Costa Rica Map and Information

This is a copy of the official Costa Rican tourism department map that will help you identify certain areas of interest and their location within Costa Rica. please click the map for a more detailed picture or the area below for more information.

Brief History

1821 – Gained independance from Spain, to then join the Mexican Empire pf Augustin de Iturbide

1838 – Proclaimed as an independant nation under the rule of Braulio Carrillo Colina.

1949 РJos̩ Figueres Ferrer abolished the national army, making Costa Rica the first country to do so.

1986 – Oscar Arias Sanchez became President of the Democratic Republic.

1987 – Oscar Arias Sanchez won the Nobel Peace Prize

Costa Rica has been seen as a predominantly agricultural nation in the past, but over recent years, an increase in electronics and software design, alongside an ever increasing tourism industry, has given the economy a major boost.

GDP

Costa Rica’s GDP was measured at $45.14 billion in 2005, giving it a GDP per capita of $10,434. When compared to surrounding countries such as Panama $7,100 and Nicaragua $2,400, it can be seen that Costa Rica’s recent economic boost has been very good for the nations people.

Geography

Costa Rica is situated just north of the equator in Central America. It spans 51,100 km2 of lush rainforrest, stunning beaches and busy cities.

Costa Rica shares its borders with Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south/east, the Carbbean sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the south and west.

Population

According to an estimate made in 2005, Costa Rica has a population in the region of 4,320,000, giving it a population density of 85 people per km2. Costa Rica’s capital city, San Jose, has a population of 309,600 people according to the national census of 2000.

Currency

The national currency of Costa Rica is the Colon. Below are some recent exchange rates between the Colon, GBP and USD.

1 GBP (£) = 1052.281 CRC

1 USD ($) = 521.560 CRC

Climate

Due to Costa Rica’s location, just north of the equator, the climate is found to be tropical all year round, making it an ideal holiday destination at any time.

Costa Rica’s year is made up of just two seasons. These can be distinguished by the amount of rainfall during these periods. The two seasons are the Green season and the Dry season. The Green season runs from May through November, and the Dry season from December through April.

Weather wise, the best time to visit Costa Rica is December and January. This is because the landscape is still lush and green from the Green season, combined with clear blue skies and hot sun, there really is no better time to visit.

Average annual temperatures have been measured at 17 C (62.6 F) inland, and upto 32 C (89.6 F) on the coast.

See our FAQ’s section for more information.