Official Name: Republic of Costa Rica
Capital: San José
Costa Rica is located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, Panama to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Costa Rica features a diverse landscape with mountains, valleys, forests, volcanoes, and coastal plains.
Area: Approximately 51,100 square kilometers (approximately 19,700 square miles).
Population: Approximately 5 million people (as of 2023 estimate).
Language: The official language is Spanish.
Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: a dry season, which runs from December to April, and a wet season, which runs from May to November. The country is known for its rich biodiversity and commitment to environmental conservation.
Costa Rica’s economy is highly diversified, with key sectors including tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The country is known for its exports of bananas, coffee, sugar, and electronics.
Costa Rica is a democratic republic. The President of Costa Rica is both the head of state and the head of government. Notably, Costa Rica abolished its military in 1949, making it one of the few nations in the world without a standing army.
Education in Costa Rica is compulsory for children from ages 6 to 15. The country is known for its high literacy rate and emphasis on education, with a significant proportion of the national budget allocated to education.
Costa Rican culture is a vibrant blend of indigenous heritage with Spanish and other European influences. The country is known for its music, dance, cuisine, and national festivals.
Famous Costa Ricans include the footballer Keylor Navas, former President Óscar Arias Sánchez who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987, and the writer and political activist Carmen Lyra.
This is a general overview of Costa Rica, and there’s much more to learn about this intriguing country, from its extraordinary biodiversity to its warm and welcoming people.
