Costa Rica

National name

República de Costa Rica

Government

Democratic republic.

Geography

This Central American country lies between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. It has a narrow Pacific coastal region. Cocos Island (10 sq mi; 26 sq km), about 300 mi (483 km) off the Pacific Coast, is under Costa Rican sovereignty.

Historical Background

Explored by the Spanish early in the 16th century, as initial attempts at colonizing Costa Rica proved unsuccessful due to a combination of factors, including: disease from mosquito-infested swamps, brutal heat, resistance by natives, and pirate raids. It was not until 1563 that a permanent settlement of Cartago was established in the cooler, fertile central highlands. The area remained a colony for some two and a half centuries. In 1821, Costa Rica became one of several Central American provinces that jointly declared their independence from Spain. Two years later it joined the United Provinces of Central America, but this federation disintegrated in 1838, at which time Costa Rica proclaimed its sovereignty and independence. Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread. In November 2008, the Costa Rican government voted to implement the Central American Free Trade Agreement.

Capital

San José

Government

Constitutional democracy (Presidential republic)President Laura Chinchilla

Language

Spanish

Religion

Christianity

Area

Total 51,100 km2 (128th) 19,653 sq mi

Population

July 2010 estimate 4,253,897[1] (123rd)

Currency

Costa Rican colón (CRC)

GDP

2009 estimate Total $48.881 billion Per capita $10,579