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:
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Pre-1500 CE: Indigenous tribes such as the Chorotega and Bribri inhabit the land.
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1502: Christopher Columbus lands on the Caribbean coast.
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1524: Spanish colonization begins.
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1821: Gains independence from Spain as part of the Federal Republic of Central America.
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1838: Becomes a fully independent republic.
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1948: Abolishes the military after civil war — focuses on education and peace.
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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
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Location: Between Nicaragua (north) and Panama (south), bordered by both Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
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Terrain: Mountains, volcanoes, plains, beaches, and rainforests.
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Major Volcanoes: Arenal, Poás, Irazú, Turrialba.
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Climate: Tropical and subtropical; rainy and dry seasons.
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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
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Provinces are subdivided into 82 cantons, each with its own municipality.
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Municipal governments are led by mayors and municipal councils.
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Local governance supports urban planning, waste management, and local development.
Leadership & Governance
Costa Rica focuses on:
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Peaceful diplomacy and neutrality
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Environmental protection and renewable energy
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Education and public health
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Gender equality and civil rights
It ranks high in HDI, press freedom, and sustainability indices.
Law Enforcement & Safety
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No standing army since 1949
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Public security is maintained by:
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Public Force (Fuerza Pública)
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Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ)
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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:
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National saying: “Pura Vida” (Pure Life – a symbol of positivity).
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Music & Dance: Salsa, Cumbia, Marimba.
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Cuisine: Gallo Pinto, Casado, tropical fruits, seafood.
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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:
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Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna: Hot springs and eco-lodges.
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Monteverde Cloud Forest: Biodiversity paradise.
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Manuel Antonio National Park: Beaches and rainforests.
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Tamarindo & Guanacaste: Surfing and coastal beauty.
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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
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“Costa Rica’s Journey Toward Carbon Neutrality”
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“Arenal Volcano: Nature’s Power and Beauty”
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“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.