Costa Rica, officially the Republic of Costa Rica, is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It covers an area of approximately 51,100 square kilometers (19,700 sq mi) and has a population of around 5 million people. San José is both the capital and largest city of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is renowned for its biodiversity, with lush rainforests, volcanoes, and diverse wildlife making it a popular ecotourism destination. The country's commitment to environmental conservation is underscored by its extensive national parks and protected areas. Its stable political climate and progressive social policies have earned Costa Rica a reputation as one of the most peaceful and prosperous nations in Latin America.