Modern Costa Rica was formed in 1949 with the most recent constitution. Costa Rica is a presidential republic. The Costa Rican government consists of three arms: Asamblea Legislativa (legislature), President of the Republic (executive), and the judiciary. 

Costa Rica is divided into seven Provinces: San José, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Guanacaste, Puntarenas, and Limon. Each of the provinces is in turn divided into Cantons (81) and each Canton is divided into Districts (470).

Country profiles are helpful sources to familiarize yourself with the culture, economy, and political system of another country.