-
Costa Rico gained its independence from Spain in 1821
-
The Mexican Empire desolved in 1823. Costa Rica joins El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatamala as the United Provinces of Central America.
-
Costa Rica becomes a fully independent country
-
Costa Rican leader, Juan Rafael Mora, leads a fight against William Walker, an American who tried to take over the region.
-
Frederico Tinoco overthrows the elected president, Alfredo Gonzalez, but is himself deposed two years later
-
New president introduces liberal reforms including workers rights and minimum wages.
-
A six week civil war over a disputed presidential election
-
After a 44-day civil war, Costa Rica adopted a new constitution.
-
-
The Absoluta Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve was created. It was the first of many nature reserves around the world.
-
The Irazu Volcano erupts causing serious damage to agriculture
-
The Arenal Volcano errupts causing many casualties
-
President Oscar Arias Sánchez wins the Nobel Peace Prize. He helped end civil wars in El Salvador and Nicaragua.
-
Oscar Arias Sanchez is elected president of Costa Rica for a second term.
-
Laura Chinchilla becomes Costa Rica's first female president
