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Costa Rica, officially known as the Republic of Costa Rica, is a captivating country located in the Central American region of North America. Its name, which translates to “Rich Coast,” reflects the country’s abundant natural beauty and resources. Bordered by Nicaragua to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, Panama to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Costa Rica also shares a maritime border with Ecuador to the south of Cocos Island. This geographical positioning has endowed Costa Rica with a diverse range of ecosystems and a rich biodiversity that attracts nature enthusiasts from around the globe.
The country spans a land area of approximately 51,180 square kilometers (19,760 square miles) and is home to a population of around five million people. The capital and largest city, San José, is a bustling urban center where an estimated 352,381 people reside, with about two million people living in the surrounding metropolitan area. San José serves as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the nation, offering a vibrant mix of modernity and tradition.
Costa Rica is renowned for its stable and long-standing constitutional democracy, operating as a presidential republic. This political stability has been a cornerstone of the country’s development, fostering a highly educated workforce and a commitment to social welfare. Remarkably, Costa Rica allocates approximately 6.9% of its budget to education, significantly higher than the global average of 4.4%. This investment in human capital has been instrumental in transforming Costa Rica from an agriculture-dependent economy to a diversified one that includes finance, corporate services, pharmaceuticals, and ecotourism.
The nation’s Free Trade Zones (FTZ) play a crucial role in its economic landscape, attracting foreign manufacturing and services companies with enticing investment and tax incentives. This economic diversification has propelled Costa Rica onto the global stage, making it an attractive destination for international business and tourism alike.
Historically, Costa Rica’s journey began with the habitation of indigenous peoples before the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century. As a peripheral colony of the Spanish Empire, it maintained a relatively low profile until gaining independence as part of the First Mexican Empire. Subsequently, Costa Rica joined the Federal Republic of Central America before declaring its formal independence in 1847. A pivotal moment in its history occurred in 1948, following a brief civil war, when Costa Rica made the bold decision to abolish its army permanently in 1949. This move positioned Costa Rica as one of the few sovereign nations without a standing military, allowing it to redirect resources towards education, health, and environmental conservation.
In terms of human development, Costa Rica consistently ranks favorably on the global stage. As of 2022, it holds the 58th position in the Human Development Index (HDI) and is ranked fifth in Latin America. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has recognized Costa Rica for achieving higher human development levels than other countries with similar income levels, boasting a commendable record on human development and inequality compared to the regional median.
Costa Rica’s commitment to democratic governance, press freedom, and sustainable wellbeing is evident in various international indices. It ranks as the 8th freest press according to the Press Freedom Index and is considered the 35th most democratic country by the Freedom in the World index. Additionally, the 2023 World Happiness Report places Costa Rica as the 23rd happiest country globally, a testament to the nation’s focus on quality of life and environmental sustainability.
Tourism is a significant contributor to Costa Rica’s economy, with the country emerging as a major tourist destination in the Americas. Its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife offer a unique experience for visitors seeking adventure and relaxation. Ecotourism, in particular, has flourished, as Costa Rica is home to numerous national parks and protected areas that showcase its commitment to preserving its natural heritage.
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