Road to Democracy: Costa Rica By shredtime Dec 11, 1502 Spanish colonize Costa Rica Christopher Columbus arrives in Costa Rica Dec 11, 1821 Costa Rica joins the United Provinces of Central America A union formed to gain independence from Spain Aug 30, 1838 Costa Rica gains independence from the Federation Period: Dec 11, 1917 to Dec 11, 1919 Fredrico Tunico rules as a dictator Dec 11, 1948 Jose Figueres raises an armed uprising Eventually elected president Dec 13, 2012 NOW Costa Rica is a democratic republic.
