Costa Rica: History

1561

Juan de Cavallon of Spain leads the first successful colonizers into Costa Rica. Columbus discovered and named the area in 1502, but disease and resistance from the local population delayed permanent colonial establishment until 1561.

1808

Coffee is introduced from Cuba and becomes Costa Rica's main crop.

1821

Central America gains independence from Spain, leading to a dispute over whether Costa Rica should join an independent Mexico or a confederation of Central American states.

1823

Costa Rica elects to join the United Provinces of Central America, along with El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

1838

Costa Rica becomes fully independent.

1870-1882

Costa Rica encourages intensive foreign investment in railroads and public infrastructure.  As a result, the nation becomes more dependent on international markets and foreign capital.

1982

Harsh austerity programs are introduced following several years of sharp economic decline. 

2007

Costa Rica realigns their diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China in an attempt to increase Chinese investment.

2007 The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) is narrowly approved in a referendum.

2015

Costa Rica wins territorial debate with Nicaragua when the International Court of Justice rules it has sovereignty over the wetlands known as Isla Portillo.