Costa Rica

In brief

Costa Rica is a country in Central America. Its capital is San José. With 5.2 million inhabitants in 2025, it ranks 125th in the world by population, out of the 195 countries recognised by the UN. Its area is 51,100 km². It shares land borders with Nicaragua and Panama.

GDP per capita stands at $19,970 (2025), 56th in the world. Life expectancy at birth is 81 years (2024). 80% of the population lives in cities.

History of Costa Rica

A Spanish colony attached to the Captaincy General of Guatemala, Costa Rica became independent with the rest of Central America on 15 September 1821. After a brief civil war in 1948, President José Figueres abolished the army and put its resources into education and health. The country is one of the most stable democracies in Latin America; its president Óscar Arias won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his role in bringing peace to Central America.

Geography of Costa Rica

Between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific, Costa Rica is crossed by volcanic ranges with active volcanoes such as Arenal and Poás; Cerro Chirripó (3,820 m) is its highest point. It is home to about 5% of the world’s biodiversity, and much of its territory is protected.

Map of Costa Rica

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Flag of Costa Rica

The flag of Costa Rica is red, white and blue. Its official proportions are 3:5 (height to width).

• White35%
• Blue34%
• Red30%

Share of the flag’s surface taken by each colour.

What the flag stands for

Blue, white, red, white, blue, with the red band twice as wide. Inspired in 1848 by the ideals of the French Revolution, it brings together the sky (blue), peace (white) and the blood shed for freedom (red).

Sources: Wikipedia, articles “Costa Rica” and “Flag of Costa Rica”.

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Fact file

Economy and society