Costa Rica History

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Before Columbus

Costa Rica’s development actually follows a dynamic timeline that both mirrors and defies the typical story of Central America. Spanish explorers arrived in Costa Rica at the dawn of the 16th century ...more

The Colonial Period

When Christopher Columbus arrived in Costa Rica in 1502, he called the region La Huerta (The Garden). Despite enthusiastic tales of the land he discovered, Costa Rica was not settled until explorer Gil ...more

Liberation And “El Grano De Oro”

Although Central America officially gained independence from Spain on September 15, 1821, Costa Ricans didn’t hear about it until a month later, when the news arrived by mule from Mexico. Predictably ...more

Invasion And Dictatorship

The only serious external threat to Costa Rican national security during the late 19th century came from William Walker, a rogue gold miner from Tennessee who wanted to annex the country as a slave-holding ...more

Domestic Reform And Civil War

Costa Rica underwent a rather ungraceful transition into the 20th century. These years were marked by border disputes with Panama and another dangerous flirtation with autocracy. In the 1914 elections ...more

Global Roles And Nobel Laurels

Since dissolving its army in 1949, Costa Rica has enjoyed peace, political stability, and a relatively high degree of economic comfort, earning it the nickname “Switzerland of the Americas,” a title ...more