Demographics of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a small country in Central America with people from many different backgrounds. As of 2024, about 5.3 million people live there.

The largest group of people in Costa Rica come from European backgrounds. Others are of mixed heritage, Afro-Costa Rican, or from indigenous groups. Many people also come from other countries, which makes the population very diverse.

Afro-Costa Ricans and West Indians are descendants of black Jamaican workers who arrived in the 19th century. There are also smaller groups of people with Chinese, Lebanese, and other heritages. In recent years, many people from nearby countries like Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua have moved to Costa Rica. Some retirees from the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe also live there.

Even though fewer babies are being born each year, the population is still growing. This is because new people move in and many people in the country are still young. Indigenous groups, including the Miskito and Garifuna, live in coastal areas and add to the country's cultural variety. Many Costa Ricans live abroad, mostly in the United States, but their numbers are smaller than in other countries in the region.

Population size and structure

In 2021, Costa Rica had about 5.2 million people. The population grows by roughly 1.5% each year. Most people, around 80%, live in cities. About 20% live in the countryside.

The 2011 counting showed that most people, about 71%, were of White or Castizo background. Around 17% were Mestizo, meaning they have both European and Native American roots. About 7% were of mixed Black and White background, and about 2% were Native American. A small group, about 1%, were of African-Caribbean background.

Vital statistics

(c) = Census results.

Current vital statistics

Life expectancy at birth

Source: UN World Population Prospects

Ethnic groups

Costa Rica has many different ethnic groups. Most people, about 71%, identify as European. Another 18% are Mestizo, which means they have mixed European and Indigenous backgrounds. About 7% have African roots, and 2% are Indigenous. A small number, around 1%, are African or Asian.

The country has a rich history of immigration. People from many places, including Spain, Americans, Germans, French, British, Italians, and Arabs, have settled in Costa Rica. These groups have added to the country's diverse culture.

European Costa Ricans

European Costa Ricans are people from Costa Rica whose ancestors came from Europe, especially Spain. The first Europeans to arrive were Cristopher Columbus and his crew in 1502. Later, many people from different European countries came to live in Costa Rica.

After the country gained independence, more people from Europe, along with Americans, Germans, French, and British, moved to Costa Rica. Smaller groups from Italy, Spain, and Arab countries also came.

Languages

Main article: Languages of Costa Rica

Most people in Costa Rica speak Spanish. Many also know English. Some groups of native people speak their own languages, like the Ngobes.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Costa Rica

Most people in Costa Rica are Roman Catholics. Many also follow Protestantism and Evangelical beliefs. Some people do not follow any religion. There are smaller groups like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Jehovah's Witnesses, as well as followers of Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism.

The government lets people choose their own religion. Everyone is treated the same, no matter what they believe.

Migration

Costa Rica has many people moving in and out of the country. About 2% of Costa Ricans live in another country, mostly in the United States, Spain, Mexico, and other Central American countries.

Many people also move to Costa Rica from other places. In 2011, over 385,000 people living in Costa Rica were born in another country. Most came from Nicaragua, with others from Colombia, the United States, Spain, and Panama.