Costa Rica is a country in Central America, Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2025 it has about 5.2 million people (UN estimate), the 124th most people of the 193 UN member states.
UN member since 1945Population: 124th
Costa Ricaコスタリカ
Region
Central America, Latin America and the Caribbean
Population
about 5.2 million (124th)
Area
51,170 km² (124th)
UN member since
November 2, 1945
Ranks are among the 193 UN member states, from most people and from largest area.
Costa Rica in numbers
In 2025 the population is about 5.2 million, the 124th most people of the 193 UN member states. That is about 1/24 of Japan’s (about 123 million).
The area is 51,170 km², the 124th largest of the 193. That is about 1/7 of Japan’s area.
If we work out the number of people per square kilometer (population density), it is about 101.
Joining the United Nations
Costa Rica joined the United Nations on November 2, 1945.
It was a member before Japan joined in 1956.
Countries that joined on the same day: Liberia.
Think about it
Q1Compare Costa Rica’s population rank and area rank. What do you notice?
Q2Find Costa Rica on a map or globe. Which countries are around it?
Q3Choose one thing you want to know more about Costa Rica, and look it up.
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — There are 8 UN member states in Central America. The one with the most people is Mexico.