Costa Rica Geography: Location, Area, Borders & Climate
Costa Rica is a country in Central America, North America, covering a total area of 51,100 km². It has a coastline of 1,290 km along the Central America coast. Costa Rica shares land borders with 2 countries.
📐 Geographic Statistics
Where is Costa Rica Located?
Costa Rica is situated in Central America, within the broader continent of North America. The country has a coastline of 1,290 km, providing access to maritime trade, fishing and coastal tourism. This geographic feature has been central to Costa Rica's historical development and economic activity. The capital, San José, serves as the country's administrative and economic centre. Within the Central America region, Costa Rica sits alongside countries including Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala.
Size and Area of Costa Rica
Costa Rica covers a total area of 51,100 km², making it one of the smaller nations in the world. With a population of 5.2M across this territory, the population density works out at 102/km²: a moderate distribution of people across the country.
Climate of Costa Rica
The climate of Costa Rica is tropical, dry season december–april. The most favourable time to visit is December–April, when conditions are most comfortable for travel and outdoor activities. Climate can vary considerably across different parts of the country; coastal areas, highlands and inland plains often experience quite different conditions. Travellers should research the specific region they plan to visit to plan appropriate clothing and activities.
🗺️ Countries Bordering Costa Rica
Costa Rica shares land borders with 2 countries: Nicaragua, Panama.
Frequently Asked Questions about Costa Rica's Geography
Where is Costa Rica located?
Costa Rica is located in Central America, North America. The capital city is San José.
How large is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has a total area of 51,100 km² with a population density of 102/km².
What countries border Costa Rica?
Costa Rica shares land borders with 2 countries: Nicaragua, Panama.
Does Costa Rica have a coastline?
Yes, Costa Rica has a coastline of 1,290 km.
What is the climate of Costa Rica?
The climate of Costa Rica is Tropical, dry season December–April. The best time to visit is December–April.
What timezone is Costa Rica in?
Costa Rica observes UTC-6 timezone.
What continent is Costa Rica in?
Costa Rica is in North America, specifically in the Central America region.
When did Costa Rica become independent?
Costa Rica gained independence in 1821.