- Population:
- 5,130,000
- Religion:
- Christianity
Costa Rica gained independence in 1821 and became one of the most politically stable countries in its region. It abolished its military in 1949 and has since focused on education, environmental conservation, and economic development. Tourism, agriculture, and technology industries are key drivers of its economy.
Costa Rica, officially the Republic of Costa Rica, is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It covers an area of approximately 51,100 square kilometers and has a population of about 5 million people as of 2023. The capital and largest city is San José. The official language is Spanish. Costa Rica operates as a unitary presidential constitutional republic. The country is known for its stable democracy, having abolished its military in 1949, and is often cited as one of the most stable and prosperous nations in Latin America. The economy is diverse, with key sectors including tourism, agriculture, and electronics exports. Costa Rica is renowned for its biodiversity and extensive national park system, attracting millions of tourists annually. It is a member of the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and the Central American Integration System.
