Costa Rica Population 2026: 5.2M People, Density & Key Facts
Costa Rica is a country with a moderate, fairly even population spread: 5.2M people across 51,100 km², giving a density of 102/km².
GDP per capita stands at $13,173: a figure above the global median. The capital, San José, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About Costa Rica's Population
With a population of 5.2M, Costa Rica is home to a significant number of people within its 51,100 km² of territory. The population density of 102/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: a moderate density typical of many countries in the region.
The capital city, San José, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of Costa Rica. Costa Rica has a coastline of 1,290 km, which has historically attracted settlement and shaped where the majority of the population lives and works.
In economic terms, Costa Rica has a total GDP of $68.5B, translating to $13,173 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC).
Costa Rica gained independence in 1821 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is Spanish, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.
Within the Central America region, Costa Rica sits alongside Belize (441K), El Salvador (6.5M), Guatemala (17.6M). This regional context helps illustrate how Costa Rica's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Costa Rica's Population
What is the population of Costa Rica in 2026?
The population of Costa Rica is approximately 5.2M people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of Costa Rica?
The capital city of Costa Rica is San José, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has a population density of 102/km². This is a moderate population density.
What is the GDP per capita of Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has a GDP per capita of $13,173, with a total GDP of $68.5B. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in Costa Rica?
The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish.
How big is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica covers a total area of 51,100 km². With a population of 5.2M, that gives a density of 102/km².
When did Costa Rica gain independence?
Costa Rica gained independence in 1821.
What currency is used in Costa Rica?
The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC).
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