Interesting Costa Rica Facts

Costa Rica is a coastal country located in Central North America where it is bordered by Nicaragua, Panama, the Caribbean Sea, Pacific Ocean. It spans across 51,100 km2 of land. The estimated total population of Costa Rica is more than 4,905,769.

Find out interesting Costa Rica facts and information about this North American country with our fact file for kids. Explore important facts about the size, climate, currency, flag, continent, people, culture, geography, landscape, landmarks, population, location and language of Costa Rica.

Explore North America with our interesting Costa Rica facts for kids based on questions such as: What continent is Costa Rica in? What is the main language of Costa Rica? How big is Costa Rica? What color is the flag of Costa Rica? What is the capital city of Costa Rica?

Costa Rica Fact File: Continent: North America * Country Name(s): Costa Rica, Republic of Costa Rica * Location: Central North America * Bordering: Nicaragua, Panama, the Caribbean Sea, Pacific Ocean * Capital City: San Jose * Size: 51,100 km2 * Estimated Population: over 4,905,769 * Currency: Costa Rican colón (CRC) * Language(s): Spanish * Country Code: +506

Interesting Costa Rica Facts for Kids

Interesting Facts for Kids 1: Size & location facts
Costa Rica forms part of the continent of North America, where it has a coastal position and is bordered by Nicaragua, Panama, the Caribbean Sea, Pacific Ocean. There are seven continents in the world: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Antarctica, Australia (Oceania). North America is the world's third largest continent, it has 23 countries, plus many other territories. It occupies a total area of 24,490,000 km2 and forms 16.5% of the landmass of the world. Costa Rica is a coastal country that spans a total area of approximately 51,100 km2. It is one of the smaller countries when its area size is compared to other countries across the world. Costa Rica is slightly larger than the Dominican Republic.

Interesting Facts for Kids 2: Population facts
The population of this North American country is somewhere in the region of 4,905,769 people. The majority of Costa Rica's inhabitants reside in San Jose which is the country's most populous city. Costa Rica has an average population when compared to most other countries across the world, its overall population density is approximately 89 people per sq km. The estimated population of North America is approximately 573,777,000 inhabitants, making it the continent with the third largest population in the world. The continents in order of population, starting with highest population first, are: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Australia (Oceania Region) and Antarctica. The total population of the entire world is in excess of 7.6 billion people.

Interesting Facts for Kids 3: Capital & major cities
The capital of Costa Rica is San Jose. The names of other major cities located in this country are Puerto Limón, San Francisco, Alajuela, Liberia and Paraíso.

Interesting Facts for Kids 4: Country borders
The following guideline provides details on the approximate border lengths of Costa Rica:
Coastline 1,290 km, Nicaragua 313 km, Panama 348 km.

Interesting Facts for Kids 5: Climate and geography facts
The climate of Costa Rica is tropical and subtropical with cooler temperatures occurring in areas of elevation. The rainy season occurs from May to November. The geography of Costa Rica comprises of coastal regions and mountainous areas. There are several major active volcanoes in Costa Rica, namely Poas Volcano, Arenal Volcano, Irazu Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and Turrialba Volcano. Two active volcanoes are located close to the capital city of San Jose. The lowest point of Costa Rica is the Pacific Ocean at 0m, and the highest point of elevation is Cerro Chirripo at 3,819m.

Interesting Facts for Kids 6: Natural Resources of Costa Rica
Natural resources can be described as materials and substances found naturally occurring on Earth. Natural resources are very important across the world, and can be exploited for economic gain. An individual country's natural resources can depend on many factors including the climate, geography and location. Some countries, such as Russia, The United States, Saudi Arabia and Canada, are rich with natural resources, where as others have practically none. Three of the primary uses of natural resources are food, transport and construction. The following examples provide information on the everyday uses of natural resources: Fish occurs naturally in many bodies of water and can be caught for food consumption. Crude oils can be refined into various fuels in order to power vehicles/cars. Wood/timber can be extracted from forests and used to construct houses and furniture. The natural resources of Costa Rica include hydropower (water power).

Interesting Facts for Kids 7: Language facts
The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. Another language that is spoken in this country is English.

Interesting Facts for Kids 8: Religion facts
The main religion of Costa Rica is Roman Catholic at approximately 76% of the population. Around 13% are Evangelical. The remaining population either belongs to other religions or no religion at all.

Interesting Facts for Kids 9: Symbols of Costa Rica
Each country has its own individual culture, history and identity. Flags, emblems, symbols, colors, anthems, songs and mottos represent the national pride and identity of countries across the globe. These national symbols are formed through the unique history of a nation and are symbolic of both hardship and prosperity, embodying freedom, strength and unity. Flags, emblems, songs, mottos and colors reflect the past, present and future hopes of a country, and create an important image to the rest of the world. National symbols can represent a combination of things that are important to a country such as birds, animals, plants, geographical features, tools of agriculture, crops, and tools of war. The following facts depict some of the national symbols, songs and colors that are important to Costa Rica:

  • National symbol(s): yiguirro (clay-colored robin)

  • National colors: blue, white and red

  • National Anthem/Song: Himno Nacional de Costa Rica (Translation: National Anthem of Costa Rica)

  • National Holiday(s): Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

  • National Motto(s): Vivan siempre el trabajo y la paz (Translation: Long live work and peace)

Interesting Costa Rica Facts for Kids

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