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Costa Rica Travel Guide

In this guide, you will find everything you need to know of Costa Rica, and to prepare for the trip of your dreams.

History

Costa Rica is located in Central America. It limits to the north with Nicaragua and to the southeast with Panama. The country is inhabited by more than 5 million people and has only 51,000 km2, being one of the smallest countries in the world. It is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. San Jose is the capital and the official language is Spanish, although many people speak English well. Costa Rica is one of the most consolidated democracies in America and the world. He is known for being among the most peaceful countries in the world since his army was abolished since 1948 and Costa Ricans say that their soldiers are the teachers who educate the people.

image of the five colones painting bill of costa rica

Historical Review

Costa Rica was conquered by Christopher Columbus in the 1500's. It gained its independence until 1821 when it acceded to the Central American Federal Republic but it was not until 1848 that Costa Rica officially became Republic. From this moment the country begins a history full of achievements and attitudes envied by the rest of the continent. It was even called "Central American Switzerland", referring to the beauties that characterize the country. By 1869, free and compulsory education was introduced, which has allowed the democratically elected institutions to remain almost intact. In 1948 Costa Rice lived its only civil war, which lasted only a few weeks, but would mark the country's course deeply, erecting figures such as Jose Figueres Ferrer and Dr. Rafael Ángel Calderón Fournier, which laid the foundations for the construction of the country that we know today, a country of peace and solidarity among citizens, a PURA VIDA country.

Important Information

See the following topics for information on Costa Rica: