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Central America · North America

Costa Rica

Costa Rica
Capital
San José
Population
5.2M
Area
51,100 km²
Language
Spanish

Costa Rica is a country in Central America, North America. Its capital is San José, with a population of approximately 5.2M and a total area of 51,100 km². The official language is Spanish and the currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC).

📊 Quick Facts about Costa Rica

👥
Population
5.2M
total residents
📐
Total Area
51,100 km²
land coverage
🏙️
Pop. Density
102/km²
people per km²
💰
GDP (nominal)
$68.5B
total output
💵
GDP per Capita
$13,173
per person
💱
Currency
Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
legal tender
🗣️
Language(s)
Spanish
official
🌊
Coastline
1,290 km
total shore
🕐
Timezone
UTC-6
UTC offset
🎂
Independence
1821
established
🕐
Local Time in San José

Costa Rica covers an area of 51,100 km² with a population density of 102/km² people per km². The country has a GDP of $68.5B ($13,173 per capita) and gained independence in 1821. It has a coastline of 1,290 km.

Did You Know?

Costa Rica abolished its military in 1948 and redirected the funds to education and healthcare. The country contains 5% of the world's biodiversity in just 0.03% of Earth's surface, and runs almost entirely on renewable energy.

💡 Interesting Facts about Costa Rica

  1. Costa Rica abolished its military in 1948.
  2. The country produces 99% of its electricity from renewable sources.
  3. Costa Rica contains 5% of the world's biodiversity in 0.03% of Earth's land.
  4. The phrase Pura Vida (Pure Life) is the national motto and way of life.

✈️ Travel Information for Costa Rica

📅
Best Time to Visit
December–April
Tropical, dry season December–April
💸
Cost of Travel
🟡 Moderate
Mid — compared to global average
🍽️
Meal Cost
$6–12
average restaurant meal
🏨
Hotel Cost
$40–100
per night
🛂
Visa
Visa-free for most Western nationalities
entry requirements
🔌
Plug Type
Type A/B, 120V
electrical standard
🚗➡️
Driving Side
Right
side of the road

⚠️ Travel information is approximate and may change. Always verify visa requirements, entry rules and travel advisories with official government sources before travelling.

📍 Costa Rica on the Map

🌍
📍 San José, Costa Rica

⚠ Coverage varies by country. Zoom in or drag to explore.

🏆 Costa Rica World Rankings

1st
Biodiversity
5% of world's biodiversity in 0.03% of Earth's land area
1st
No Army
Abolished its military in 1948 — redirected funds to education
1st
Renewable Energy
Runs on 99% renewable energy for most of the year
1st
Pura Vida
Pura Vida philosophy — happiest country in Latin America

🏛 Must-See Places in Costa Rica

🌋
Open Wikipedia ↗
Arenal Volcano

One of the world's most active volcanoes — a perfect cone rising above hot springs and rainforest

↗ Learn more on Wikipedia
🐒
Open Wikipedia ↗
Manuel Antonio National Park

A pocket-sized paradise of beaches, monkeys and sloths in a lush coastal rainforest

↗ Learn more on Wikipedia
🌿
Open Wikipedia ↗
Monteverde Cloud Forest

A misty cloud forest reserve teeming with rare birds, orchids and the elusive quetzal

↗ Learn more on Wikipedia
🦜
Open Wikipedia ↗
Corcovado National Park

National Geographic's most biologically intense place on Earth — tapirs, jaguars, scarlet macaws

↗ Learn more on Wikipedia

🗺️ Countries Bordering Costa Rica

🇳🇮
Nicaragua
Managua
🇵🇦
Panama
Panama City

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Costa Rica

What is the capital of Costa Rica?

The capital of Costa Rica is San José.

What language is spoken in Costa Rica?

The official language(s) of Costa Rica are Spanish.

What is the population of Costa Rica?

The population of Costa Rica is approximately 5.2M.

What currency does Costa Rica use?

Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican Colón (CRC).

What continent is Costa Rica in?

Costa Rica is located in North America, in the Central America region.

What is the GDP of Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has a GDP of $68.5B, with a GDP per capita of $13,173.

What is the best time to visit Costa Rica?

The best time to visit Costa Rica is December–April. The climate is Tropical, dry season December–April.

Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?

Visa-free for most Western nationalities

🌍 Explore More Countries in Central America

🇧🇿
Belize
Belmopan
🇸🇻
El Salvador
San Salvador
🇬🇹
Guatemala
Guatemala City
🇭🇳
Honduras
Tegucigalpa

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