Costa Rica CA
Profile
Flag of Costa Rica
Flag Description:
Five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical disk on the hoist side of the red band; above the coat of arms a light blue ribbon contains the words, AMERICA CENTRAL, and just below it near the top of the coat of arms is a white ribbon with the words, REPUBLICA COSTA RICA
Costa Rica Country Profile
República de Costa Rica
Although explored by the Spanish early in the 16th century, 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. Since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred the country's democratic development. Although it still maintains a large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.
— CIA World Factbook
Costa Rica Fast Facts
- Population:
- 4,331,000
- Capital:
- San José; 1,085,000
- Area:
- 51,100 square kilometers (19,730 square miles)
- Language:
- Spanish, English
- Religion:
- Roman Catholic, Evangelical
- Currency:
- Costa Rican colon
- Life Expenctancy:
- 79
- GDP per Capita:
- U.S. $8,300
- Literacy Percent:
- 96
Government of Costa Rica: www.casapres.go.cr