| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| ISO 3166 alpha-2 | CRISO 3166 [2024] |
| ISO 3166 alpha-3 | CRIISO 3166 [2024] |
| Capital | San JoseGeoNames [2024] |
| Continent | North AmericaGeoNames [2024] |
| Common name | Costa RicaCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Official name | Republic of Costa RicaCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Local name | Costa RicaCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Etymology | the name means "rich coast" in Spanish; Christopher COLUMBUS named it in 1502, referring to the region's abundant vegetation and waterCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Government type | Presidential republicCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Independence | 15 September 1821 (from Spain)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National holiday | Independence Day, 15 September (1821)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Head of state | Laura FERNANDEZ Delgado (Pres.)CIA World Leaders [2025] |
| Currency code (ISO 4217) | CRCISO 4217 Currency Codes [2026] |
| Currency | Costa Rican ColonISO 4217 Currency Codes [2026] |
| Administrative subdivisions | 7ISO 3166-2 Subdivisions [2026] |
| Subdivision names | Alajuela / Cartago / Guanacaste / Heredia / Limón / Puntarenas / San JoséISO 3166-2 Subdivisions [2026] |
| Historical overview | No authoritative open source found |
| National symbols | yiguirro (clay-colored thrush)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National anthem | title: "Himno Nacional de Costa Rica" (National Anthem of Costa Rica); lyrics/music: Jose Maria ZELEDON Brenes/Manuel Maria GUTIERREZ; history: adopted 1949; the music was originally written for a welcome ceremony in 1852 for the US and UK diplomatic missions; the lyrics were added in 1900CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National colors | blue, white, redCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Citizenship rules | citizenship by birth: yes; citizenship by descent only: yes; dual citizenship recognized: yes; residency requirement for naturalization: 7 yearsCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
the name means "rich coast" in Spanish; Christopher COLUMBUS named it in 1502, referring to the region's abundant vegetation and water
description: five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double-width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical disk placed toward the left side of the red band meaning: the blue is said to stand for the sky, opportunity, and perseverance; the white for peace, happiness, and wisdom; and the red for the blood shed for freedom, as well as Costa Ricans' generosity and vibrancy history: Costa Rica retained the earlier blue-white-blue flag of Central America until 1848 when, in response to revolutions in Europe, it was decided to incorporate the French colors by adding a central red stripe
Source: CIA World Factbook (Historical Archive — final edition) · CC0 · Edition 2026-05
