The National Flag	The Country Coat of Arms

 Costa Rica declared its independence from Spain in 1821. After a turbulent beginning it inaugurated an era of peaceful democracy in 1889, subsequently interrupted only twice, by a dictatorial interlude in 1917-19 and an armed uprising in 1948. Increasing the role of the private sector while maintaining the government's social safety net and keeping under control the budget deficit, unemployment, and inflation are key current issues.

Location: Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama.

Area:
total: 51,100 sq km
land: 50,660 sq km
water: 440 sq km
note: includes Isla del Coco

Climate: tropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November)

Population: 3,674,490 (July 1999 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Costa Rican(s)
adjective: Costa Rican

Religions: Roman Catholic 95%

Languages: Spanish (official), English spoken around Puerto Limon

Capital: San Jose

Currency: 1 Costa Rican colon (C) = 100 centimos

Major Cities: San Jose, Jaco, Alajuela, San Isidro, Puerto Quepos, Puerto Limon, Golfito