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World Region Information --- Costa Rica Information

Costa Rica

We are researching regional information for Costa Rica. The Republic of Costa Rica is a country in southern Central America. We will feature information that seems to be good to know when advancing to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica

Location

It is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the southeast. It faces the Caribbean Sea to the northeast and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. And to the south of Coco Island lies the territorial waters of Ecuador.

Area

Approx. 51,000 km2

Capital (approximate population)

San Jose(330,000)

Population

about 5 million

Racial Composition

83.6% White/Castizo or Mestizo, 6.7% Mulatto, 2.4% American Indian, 1.1% Black, Other

Language

Spanish

Religion

79% Christian

Culture

It is influenced by Spanish culture, indigenous culture, and immigrant culture such as Jamaica depending on the region.
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- Arenal Volcano
- Reserva Biologica Bosque Nubloso Monteverde
- Tamarindo Beach Costa Rica
- Diamante Eco Adventure Park
- Parque Nacional Corcovado
- Tortuguero National Park
- Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica
- Irazu Volcano National Park
- Braulio Carrillo National Park
- Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park

Education

The nine years of elementary school (6 years of primary education) and junior high school (3 years of lower secondary education) are compulsory and free.
- Universidad de Costa Rica
- Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica
- Tecnologico de Costa Rica


- Biblioteca Nacional Miguel Obregon Lizano

Overview of Costa Rica Modern and Contemporary History

1808 Introduction of coffee cultivation
1821 Independence from Spain
1823 Part of the Central American Union along with Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala
1838 Fully independent as Costa Rica
1859 bloodless coup
1940-44 socialist movement
1948 Six Weeks of Civil War
1949 New constitution enacted. Military abolished (national defense transferred to armed police). Socialization begins with the introduction of the social security system and the nationalization of banks.
1982 austerity introduced. Pressurized against Sandinistas in Nicaragua
1987 Leaders of Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras sign peace plan devised by President Costa Rica
2005 State of emergency declared for heavy rains and severe floods
2007 Diplomatic relations with Taiwan ended. Start of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China

Politics

It is a presidential democratic republic with a multi-party system. The president is the head of state and head of government. Legislative power is vested in the Legislative Assembly.
- Casa Presidencial de Costa Rica
- Asamblea Legislativa
- Corte Suprema de Justicia

GDP per capita

$12,690

Economy

Although the country is economically stable, the increasing fiscal deficit is an issue.


North America

United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba , Jamaica, Haiti , Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Antigua 惻Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados

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