Costa Rica, officially the Republic of Costa Rica, is a sovereign nation located in the Central American region of North America. It is bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, and the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, while the Pacific Ocean defines its southwestern coast. With an area of approximately 51,100 km², the country is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, commitment to peace, and robust ecotourism industry. The population is estimated to be around 5.1 million people, with the capital and largest urban center, San José, serving as its primary economic and political hub.