Costa Ricans, called Ticos, are generally gentle, spirited, friendly, educated, polite, and kind people. Most like visitors from other countries and treat them in a hospitable welcoming manner. Ticos are a mixing of races. Though most of the country’s 4 million inhabitants descend from Spanish immigrants, many families originated in other parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and Central America. A large number are fair-skinned, especially in the Central Valley. Ticos are extremely family oriented and love music and dance, and cherish their rich history and culture. All speak Spanish, but most in the more populated cities and towns also speak or understand English.