The Green Paradise of Central America
Costa Rica, officially the Republic of Costa Rica (República de Costa Rica), is a Central American nation globally recognized for its stunning biodiversity, political stability, and eco-friendly development model. Known as the “Switzerland of Central America,” it is a pioneer in peace, democracy, and green growth.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Costa Rica’s story is one of peace and sustainability — shaped by its indigenous roots, colonial past, and democratic ideals.
Key Historical Timeline:
Pre-1500 CE: Indigenous tribes such as the Chorotega and Bribri inhabit the land.
1502: Christopher Columbus lands on the Caribbean coast.
1524: Spanish colonization begins.
1821: Gains independence from Spain as part of the Federal Republic of Central America.
1838: Becomes a fully independent republic.
1948: Abolishes the military after civil war — focuses on education and peace.
21st Century: Becomes a model for renewable energy and eco-tourism.
🧭 Basic National Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Republic of Costa Rica |
| Capital City | San José |
| President | Rodrigo Chaves Robles (as of 2025) |
| Government Type | Democratic Republic |
| Area | ~51,100 sq km |
| Population | ~5.3 million (2025 est.) |
| Currency | Costa Rican Colón (CRC) |
| Time Zone | UTC −6 |
| Dial Code | +506 |
| Top-Level Domain | .cr |
| National Motto | “Vivan siempre el trabajo y la paz” (Long live work and peace) |
⚖️ Government and Leadership
| Position | Current Officeholder (as of 2025) |
|---|---|
| President | Rodrigo Chaves Robles |
| Vice President | Stephan Brunner |
| Legislature | Legislative Assembly (Unicameral) |
| Judiciary | Supreme Court of Justice |
| Administrative Division | 7 Provinces |
Costa Rica is known for political stability, absence of an army, and human rights leadership.
🗺️ Administrative Structure
| Division | Details |
|---|---|
| Provinces | 7 (San José, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Guanacaste, Puntarenas, Limón) |
| Cantons | 84 |
| Districts | 488 |
| Major Cities | San José, Alajuela, Cartago, Liberia, Limón, Puntarenas |
| Province Name | Capital |
|---|---|
| San José | San José |
| Alajuela | Alajuela |
| Cartago | Cartago |
| Heredia | Heredia |
| Guanacaste | Liberia |
| Puntarenas | Puntarenas |
| Limón | Limón |
🌐 Geography & Environment
Location: Between Nicaragua (north) and Panama (south), bordered by both Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
Terrain: Mountains, volcanoes, plains, beaches, and rainforests.
Major Volcanoes: Arenal, Poás, Irazú, Turrialba.
Climate: Tropical and subtropical; rainy and dry seasons.
Natural Wonders: Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, Corcovado.
Costa Rica protects over 25% of its land as national parks, making it a true environmental leader.
Local Government Structure
Provinces are subdivided into 82 cantons, each with its own municipality.
Municipal governments are led by mayors and municipal councils.
Local governance supports urban planning, waste management, and local development.
Leadership & Governance
Costa Rica focuses on:
Peaceful diplomacy and neutrality
Environmental protection and renewable energy
Education and public health
Gender equality and civil rights
It ranks high in HDI, press freedom, and sustainability indices.
Law Enforcement & Safety
No standing army since 1949
Public security is maintained by:
Public Force (Fuerza Pública)
Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ)
Low crime in rural areas; urban security improving
🕌 Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Christianity (Roman Catholic – official) |
| Other Faiths | Protestant, Jewish, and Indigenous beliefs |
| Official Language | Spanish |
| Common Languages | English, Creole, Bribri |
| Ethnic Composition | Mestizo, European, Afro-Caribbean, Indigenous |
Cultural Highlights:
National saying: “Pura Vida” (Pure Life – a symbol of positivity).
Music & Dance: Salsa, Cumbia, Marimba.
Cuisine: Gallo Pinto, Casado, tropical fruits, seafood.
Festivals: Independence Day (Sept 15), Palmares Festival, Envision Festival.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| GDP (2025 est.) | ~$78 billion |
| Main Industries | Tourism, technology, agriculture, services |
| Major Exports | Coffee, bananas, pineapples, medical devices |
| Trade Partners | USA, EU, China, Mexico |
| Currency | Costa Rican Colón (CRC) |
| Tourism Contribution | ~25% of GDP |
Costa Rica is a global model in renewable energy, with over 98% electricity from green sources.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Sector | Details |
|---|---|
| Education System | Free and compulsory primary education |
| Top Universities | University of Costa Rica, INCAE, UNA |
| Literacy Rate | ~97% |
| Healthcare System | Universal healthcare under “Caja Costarricense” |
| Life Expectancy | ~80 years |
| Wellbeing Index | Among the highest in Latin America |
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Airports | Juan Santamaría Intl (San José), Daniel Oduber Intl (Liberia) |
| Ports | Puerto Limón, Caldera |
| Highways | Pan-American Highway (Route 1) |
| Energy | Hydropower, wind, solar, geothermal |
| Connectivity | Excellent digital infrastructure |
Costa Rica is the first carbon-neutral country in Latin America.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Destinations:
Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna: Hot springs and eco-lodges.
Monteverde Cloud Forest: Biodiversity paradise.
Manuel Antonio National Park: Beaches and rainforests.
Tamarindo & Guanacaste: Surfing and coastal beauty.
Tortuguero: Sea turtle nesting haven.
Costa Rica attracts eco-tourists, surfers, and nature lovers from across the world.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| UN Membership | Since 1945 |
| Regional Organizations | SICA, OAS, CELAC |
| Global Leadership | Environmental diplomacy and human rights |
| Alliances | USA, EU, Japan, China |
| Peace Role | Hosts Inter-American Court of Human Rights |
📝 Summary
Costa Rica is a beacon of peace, nature, and sustainable progress.
Its “Pura Vida” lifestyle inspires harmony between people and the planet — making it one of the happiest nations on Earth.
📢 News & Articles
“Costa Rica’s Journey Toward Carbon Neutrality”
“Arenal Volcano: Nature’s Power and Beauty”
“Pura Vida: The Philosophy of Happiness”
🎯 Our Mission
Through the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, we aim to highlight Costa Rica’s leadership in sustainability, biodiversity, and peaceful living.
📬 Contact Us
For verified data or tourism updates on Costa Rica, reach out to our editorial desk.