Costaarricenses

Costaarricenses are the nationals or residents of Costa Rica, a republic in Central America. The term is used to denote people who hold Costa Rican citizenship or who identify with the national community. In Spanish, the standard demonym is costarricense (singular) and costarricenses (plural); the variant Costaarricenses is sometimes seen, but costarricenses is generally preferred in formal usage.

Etymology and identity: The demonym costarricense is formed from Costa Rica with the -ense suffix. The plural is costarricenses. The Costa Rican identity is reinforced by a history of stable democratic governance, social development, and a culture that emphasizes convivencia and national pride.

Geography and demographics: Costa Rica covers roughly 51,000 square kilometers. It has a population of about 5 million, concentrated in the Central Valley and major urban areas such as San José, Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago. The population is ethnically diverse, with mestizos forming the majority alongside communities of European, Afro-Caribbean, and Indigenous descent. There is also a notable Costa Rican diaspora abroad.

Language and culture: The official language is Spanish, with English widely taught and used in business and tourism. Indigenous languages such as Bribri and Cabécar survive in parts of Limón and other regions. Costa Rican culture is known for its emphasis on education, healthcare, and environmental stewardship. The phrase Pura Vida is a widely used cultural greeting and sentiment, reflecting a laid‑back national ethos. The country is a leading ecotourism destination and a regional example in biodiversity conservation and peaceful diplomacy.

Notable Costaarricenses: Prominent figures include Oscar Arias Sánchez, Nobel Peace Prize laureate (1987); Franklin Chang-Díaz, NASA astronaut; and Claudia Poll, Olympic gold medallist in swimming, among others who have contributed to national and international fields.