Administrative divisions
7 · First-level (ADM1)Boundaries shown do not imply endorsement.
Provincia AlajuelaProvincia CartagoProvincia GuanacasteProvincia HerediaProvincia LimónProvincia PuntarenasProvincia San José
Source: geoBoundaries CGAZ (ADM1)
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Total area | 51,100 km²World Bank WDI [2023] |
| Exclusive economic zone (EEZ) | 581,700 km²Marine Regions [2024] |
| Administrative divisions (ADM1) | 7 divisionsgeoBoundaries [2026] |
| Location | Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and PanamaCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Coastline | 1,290 kmCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Land boundaries | 661 kmCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Bordering countries | Nicaragua 313 km; Panama 348 kmCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Terrain | coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major active volcanoesCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Climate | tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlandsCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Natural resources | hydropowerCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Highest point | Cerro Chirripo 3,819 mCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Lowest point | Pacific Ocean 0 mCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Mean elevation | 746 mCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Area (comparative) | slightly smaller than West VirginiaCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Natural hazards | occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast; frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season and landslides; active volcanoes volcanism: Arenal (1,670 m) is the most active volcano in Costa Rica; a 1968 eruption destroyed the town of Tabacon; Irazu (3,432 m), situated just east of San Jose, has the potential to spew ash over the capital city, as it did between 1963 and 1965; other historically active volcanoes include Miravalles, Poas, Rincon de la Vieja, and TurrialbaCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Maritime claims | territorial sea: 12 nm; exclusive economic zone: 200 nm; continental shelf: 200 nmCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
