Costa Rica has a population of over 4 million people, with San Jose as its capital city. The country has a tropical climate with wet and dry seasons. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion. Some key facts about Costa Rica include that it gained independence from Spain in 1852 and developed a coffee trade with Europe in the 1850s. Today, its economy relies on exports like bananas, coffee, and pineapple. Popular tourist attractions include the San Jose Cathedral and beaches, and the culture features music styles like salsa and dances like the merengue.