costa rica (officially called republic of costa rica), is a country in central america. it is bordered by nicaragua to the north, panama to the southeast, the pacific ocean to the west, and the caribbean sea to the east. the official language of costa rica is spanish. the official currency is the colón. it has enjoyed a long period of peace since the 1863 civil war. because of its natural beauty and political stability, it is nicknamed the "switzerland of latin america". costa rica has had no army since december 1, 1948. instead of spending money on the military, the government spends money on education and health.