-
Christopher Columbus visits the area and names it Costa Rica.
-
Coffee is introduced into Costa Rica from Cuba and becomes the main crop.
-
Costa Rica gains independence.
-
US businessman Minor Cooper Keith makes a banana company in Costa Rica
-
President Rafael Angel Calderon Guradia, founder of the United Christian Socialist Party, introduces liberal reforms.
-
Gives women and people of african descent the right to vote, armed forces replaced by civil guard.
-
Arenal volcano erupts and causes many casualties.
-
Rodrigo Carazo, a conservative, elected president
-
Former president Rafael Angel Calderon is sentenced to five years in jail after being convicted of corruption.
-
Costa Rica elects first woman president, Laura Chinchilla.
