Costa Rica Costa Rica Country in Central America, bounded north by Nicaragua, southeast by Panama, east by the Caribbean Sea, and west by the Pacific Ocean. The 1949 constitution provides for a president, elected for a four-year term by universal adult suffrage, two elected vice presidents, and an appointed cabinet.
Voting is compulsory.
History Originally occupied by Guaymi Indians, the area was visited by Christopher Columbus in 1502 and was colonized by Spanish settlers from the 16th century, becoming independent in 1821. After the collapse of the federation, there followed a decade of dictatorships and constitutional conventions before Costa Rica declared itself an independent republic. While the other Central American powers were involved in frequent conflicts at this time, Costa Rica managed to remain aloof, with a few exceptions. In 1949 a new constitution abolished the army, leaving defence to the Civil Guard. He was re-elected in 1953.