FACTS

Location: Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama

Area (only Total) total: 51,100 sq km

Climate: tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands

Terrain: coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes

Population: 4,195,914 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Spanish

Government type: democratic republic

Capital (Name): San Jose

Capital (Time Difference): UTC-610

Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821)