The first inhabitants of the land now known as Costa Rica arrived around 10,000 BC, with agricultural practices starting at approximately 5000 BC. Unlike in other parts of Central America, indigenous people here had a relatively small impact on the environment and lived simple, localised lives.

At the advent of the Spanish conquest, little resistance was offered, and European diseases ran rampant throughout the population. Being a poor and relatively unimportant region, Costa Rica was often overlooked by the Spanish Empire, considered a rural outpost rather than a strategic colony. That said, conflict between native people and Spanish settlers did occur, and many lives were lost.

In 1821, Costa Rica, along with other Central American countries, became independent of Spain. While this was inconsequential to most citizens, a civil war broke out between the Imperialists, who wanted to remain under the Mexican Empire, and the Republicans, who sought full independence. With the latter victorious, Costa Rica proclaimed itself sovereign and, reveling in its independence, found itself somewhat isolated from its neighbors – a reality that still holds today.

After independence, Costa Rica’s economy began to grow, with the export of coffee and bananas becoming the main sources of income. Exploitative practices, particularly by the United Fruit Company, led to major revolts, eventually resulting in the formation of the first trade unions and the protection of farmers’ rights.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country remained relatively peaceful and stable. A civil war broke out in 1948 due to the disputed presidential election and political tensions following the military dictatorship of General Federico Tinoco Granados. Although the conflict lasted less than a year, its impact was significant, resulting in the abolition of the military and the establishment of a democratic government. Since then, Costa Rica has experienced political and economic stability, becoming one of Central America’s most prosperous nations.