National Park is known for its regular, systematic eruptions.

Lankester Lankester Botanical GardensBotanical GardensLankester Botanicals is an orchid Lankester Botanicals is an orchid

garden first planted by British garden first planted by British Botanist, Charles Lankester.Botanist, Charles Lankester.

Orchids were exotic and rare when Orchids were exotic and rare when The garden was planted near San The garden was planted near San José.José.

Today, Lankester Botanical Today, Lankester Botanical Gardens Is an ecological Gardens Is an ecological reserve belonging toreserve belonging toThe university of Costa Rica.The university of Costa Rica.

Cloud ForestsCloud Forests•Cloud forests contain much more humidity Cloud forests contain much more humidity that rainforests, but bear all of the features of that rainforests, but bear all of the features of rainforests.rainforests.•Low - flying clouds keep cloud forests wet in Low - flying clouds keep cloud forests wet in Costa Rica even during the annual dry seasonCosta Rica even during the annual dry season*Cloud forests are rare in the Americas, but one *Cloud forests are rare in the Americas, but one can be viewed in the Costa Rican Monte Sky can be viewed in the Costa Rican Monte Sky Reserve, where students can study Spanish, ecology, Reserve, where students can study Spanish, ecology, and biologyand biology

Costa Rican WildlifeAlmost all of Costa Rica’s wildlife exists in the tropical rainforests that cover much of Costa Rica’s total area. The rainforest can support millions of species of animals and insects.

The Quetzal! >>>This bird is very rare and is almost exclusive to the countries of Costa Rica and Guatemala

DeforestationDeforestation

Deforestation is a serious problem that plagues Deforestation is a serious problem that plagues all rainforest regions. Not only are these precious all rainforest regions. Not only are these precious sanctuaries of biodiversity destroyed, but so is the sanctuaries of biodiversity destroyed, but so is the biodiversity! When a creature’s habitat is destroyed, biodiversity! When a creature’s habitat is destroyed, the creature dies. Expert biologists say millions of animalthe creature dies. Expert biologists say millions of animaland insect species become extinct even before their and insect species become extinct even before their discovery!discovery!

Costa Rica todayCosta Rica today• Costa Rica is referred to as Costa Rica is referred to as

the success story of the success story of Central AmericaCentral America

• With one primary With one primary language, on primary language, on primary religion, and coasts of the religion, and coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific Atlantic and Pacific oceans, Costa Rica is a oceans, Costa Rica is a potential world power.potential world power.

• Costa Rica recently elected Costa Rica recently elected a new president, Abela new president, Abel Pacheco.Pacheco.

President Abel Pacheco

Info and Tips for Tourists

Costa Rica is typically American-friendly. Costa Rica is typically American-friendly. pictured here is Mrs. Speeker and a few pictured here is Mrs. Speeker and a few friends celebrating American Independence friends celebrating American Independence Day in Costa Rica. >>>Day in Costa Rica. >>>

Due to recent problems ^With counterfeit $100U.S. bills in Central America,Most banks in Costa RicaWill not exchange $100 bills.Bring $50’s and $20’s.

For more information on visitingCosta Rica, call your travel agentOr visit www.infocostarica.comwww.infocostarica.comTo check out some vacation deals.

Credits• Christopher Columbus. (Online Image) Available

http://ring.mithec.com/side/columbus.html, March 20, 2003.• Old Ship. (Online Image) Available

http://robinsonterminal.com/history/old_pics/default.htm, 2003.

• Boa Constrictor. (Online Image) Available http://www.photo.net/cr/rara/boa.jpg, March 20, 2003.

• Waterfall. (Online Image) Available http://www.photo.net/cr/rara/index, Mar 10, 2003.

• Juan Rafael Mora. (Online Image) Available http://www.guiascostarica.com/presi/presi09.htm March 20, 2003.

• William Walker. (Online Image) Available http://www.sfmuseum.org/hist1/walker.html

Credits 2• Black bean soup. (Online Image) Available

http://www.redbushtea.com/diet/largepic.asp?LargePictureID=2, March 20, 2003.

• Rice. (Online Image) Available http://pictures.nurdz.com/ricecook/SoakedRice.shtml, March 20, 2003.

• Abel Pacheco. (Online Image) Available http://www.casapres.go.cr/, March 20, 2003.

• San Jose building - http://www.concierge.com/sanjo

se/, March 20, 2003.• Colones. (Online Image) Available http://www.costarica-

net-guide.com/currencr.html, March 20, 2003.

Credits 3• Pajaro. (Online Image) Available

http://costarica.tourism.co.cr/nationalparks.html#baula, March 20, 2003.

• Pictures of Arenal. (Online Image) Available http://www.costaricapages.com, March 20, 2003.

• gold museum photo. (Online Image) Available http://www.ddbstock.com/sanjose3.html, March 20, 2003

• Location of Lankester. (Online Image) Available http://costa-rica-guide.com/parks/lankest.htm, March 20, 2003

• Location of Irazu. (Online Image) Available http://costa-rica-guide.com/parks/irazu.htm, March 20, 2003.

