What do you think?
Rate this book
The History of Costa Rica
Concise yet thorough, this engaging book provides an overview of the unique history of an increasingly important Central American nation.
The History of Costa Rica provides a thorough, straightforward narrative of a Central American country that has become increasingly more visible since the end of the 20th century. Written for students and the general reader, this book covers the nation from its pre-Colombian origins to the present day.
This chronologically organized volume documents the area's earliest inhabitants, then moves on through the colonial period, the process of nation-state formation in the 19th century, the volatile period of liberal reform, and the era of civil war and its aftermath. More recent times are also explored, including the role of Costa Rica in the Cold War, the peace process of the 1980s, and the development of the strong tourism industry that flourishes today. Among the prominent themes running through the book are the unique historical development of the country, the importance of its democratic tradition, and Costa Rica's role in a global context.
The History of Costa Rica provides a thorough, straightforward narrative of a Central American country that has become increasingly more visible since the end of the 20th century. Written for students and the general reader, this book covers the nation from its pre-Colombian origins to the present day.
This chronologically organized volume documents the area's earliest inhabitants, then moves on through the colonial period, the process of nation-state formation in the 19th century, the volatile period of liberal reform, and the era of civil war and its aftermath. More recent times are also explored, including the role of Costa Rica in the Cold War, the peace process of the 1980s, and the development of the strong tourism industry that flourishes today. Among the prominent themes running through the book are the unique historical development of the country, the importance of its democratic tradition, and Costa Rica's role in a global context.
- GenresHistory
232 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 15, 2024
Good short history! Helping me a lot during my trip to have interesting conversations with locals and also understand their monuments/ history.
Only feedback is that the book focussed a bit too much on politics. I would’ve liked more discussion on other parts of their culture too.
Only feedback is that the book focussed a bit too much on politics. I would’ve liked more discussion on other parts of their culture too.
October 20, 2026
Interesting read on Costa Rican history! Covers a significant chunk of both the pre-colonial & post-colonial time periods. Definitely delves into what separates Costa Rica’s history from that of its neighbors, and the unique circumstances of both the dissolving of Costa Rica’s military & their singular modern civil war.
Seemingly a few spelling errors and weird jump-arounds that were slightly confusing at some points? Still a well researched book, but they caught me off guard.
Overall, a great intro book! I quite enjoyed reading about the fascinating history of this incredible tiny nation.
Seemingly a few spelling errors and weird jump-arounds that were slightly confusing at some points? Still a well researched book, but they caught me off guard.
Overall, a great intro book! I quite enjoyed reading about the fascinating history of this incredible tiny nation.
December 31, 2025
Read this while on vacation in Costa Rica. Helped me understand the background of the country
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews