The Republic of Costa Rica is a country located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south-southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Costa Rica was the first country in the world to constitutionally abolish its army.

* OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: The official language is Spanish. The second language for a large portion of the population is English.

* OFFICIAL RELIGION: The official religion is Catholic. Freedom of religious choice is respected.

* OFFICIAL CURRENCY: Colon

* NATIONAL SYMBOLS: The Purple Orchid (Guarianthe skinneri), National Flag, Guanacaste Tree, National Emblem of Costa Rica, Typical Cart, Yigüirro.

Costa Rica is comprised of seven provinces, which in turn are divided into 90 cantons each directed by a mayor. Mayors are chosen democratically every four years by each canton's people.

1. San Jose, 2. Alajuela, 3. Cartago, 4. Heredia, 5. Limon, 6. Guanacaste, 7. Puntarenas.

* Terrain: A rugged, central range separates the eastern and western coastal plains.
* Climate: Mild in the central highlands, tropical and subtropical in coastal areas.

* PEOPLE: Nationality: Noun and adjective--Costa Rican(s).
Population (July 2005 est.): 4.02 million.
Annual growth rate (2005 est.): 1.48%.
Ethnic groups: European and some mestizo 94%, African origin 3%, Chinese 1%, indigenous 1%, other 1%.
Religion: Roman Catholic 76.3%, Protestant approx. 15.7%, others 4.8%, none 3.2%.
Languages: Spanish, with a southwestern Caribbean Creole dialect of English spoken around the Limon area.
Education: Years compulsory--9. Attendance--99% grades 1-6, 71% grades 7-9. Literacy--96%.
Health: Infant mortality rate--9.95/1,000. Life expectancy--men 74.26 yrs., women 79.55 yrs.
Work force (2004 est., 1.81 million): Services--71.3%; agriculture--14.6%; industry--14%.

* GOVERNMENT: Type: Democratic republic.
Independence: September 15, 1821.
Constitution: November 7, 1949.