Costa Rica

Where is Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is in Central America, North America, bordering Nicaragua, Panama. Drag or zoom the map, or open the full interactive world map.

Key facts

Capital

San José

Continent

North America

Subregion

Central America

Population

4,999,441

Land area

51,100 km²

ISO codes

CR / CRI

Languages

Spanish

Coastline

Has a coastline

Currency

Costa Rican colón (CRC)

Calling code

+506

Internet domain

.cr

How Costa Rica compares

Costa Rica ranks 119th of 194 countries on this site by population and 126th by land area — roughly 0.07% of their combined population. In North America it ranks 11th of 23 by population and 9th by area. It has a coastline. It shares land borders with 2 other countries.

Countries by population · Countries by area

Flag of Costa Rica: colours

A pixel-accurate scan of the Costa Rica flag breaks down as 33.8% white, 33.1% blue and 33.1% red.

• 33.8% white
• 33.1% blue
• 33.1% red

Can you name a country from its colours alone? That is the whole idea behind the flag pie chart game.

Did you know?

1. Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948 and redirected resources toward schools and hospitals.
2. 'Pura vida' — pure life — captures the country's easygoing outlook on nature and community.
3. Monteverde's cloud forests mist with orchids, hummingbirds, and the resplendent quetzal.
4. Olive ridley sea turtles storm ashore in arribadas — mass nestings on Pacific beaches.
5. Arenal Volcano once rumbled with nightly lava flows that lit up the sky for visitors.

Bordering countries

• Nicaragua
• Panama

Costa Rica: frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Costa Rica?

The capital of Costa Rica is San José.

What continent is Costa Rica in?

Costa Rica is in North America, specifically the Central America subregion.

What is the population of Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has a population of roughly 4,999,441 people, across a land area of 51,100 km².

What language is spoken in Costa Rica?

The main language of Costa Rica is Spanish.

Which countries border Costa Rica?

Costa Rica shares a land border with 2 countries: Nicaragua and Panama.