Costa Rica

Costa Rica's history began with pre-Columbian indigenous populations inhabiting the region for millennia. Spanish colonization in the 16th century brought significant changes, though Costa Rica remained a relatively marginal colony. Following independence from Spain in 1821, it briefly joined the First Mexican Empire and later the Federal Republic of Central America. The country formally declared its sovereignty in 1847, initiating a period of gradual modernization and political stability. Costa Rica distinguished itself in Central America by establishing a liberal constitution and holding its first free and fair national elections in the late 19th century.