Costa Rica, a vibrant Central American nation nestled between Nicaragua and Panama, often surprises people with its compact size. While geographically small, its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes make it a giant in the natural world. Just How Big Is Costa Rica Compared To The United States? Let’s explore.
Costa Rica’s land area covers approximately 19,700 square miles (51,100 square kilometers). To visualize this, it’s slightly smaller than the US state of West Virginia and roughly the size of Denmark. In fact, Costa Rica ranks as the 129th largest country globally. This means the United States is roughly 74 times larger than Costa Rica. Put another way, you could fit Costa Rica into the United States 74 times.
Considering Costa Rica’s Total Area: Land and Sea
While the land area provides a basic comparison, a complete picture requires considering Costa Rica’s maritime territory. Extending 12 nautical miles (approximately 13.8 land miles or 22.2 kilometers) into both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, this adds a substantial 174,000 square miles.
Border Disputes and Costa Rica’s Size
Historically, a border dispute with Nicaragua concerning the San Juan River has impacted Costa Rica’s defined area. Although a small area, this contested region was ultimately awarded to Costa Rica by the International Court of Justice in 2015, adding about 58.5 square miles (151.6 square kilometers). However, Nicaragua continues to claim the territory.
Coastline Comparison: Pacific vs. Caribbean
Costa Rica boasts extensive coastlines on both its Pacific and Caribbean sides, totaling approximately 830 miles (1290 kilometers). Interestingly, the Pacific coastline, stretching from Guanacaste to the Osa Peninsula, is nearly four times longer than the Caribbean coast.
Elevational Extremes: Highest Peak to Lowest Point
Costa Rica’s diverse topography includes significant variations in elevation. Cerro Chirripó, the highest point, reaches a towering 12,533 feet (3,820 meters). Conversely, the lowest point lies 790 feet below sea level in Barra Honda National Park. Adding to this dramatic landscape is the imposing Irazu Volcano, the tallest volcano in Costa Rica, standing at 11,259 feet.
Biodiversity: A Giant in a Small Package
Although geographically small compared to the United States, Costa Rica is a global biodiversity powerhouse. Nearly half of the country is covered in forests, much of which is protected within national parks and reserves. Remarkably, Corcovado National Park alone harbors an estimated 5% of the world’s biodiversity. This abundance of flora and fauna, from vibrant Scarlet Macaws to elusive jaguars, draws visitors from around the globe. From the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest to the active Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica’s natural wonders belie its small size.
In conclusion, while Costa Rica occupies a significantly smaller area than the United States, its unique combination of diverse ecosystems, coastlines, and dramatic landscapes makes it a destination that punches far above its weight in terms of natural beauty and biodiversity.
