- China is the most populous country in the world with over 1.3 billion people. It has a diverse geography that ranges from mountainous regions to plains and deltas. China has a long history and was once a powerful empire that has since transformed its political system and focused on economic development. - Costa Rica is a Central American country with over 4.5 million people. It has a tropical climate and borders the North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Costa Rica gained independence from Spain in 1838 and has since established itself as a stable democracy with the highest standard of living in Central America.