For illustrative purposes, we have included a summary of the History of Costa Rica, which contains a description of the main periods and events of the development of the country. The period denominations used in this section are merely for descriptive purposes.
The Pre-Columbian Period.
Even though the existing evidence shows that the American continent was inhabited approximately in 40,000 B.C.
Read MoreArrival of the Spaniards
During his voyages to what was to be called the New World, Cristopher Columbus arrived to Costa Rica on September 18, 1502.
Read MoreThe Conquering of Costa Rica
The process of the conquering of Costa Rica and the domination of the native tribes is normally divided in two phases.
Read MoreThe Colonial Period
By the late XVI century the inhabitation of the areas west of Cartago started.
Read MoreThe Independence
On September 15, 1821, Independence from Spain is declared, the news arriving to Costa Rica on October 13 of that year.
Read MoreThe Republic
By 1848 Costa Rica´s economical activity was centered on agriculture with coffee being its main export product.
Read MoreThe Liberal State
In 1871 a new Liberal Constitution is approved, originating a series of social, political and economical changes.
Read MoreThe Social Reform
Starting in the 1930s, the social pressure for social changes started to build up.
Read MoreContemporary Costa Rica
After the Civil War of 1948, the 1950s and 1960s were characterized by a sound political strategy.
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