Costa Rica translates to “rich coast” in Spanish, the name given to the country by the first Spanish settlers who arrived in the early 16th century. Thus began the country’s subsequent colonization, which is regarded as one of the most defining events in its history.

Costa Rica’s rich material wealth quickly spread to the Spanish mainland. In 1506 King Ferdinand of Spain ordered a governor, Diego de Nicuesa, to set sail en masse for Costa Rica and colonize the eastern coast, believing the country to be an untapped paradise with near-limitless treasures.

The Spanish established their first colony in Costa Rica in 1561, in what is now known as Cartago. This location was chosen because of the naturally rich volcanic soil in the area, which made it ideal for agricultural development.

Central America broke away from Spain in 1821 and became independent, though independence meant little to most Costa Ricans. In 1824, Juan Mora Fernandez became the first head of state.

Costa Rican coffee was grown in the early nineteenth century, and a class of coffee barons grew up. Coffee brought new wealth to the country, laying the groundwork for our modern history.

The fact that makes us most proud is that we abolished the armed forces in 1948 and diverted the funds to universal health care and free education.

Costa Rica is now a relatively prosperous country with an advanced welfare system. Tourism is an expanding industry. Bananas, coffee, sugar, and beef remain significant exports. There are numerous reasons to be optimistic about Costa Rica’s future. Costa Rica had a population of 5 million people in 2020.