Costa Rica
Republic of Costa Rica
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.48%
Costa Rica is a Central America country of around 5.13 million residents, placing it a modestly sized nation in population terms. The country extends across 51,100 km², translating to a density of 100 people per km². Its capital is San José, and Spanish is the official language, while the Costa Rican colón serves as the national currency.
Population
5,129,910
Area
51,100 km²
Density
100/km²
World Rank
#127
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. The gap between the birth rate (10.2 per thousand) and death rate (5.5 per thousand) has narrowed considerably. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 18.8% of residents under 15 and 12.2% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- San José
- Region
- Americas
- Subregion
- Central America
- Continent
- North America
- Languages
- Spanish
- Currencies
- Costa Rican colón (₡)
- Calling Code
- +506
- Top-Level Domain
- .cr
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC-06:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 5,129,910
- Land Area
- 51,100 km²
- Population Density
- 100 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.48%
- Annual Growth
- +24,624 people
- Daily Growth
- +67 people
- World Population Share
- 0.06%
- Coordinates
- 10.00°, -84.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $18.6k, Costa Rica sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. Unemployment sits at 6.8%, above the global average of 5.8%. A Gini index of 45.8 signals substantial income inequality, suggesting that economic gains are concentrated among a smaller share of the population.
Life Expectancy
80.8 years
GDP per Capita
$18,587
Birth Rate
10.2 per 1,000
Death Rate
5.5 per 1,000
Urban Population
79.3%
Fertility Rate
1.33 births/woman
Infant Mortality
9.2 per 1,000
Unemployment
6.8%
Literacy Rate
97.4%
Internet Users
85.4%
Under 15
18.8%
Over 65
12.2%
Health Spending
6.9% GDP
Gini Index
45.8
Age Distribution
0-14 years
964K
15-64 years
3.5M
65+ years
627K
Urbanization
Urbanization is well advanced, with roughly 79.3% of the population residing in towns and cities, above the global mean of 56%. The capital, San José, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net inward migration of 1000.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
4.1M
79.3%
1.1M
20.7%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy reaches 80.8 years, ranking among the highest globally and reflecting robust healthcare systems and living standards. Infant mortality stands at 9.2 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 97.4% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has 1 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Costa Rica is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.3 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Costa Rica participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 5,129,910 |
| 2030 | 5,233,966 |
| 2035 | 5,377,139 |
| 2040 | 5,534,281 |
| 2045 | 5,704,909 |
| 2050 | 5,888,682 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Costa Rica.
Largest Cities in Costa Rica
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Costa Rica by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Costa Rica?
The population of Costa Rica is approximately 5.1 million as of 2026, making it #127 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Costa Rica?
The capital of Costa Rica is San José.
What languages are spoken in Costa Rica?
The main languages spoken in Costa Rica are Spanish.
How big is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica covers an area of 51,100 km² with a population density of 100 people per km².
Is Costa Rica growing or shrinking?
Costa Rica is growing at a rate of 0.48% per year, adding approximately 24,624 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Costa Rica?
The average life expectancy in Costa Rica is 80.8 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Costa Rica?
The GDP per capita of Costa Rica is $18,587.