• Irazu crater. (Online Image) Available http://www.tuanis.com/costarica/parks/irazu.html, March 20, 2003.

Credits 4• Soviet Flag. (Online Image) Available

http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/su.html#com, March 20, 2003.

• Juan Santamaria statue. (Online Image) Available http://www.infocostarica.com/culture/juansantamaria.html, March 20, 2003.

• Green Ox Cart. (Online Image) Available http://batemanoriginals.home.att.net/costa_rican_ox_carts.htm, March 20, 2003.

• Pictures of Sarchi. (Online Image) Available http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/1c168/9ca/6/, March 20, 2003.

• Alajuela central park. (Online Image) Available www.monteverdeinfo.com/alajuela/ alajuela-costa-rica.jpg, March 20, 2003.

The End

Costa Rica Quiz

Next: Who Wants to be A Millionaire Quiz.

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

Welcome toWho Wants to be

a Millionaire…

50:50

¡Costa Rica!¡Costa Rica!

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

A: Puerto Limon

C: San Jose

B: Golfito

D: Bubba City

50:50

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

What is the capital city of Costa Rica?

$100

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

Proceed to $200 Question?

A: William Walker

C: Robert E. Lee

B: Juan Mora

D: Jesse James

50:50

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

Identify the rogue American who attempted to invade Costa Rica with a Nicaraguan slave army in

1856.

$200

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

Proceed to $300 Question?

A: Francisco Morazán

C: Oscar Arias

B: Abel Pacheco

D: Juan Mora

50:50

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

Who is the current president of Costa Rica?

$300

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

Proceed to $500 Question?

A: Rain Forest

C: Petrified Forest

B: Jungle

D: Cloud Forest

50:50

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

What is a rainforest with extremely high, dense

humidity?

$500

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

Proceed to $1,000 Question?

A: Yankees

C: Sapo

B: Santamarias

D: Tico

50:50

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

What is the nickname the Costa Ricans use to refer to to themselves?

$1,000

Congratulations!

You’ve ReachedYou’ve Reached

the $1,000the $1,000

Milestone!Milestone!

Congratulations!Congratulations!

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

Proceed to $2,000 Question?

A: The United States

C: Nicaragua

B: Colombia

D: Mexico

50:50

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

Which of the following countries

borders Costa Rica?

$2,000

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

Proceed to $4,000 Question?

A: coche

C: carrita

B: carro

D: carrisma

50:50

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

What is the name of a traditional Costa

Rican ox cart?

$4,000

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

Proceed to $8,000 Question?

A: San José

C: Golfito

B: Puerto Limón

D: Liberia

50:50

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

Near what city did Christopher Columbus land when he discovered Costa

Rica?

$8,000

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

Proceed to $16,000 Question?

A: Arenal

C: Irazú

B: Vesuvius

D: Krakatoa

50:50

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

From the peak of which Costa Rican volcano can you view the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans on a clear

day?

$16,000

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

Proceed to $32,000 Question?

A: Juan Santamaria

C: William Walker

B: Juan Rafael Mora

D: Christopher Columbus

50:50

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

Identify Costa Rica’s only official national

hero.

$32,000

Congratulations!

You’ve ReachedYou’ve Reached

the $32,000the $32,000

Milestone!Milestone!

Congratulations!Congratulations!

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

Proceed to $64,000 Question?

A: Tyranny

C: Democracy

B: Aristocracy

D: Theocracy

50:50

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

Which of the following can the Costa Rican

government be described as?

$64,000

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

Proceed to $125,000 Question?

A: Spanish Rice

C: Gallo Pinto

B: Frijolismos

D: Arroz con Pollo

50:50

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

What is officially the national food dish of

Costa Rica?

$125,000

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

Proceed to $250,000 Question?

A: Volcán Irazú

C: Volcán Arenal

B: Chirripó

D: Manuel Antonio

50:50

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

What is Costa Rica’s most famous

national park?

$250,000

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

Proceed to $500,000 Question?

A: Alajuela

C: Golfito

B: Lepanto

D: San José

50:50

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

In what Costa Rican city if the Red Dome Colonial Cathedral

located?

$500,000

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

Proceed to $1,000,000 Question?

A: Squirrel Monkey

C: Gorilla

B: Proboscis Monkey

D: Chimpanzee

50:50

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$1 Million$500,000$250,000$125,000$64,000$32,000$16,000$8,000$4,000$2,000$1,000$500$300$200$100

What type of endangered primate is found almost exclusively in Manuel

Antonio National Park?

$1,000,000

YOU WIN $1 MILLION DOLLARS!

I’m sorry, that answer is I’m sorry, that answer is incorrect.incorrect.

Lo siento, esa respuesta no es correcto.Lo siento, esa respuesta no es correcto.

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