Bordered via Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, the tiny republic of Costa Rica has coastlines on the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
One of the most prosperous and politically solid international locations within the area, Costa Rica is the one Primary American state with out a everlasting standing military, after it was once abolished in 1948.
It also enjoys one in every of the top standards of dwelling in the area, even supposing an important share of Costa Ricans – or Ticos – proceed to live under the poverty line.
Known for its seashores, mountain levels, volcanoes and varied natural world, Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity makes it a popular vacation spot for eco-vacationers. Historically a producer of agricultural items corresponding to espresso and bananas, its financial system has varied and tourism now ranks because the country’s primary earner.
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FACTS
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The centre-left candidate Carlos Alvarado gained the March 2018 presidential election by a surprisingly extensive margin over his evangelical pastor rival, Fabricio Alvarado.
Carlos Alvarado, who served as minister of labour and social security minister in the outgoing management of President Guillermo Solís, called on other parties to join him in a central authority of nationwide harmony.
MEDIA
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Costa Rica has a lively press and broadcasting scene. It also has the most efficient report of respecting freedom of expression in Latin The United States, says Journalists Without Borders.
There had been greater than FOUR million web users, comprising around 86% of the inhabitants, through 2017.
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TIMELINE
Key dates in Costa Rica’s historical past:
Symbol copyright Getty Images Image caption Costa Rica has a number of energetic volcanoes
1502 – Christopher Colombus attractions Costa Rica. Spanish colonization starts in 1522. Via 1563, Spain has dependent the colonial capital of Cartago.
1821 – Costa Rica announces independence from Spain and joins the Mexican empire.
1823 – Costa Rica turns into a province of the Vital American Federation at the side of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
1838 – Costa Rica becomes a fully independent country after the disintegration of the United Provinces of Principal The Us.
1849-FIFTY NINE – Juan Rafael Mora leads the battle in opposition to William Walker, an American who with a military of mercenaries, attempts however fails to take keep an eye on of the area.
1948 – Former president Rafael Angel Calderon loses the election by a slim margin and refuses to simply accept newly-elected president Otillio Ulate. A bloody 44-day civil warfare ensues and a short lived executive led via socialist landowner Jose Figueres emerges.
1948-FORTY NINE – A NEW charter is followed, which incorporates the dissolution of Costa Rica’s armed forces.
1955 – Border skirmishes with Nicaragua are resolved through mediation by way of the Group of american States (OAS).
1987 – President Oscar Arias Sanchez wins the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in finishing civil wars in El Salvador and Nicaragua. He wins a 2nd term in 2006.
2010 – Laura Chinchilla turns into Costa Rica’s first female president.
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Symbol copyright Getty Pictures Symbol caption Eco-tourism is important for Costa Rica’s financial system
