To anyone visiting this country, the name “Costa Rica”, which translates to “Rich Coast”, might seem like an obvious choice given the vibrant wildlife found here. However, the name was actually coined by Christopher Columbus when he landed on the Caribbean coast in 1502 and saw the local Indigenous people wearing gold. Believing the land was rich in precious metals, he named it accordingly. Little did he know that most of that gold was imported through regional trade networks!

The flag of Costa Rica features two blue stripes, two white stripes, and a wider central red stripe. These colours reflect the same ideals that inspired the French Revolution: freedom, equality, and brotherhood. Some interpretations also suggest that the blue represents the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the white symbolises peace and the sky, and the red stands for the warmth and generosity of the Costa Rican people — or, alternatively, the sun.

Much like its Central American neighbours, Costa Rica is an independent republic with a president elected by popular vote for a four-year term, serving as both head of state and government. Unlike most other countries in the region, however, Costa Rica has no standing army (abolished in 1948) and is known for its political stability.

Costa Rica’s economy has moved away from agriculture in recent decades, focusing instead on trade, foreign investment, and ecotourism — all supported by a highly educated workforce. Thanks to its strong education and healthcare systems, Costa Rica consistently ranks high on the Human Development Index (HDI).