Costa Rica

1502 – Discovery by Europeans: Christopher Columbus arrives on the Caribbean coast

1560s – Spanish colonization: Spanish settlers begin colonizing the region, calling it the Province of Costa Rica

1821 – Independence from Spain (Monday, September 15, 1821): Costa Rica becomes part of the independent Central American provinces

1838 – Full independence: Costa Rica officially secedes from the Central American Federation and becomes an independent republic

1948 – Civil War (Tuesday, March 1, 1948): The country experiences a short civil war after contested elections. It ends with the abolition of the army

1980s – Central American Peace Process: Costa Rica plays a major role in peace negotiations during the Central American conflicts

2007 – Free trade agreement: Costa Rica enters a free trade agreement with the United States (CAFTA-DR)

2018 – Election of Carlos Alvarado Quesada: A new president elected with progressive policies, emphasizing sustainability and social welfare

Continent: North America (Central America)
Location: Bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east
Capital: San José
Language: Spanish (official)
Currency: Costa Rican colón (CRC)
Population: ~5.3 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST, UTC-6)

Borders: Nicaragua, Panama
Landscape: Coastal plains, volcanic mountain ranges, tropical forests, and beaches
Major Rivers: Reventazón River, Tárcoles River, Sarapiquí River
Major Mountains: Mount Chirripó, Irazú Volcano, Poás Volcano
Deserts: None
Lakes: Lake Arenal, Lake Cocibolca
Volcanoes: Poás Volcano, Irazú Volcano, Arenal Volcano, Turrialba Volcano
Highest Point: Mount Chirripó (3,820 m / 12,533 ft)
Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean (0 m / 0 ft)
Climate: Tropical and subtropical, with wet and dry seasons. The central region experiences cooler temperatures due to higher elevations.
Geological Features: The country is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, known for its active volcanoes, tectonic activity, and frequent earthquakes.

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Mestizo (mixed European and indigenous ancestry), with smaller groups of Afro-Costa Ricans, indigenous peoples, and expatriates
Religion: Roman Catholic (approx. 60%), Protestant (approx. 25%), Other (approx. 15%)
Urban Population: ~80% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: Costa Rica has a relatively high standard of living, with a diverse cultural heritage influenced by European, indigenous, and Afro-Caribbean traditions.

Famous For: Pura Vida lifestyle, ecotourism, coffee, and biodiversity
Cuisine: Rice, beans, corn, Gallo Pinto, Casado, seafood, tropical fruits
Arts: Music (particularly Cumbia, Salsa, and Marimba), traditional dances, folk arts
Sports: Football (soccer), basketball, surfing, and baseball

Economy Type: Mixed economy, heavily reliant on tourism, agriculture, and technology
GDP: Approx. $69.2 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Electronics, agriculture (coffee, bananas, pineapples), tourism, pharmaceuticals
Key Exports: Electronics, coffee, bananas, medical devices, tropical fruits
Unemployment Rate: ~9.5% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: The economy is centered around San José, with tourism and agriculture also significant contributors in coastal areas and the central valley.

Government Type: Presidential republic
Head of State: President Rodrigo Chaves Robles (last updated: April 2025)
Head of Government: President Rodrigo Chaves Robles (last updated: April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral Legislative Assembly
Constitution: In effect since 1949

Arenal Volcano National Park: Known for its active volcano and hot springs
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: A popular ecotourism destination with rich biodiversity
Manuel Antonio National Park: Famous for its beaches, wildlife, and rainforest
Corcovado National Park: One of the most biologically diverse places on Earth
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 3 (including La Amistad International Park and Coco Island National Park)