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World > North America > Costa Rica
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Costa Rica |
Introduction:
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Although explored by the Spanish early in the 16th century, initial attempts at colonizing Costa Rica proved unsuccessful due to a combination of factors, including: disease from mosquito-infested swamps, brutal heat, resistance by natives, and pirate raids. It was not until 1563 that a permanent settlement of Cartago was established in the cooler, fertile central highlands. The area remained a colony for some two and a half centuries. In 1821, Costa Rica became one of several Central American provinces that jointly declared their independence from Spain. Two years later it joined the United Provinces of Central America, but this federation disintegrated in 1838, at which time Costa Rica proclaimed its sovereignty and independence. Since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred the country's democratic development. Although it still maintains a large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.
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| Official name: |
Republic of Costa Rica |
| Capital: |
name: San Jose
geographic coordinates: 9 56 N, 84 05 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time) |
| Government type: |
democratic republic |
| Population: |
4,133,884 (July 2007 est.) |
| Languages: |
Spanish (official), English |
| Official Currency: |
Costa Rican Colon (CRC) |
| Currency code: |
CRC |
| Area: |
total: 51,100 sq km
land: 50,660 sq km
water: 440 sq km
note: includes Isla del Coco |
| Climate: |
tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands |
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Map of Costa Rica
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