Independence from Spain: On September 15, 1821, Costa Rica, along with the other Central American nations, declared independence from Spain.
Abolition of the Army: In 1948, following a civil war, President José Figueres Ferrer abolished the army, making Costa Rica the first country in the world to do so.
Women’s Suffrage: In 1949, Costa Rica became the first country in Latin America to grant women the right to vote.
Banana Republic Era: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, foreign companies, mainly from the United States, controlled much of the Costa Rican economy through the export of bananas.
The Coffee Boom: The late 19th century saw a boom in coffee production in Costa Rica, which helped to modernize the country and create a wealthy elite.
The Chorotega Revolt: In 1769, the Chorotega people rebelled against Spanish colonizers in what is now known as the Nicoya region.
The United Fruit Company: In the early 20th century, the United Fruit Company wielded significant power in Costa Rica and other Central American countries, influencing politics and economics.
The Costa Rican Civil War: In 1948, a civil war broke out after the assassination of presidential candidate Rafael Ángel Calderón. The war led to the abolition of the army and significant political and social reforms.
The Green Wave: In recent years, Costa Rica has become a leader in environmental conservation, with the government setting ambitious goals to become carbon neutral by 2021 and protect a significant portion of the country’s land and ocean resources.
Economic and Social Development: In the past few decades, Costa Rica has experienced significant economic and social development, with improvements in education, healthcare, and social welfare programs, making it one of the most stable and prosperous countries in Central America.
