Costa Rica — Capital, Flag and Country Facts

Explore Costa Rica: capital San José, population, flag, geography, languages, history and culture.

Costa Rica is in North America. Its capital is San José.

Climate

Tropical and subtropical; dry season December to April; rainy season May to November

Coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 200 volcanic cones

Costa Rica has no army - it was abolished in 1949.

Costa Rica contains nearly 6% of the world's biodiversity despite covering only 0.03% of the planet's surface.

The phrase "Pura Vida" (pure life) is used as a greeting, farewell, and expression of contentment throughout the country.

1502: Columbus arrives on the Caribbean coast during his fourth voyage

1821: Costa Rica gains independence from Spain

1948: Costa Rican Civil War; José Figueres abolishes the army the following year

1949: New constitution abolishes the military permanently

1987: President Óscar Arias wins the Nobel Peace Prize for the Central American Peace Plan