Flag Description

five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical disk toward the hoist side of the red band; Costa Rica retained the earlier blue-white-blue flag of Central America until 1848 when, in response to revolutionary activity in Europe, it was decided to incorporate the French colors into the national flag and a central red stripe was added; today the blue color is said to stand for the sky, opportunity, and perseverance, white denotes peace, happiness, and wisdom, while red represents the blood shed for freedom, as well as the generosity and vibrancy of the people

Background:Although explored by the Spanish early in the 16th century, initial attempts at colonizing Costa Rica proved unsuccessful due to a combination of factors, including disease from mosquito-infested swamps, brutal heat, resistance by natives, and pirate raids. It was not until 1563 that a permanent settlement of Cartago was established in the cooler, fertile central highlands. The area remained a colony for some two and a half centuries. In 1821, Costa Rica became one of several Central American provinces that jointly declared their independence from Spain. Two years later it joined the United Provinces of Central America, but this federation disintegrated in 1838, at which time Costa Rica proclaimed its sovereignty and independence. Since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred the country's democratic development. In 1949, Costa Rica dissolved its armed forces. Although it still maintains a large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.

Total Area: 51,100 sq km

Land Area:51,060 sq km

Water Area:40 sq km

Land Boundries Total:661 km

Border Countries:Nicaragua 313 km, Panama 348 km

Coastline:1,290 km

Lowest Point:Pacific Ocean 0 m

Highest Point:Cerro Chirripo 3,810 m

Population:4,755,234 (July 2014 est.)

Population Growth Rate:1.24% (2014 est.)

Religion:Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.3%, other Protestant 0.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2%

Literacy(%):0.963

Literacy(%) Male:0.96

Literacy(%) Female:96.5% (2011 est.)

Independence Day:15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National Holiday:Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

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