Costa Rica at a Glance

Country: Republic of Costa Rica
Government: Democratic republic
Population: 4,253,877
Area: 51,100 km²; slightly smaller than West Virginia
Terrain: coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones (some active)
Major language(s): Spanish (official), English
Major religion(s): Roman Catholic (76.3%), Evangelical (13.7%), Jehovah's Witnesses (1.3%)
Capital & population: San José; 1.6 million (metro area)
Monetary unit: CRC (Costa Rican Colons)