República de Costa Rica

Origin of Name "Costa Rica" means "rich coast" in Spanish, but who first bestowed the name on the region is unknown.

Location Central America
Bordered By Nicaragua, Panama

Area 19,575 sq mi (50,700 sq km)
Greatest Distance N-S 220 mi (354 km)
Greatest Distance E-W 237 mi (381 km)
Coastline 380 mi (612 km)
Highest Point Chirripó Grande; 12,530 ft (3,819 m)
Lowest Point sea level
Natural Resources hydropower

Nationality Costa Rican
Population (June 2015 est) 4,814,144
Largest City San José
Ethnic Groups white, mestizo
Religions Roman Catholic, Evangelical
Languages Spanish (official), English

Capital San José
Form of Government republic
Present Constitution Adopted November 7, 1949
Chief of State and Head of Government President Luis Guillermo Solis Rivera (since May 8, 2014)
Cabinet appointed by the President
Legislature unicameral Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa)
Judiciary Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)
Local Administration 7 provinces (provincias)

Currency Costan Rican Colones
Per Capita Income $12,600
Industries microprocessors, food processing, medical equipment, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products
Agricultural Products bananas, pineapples, coffee, melons, ornamental plants, sugar, corn, rice, beans, potatoes; beef, poultry, dairy; timber
Export Commodities bananas, pineapples, coffee, melons, ornamental plants, sugar; beef; seafood; electronic components, medical equipment
Import Commodities raw materials, consumer goods, capital equipment, petroleum, construction materials

Independence Achieved September 15, 1821
From Spain
National Holiday Independence Day; September 15
Flag five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical disk toward the hoist side of the red band; the blue color is said to stand for the sky, opportunity, and perseverance, white denotes peace, happiness, and wisdom, while red represents the blood shed for freedom, as well as the generosity and vibrancy of the people

SEE ALSO
Nicaragua
Panama
Spain

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This page was last updated on 04/14/2017.