Costa Rica civics quiz: questions and answers
All 15 general civics quiz questions about Costa Rica with answers and explanations, grouped by topic. This is a learning quiz, not an official exam. Select a question to see the answer.
Government and law 5 questions
The 1949 Constitution, the Legislative Assembly, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and the abolition of the army.
Practise only: Government and law →
What is the capital of Costa Rica?
San José
San José is the capital and seat of government. Cartago was the colonial capital.
What is the name of Costa Rica’s legislature?
The Legislative Assembly
The Constitution says the people delegate the power to legislate to the Legislative Assembly through voting.
In which year was Costa Rica’s current Constitution adopted?
1949
The current Political Constitution was adopted on 7 November 1949, after the civil war of 1948.
What does Article 12 of Costa Rica’s Constitution say about the army?
It abolishes the army as a permanent institution
Article 12 proscribes the army as a permanent institution. Police forces keep public order.
Which body organises elections and runs the Civil Registry in Costa Rica?
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE)
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal organises elections and also runs the Civil Registry, which handles naturalisation.
History 5 questions
Independence in 1821, the 1856 campaign against William Walker, Juan Santamaría and José Figueres.
In which year did Costa Rica become independent from Spain?
1821
Costa Rica gained independence with the rest of Central America in 1821. Independence Day is 15 September.
Which European explorer reached Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast in 1502?
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus reached the Caribbean coast near present-day Limón on his fourth voyage in 1502.
Which national hero died burning the filibusters’ stronghold at the Battle of Rivas in 1856?
Juan Santamaría
Juan Santamaría, a young drummer from Alajuela, died setting fire to the building held by William Walker's forces. He is remembered on 11 April.
Who abolished the army in 1948?
José Figueres Ferrer
José Figueres Ferrer announced the abolition of the army on 1 December 1948, and the 1949 Constitution confirmed it.
Which Costa Rican president won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987?
Óscar Arias Sánchez
Óscar Arias Sánchez won the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize for his work on a peace plan for Central America.
Geography, culture and symbols 5 questions
Volcanoes and national parks, Cocos Island, the colón and the blue, white and red flag.
Practise only: Geography, culture and symbols →
What is the name of Costa Rica’s currency?
The colón
Costa Rica's currency is the colón, named after Christopher Columbus (Cristóbal Colón).
What colours are on the flag of Costa Rica?
Blue, white and red
The flag has five horizontal stripes: blue, white, a wider red stripe in the middle, white and blue.
What is the official language of Costa Rica?
Spanish
Article 76 of the Constitution makes Spanish the official language. The State also supports national Indigenous languages.
Which Pacific island national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Cocos Island
Cocos Island National Park, far out in the Pacific, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its marine life.
What is Costa Rica’s national tree?
The guanacaste
The guanacaste tree, which gives its name to the province of Guanacaste, is the national tree.
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