Costa Rica
Central America
Costa Rica is a country in Central America, home to 5.1 million people, with an area of 51,100 km². Its capital is San José.
- Capital
- San José
- Population
- 5.1 million
- Area
- 51,100 km²
- Region
- Central America
- Density
- 99.8 / km²
- Status
- Sovereign state
Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.
What Costa Rica is known for
Costa Rica is best known for Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Manuel Antonio National Park.
Costa Rica is a Central American country located between Nicaragua and Panama. It has coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, with lush rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, and wildlife.
Costa Rica at a glance
- Language
- Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas
- Currency
- Costa Rican colón
- Religion
- The majority of the population is Roman Catholic, but there is also a significant Protestant population
- National dish
- Gallo pinto (rice and beans)
- Climate
- Costa Rica has a tropical climate, with a wet season from May to November and a dry season from December to April
- Main industries
- Tourism, agriculture (including coffee, bananas, and pineapple), and technology
- GDP
- $60.6 billion (2019 estimate)
- Development
- Costa Rica is considered a developing country, but it has a high human development index (HDI) ranking of 65 out of 189 countries (2020)
Things to do in Costa Rica
Some of the main tourist attractions in Costa Rica include:
- Arenal Volcano a volcano in northern Costa Rica that is popular for hiking, hot springs, and other outdoor activities.
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve a protected area in the central highlands of Costa Rica that is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered quetzal bird.
- Manuel Antonio National Park a national park on the Pacific coast that is known for its beaches, wildlife, and hiking trails.
- Tortuguero National Park a national park on the Caribbean coast that is home to sea turtles and other wildlife.
- Corcovado National Park a national park on the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica that is known for its biodiversity and remote wilderness.
- San Jose the capital city of Costa Rica, which offers a mix of cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and galleries.
These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Costa Rica has to offer. The country is also known for its commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, with a goal of being carbon neutral by 2021.
Costa Rica in pictures
Costa Rica on video
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Costa Rica compared with its neighbours
How it sits against the other countries of Central America.
| Country | Population | Area | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|
 Nicaragua | 7 million | 130,373 km² | Managua |
 El Salvador | 6.4 million | 21,041 km² | San Salvador |
| Costa Rica | 5.1 million | 51,100 km² | San José |
 Panama | 4.5 million | 75,417 km² | Panama City |
Ranked 124th of 195 countries by population and 126th by area.
Questions about Costa Rica
What is the capital of Costa Rica?
The capital of Costa Rica is San José.
How many people live in Costa Rica?
About 5.1 million people. Ranked 124th of 195 countries by population and 126th by area.
How big is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica covers 51,100 km², in Central America.
What is Costa Rica known for?
Costa Rica is best known for Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Manuel Antonio National Park.
What language is spoken in Costa Rica?
Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
What currency is used in Costa Rica?
Costa Rican colón.
Is Costa Rica a country?
Yes. Costa Rica is a sovereign state and is counted among the 195 countries this generator draws from.