Costa Rica, “Rich Coast”, was visited by Christopher Columbus on his final voyage in 1502. It was colonised by the Spanish as part of Guatemala but was poor with little value due to its lack of gold and silver. It became independent from Spain, without a war, in 1821 as part of The Federal Republic of Central America. In 1838 Costa Rica proclaimed itself sovereign. Its economy at the time was based on coffee which was first planted in 1808.
Costa Rica has enjoyed greater peace than the rest of Latin America with the exception of the 44 day Civil War in 1948. The rebels won after believing that the election had been stolen from them by the incumbent government.
Following the Civil War, the military was abolished making Costa Rica one of a small number of countries with land borders not to have military forces.
The current population, of around 5 million, is well educated with the largest source of revenue being ecotourism from nearly 3 million visitors a year. The infrastructure is supported by over 90% sustainable energy and safe drinking water in most of the country.
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