Facts about Costa Rica

Capital
(and largest city) San José
9°55′N 84°4′W / 9.917°N 84.067°W
Official languages Spanish
Recognised regional languages Mekatelyu
Ethnic groups 85% White
10% Mestizo
3% Afro-Costa Rican
1% Amerindian
1% Chinese
Demonym Costa Rican; Tico
Government Constitutional democracy
(Presidential republic)
- President Oscar Arias (PLN)
- Vice President unoccupied
Independence from Spain (via Guatemala)
- Declared September 10, 1821
- Recognized by Spain May 10, 1850
- from the UPCA 1838
Area
- Total 51,100 km2 (128th)
19,730 sq mi
- Water (%) 0.7
Population
- May 2009 estimate 4,509,290 (119th)
- Density 85/km2 (107th)
220/sq mi
GDP (PPP) 2008 estimate
- Total $48.741 billion
- Per capita $10,752
GDP (nominal) 2008 estimate
- Total $29.828 billion
- Per capita $6,580
Gini (2001) 49.9 (high)
HDI (2008) ▲ 0.847 (high) (50th)
Currency Costa Rican colón (CRC)
Time zone (UTC-6)
Drives on the right
Internet TLD .cr
Calling code +506