Costa Rica

Overview

The Republic of Costa Rica is a country located in Central America.

The country recorded a population of 4.999 million in 2018 and covers an area of 51,100 km2.

Its capital, which is also the largest city, is San Jose. Other major cities are Puerto Limon, Alajuela, Heredia and Cinco Esquinas.

Monteverde Cloud Forest in the north of the country.

It was colonized by Spain in 1522.

Then in 1821, it gained its independence from Spain but joined the Mexican Empire.

It became fully independent in 1838.

The country’s culture is influenced by Spanish, Jamaican and Chinese customs.

The main crops grown here are pineapples, bananas, sugarcane, coffee, vegetables, corn, palm oil and rice.

The most popular dishes are Gallo Pinto, Casado, Tamal, Olla De Carne, black bean soup and Arroz con Leche.

The common wild animals living in the country include sea turtles, ocelot, iguanas, scarlet, great green macaws, horned owl, deer and tapir.

The Labor Day is held on 1st May.

Guanacaste Day is held on 25th July.

Independence Day is held on 15th September.

Arenal Volcano is a 1,633m high volcano northwest of the country.

The Manuel Antonio National Park along Pacific Coast comprises of rainforest, white sand beaches coral reefs and is home to a variety of wildlife.

Corcovado National Park is at the southwest that is home to tropical ecosystems and a variety of wildlife.

Other must-visit places are Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Tortuguero National Park and Poas Volcano.

Costa Rica is the fourth largest exporters of bananas in the world.

The highest peak in the country is Cerro Chirripo Mountain which is 3,810 m above sea level.

The country has a coastline that is 800 miles long.