Francisco Orlich Bolmarcich facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francisco Orlich
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| 34th President of Costa Rica | |
| In office 8 May 1962 – 8 May 1966 |
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| Vice President | Raúl Blanco Cervantes Carlos Sáenz Herrera |
| Preceded by | Mario Echandi Jiménez |
| Succeeded by | José Joaquín Trejos Fernández |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Francisco José Orlich Bolmarcich
10 March 1907 San Ramón, Costa Rica |
| Died | 29 October 1969 (aged 62) San José, Costa Rica |
| Political party | National Liberation Party (Costa Rica) |
| Spouse |
Marita Camacho Quirós
(m. 1932) |
| Children | 2 |
| Signature |  |
Francisco José Orlich Bolmarcich (born March 10, 1907, died October 29, 1969) was an important leader in Costa Rica. He served as the 34th President of Costa Rica from 1962 to 1966. His family came from Croatia, a country in Europe.
Contents
Early Life and Business
Francisco Orlich was born in San Ramón, Costa Rica. His family had roots in Croatia, specifically from a town called Punat on the island of Krk. They were descendants of Croatian settlers.
In 1928, Francisco and his brothers started a company called FJ Orlich & Hnos Ltda. This company began as a large supply store in their hometown. Over time, it grew to become one of Costa Rica's biggest businesses dealing with coffee.
Political Journey
Francisco Orlich was a close friend of José Figueres Ferrer. They had even traveled together to study in the United States. This friendship was important for Costa Rica's history.
Role in the Civil War
During the Costa Rican Civil War, Francisco Orlich was a key leader. He was the second-in-command to José Figueres Ferrer in the National Liberation Army. This army played a big part in shaping Costa Rica's future.
Founding a New Party
After the Civil War, a new political group was formed. The National Liberation Party was founded right on the Orlich family farm in La Paz, San Ramón. This party became very important in Costa Rican politics.
Serving as Minister
Francisco Orlich served as the Public Works Minister twice. He held this position from 1948 to 1949 and again from 1953 to 1957. Both times, he worked in the governments led by his friend, José Figueres.
Running for President
In 1958, Francisco Orlich ran for president for the first time. However, he lost that election to Mario Echandi Jiménez. He tried again in 1962, running against Dr. Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia, who had been a leader in 1948. This time, Francisco Orlich won the election and became president.
Presidency and Challenges
People in Costa Rica often called Francisco Orlich by the nickname 'Don Chico'. During his time as president, he faced a major natural disaster.
The Irazú Volcano Eruption
The Irazú volcano started erupting just as the U.S. President John F. Kennedy was visiting Costa Rica. This eruption was very serious and lasted for more than a year. It caused a lot of damage to farms and led to landslides in the city of Cartago. Don Chico had to lead the country through this difficult time.
Later Life and Legacy
Francisco Orlich finished his presidency as a very popular leader. He passed away three years later from a stroke.
He died on October 29, 1969, in San José. His wife, Marita Camacho Quirós, is still alive today (as of 2023). She was born on March 10, 1911. This makes her the longest-living person in Costa Rica and the oldest former First Lady in the world.
See also
In Spanish: Francisco José Orlich Bolmarcich para niños
