Christopher Columbus discovered Costa Rica in 1502 in his fourth journey to the Americas, when he arrived to Uvita Island (Isla de Uvita) near the Port of Limón.

   On September 15, 1821 Costa Rica receives its Independence from Spain and becomes an Independent country. In 1824 Mr. Juan Mora Fernández is elected as First Chief of State until 1833. During his government, the Party of Nicoya, governed until that time by Nicaragua, votes to unite to Costa Rica. Freely and by decision they annex to Costa Rica to form the Province of Guanacaste.

   The first Constitution of the Free State of Costa Rica is promulgated in 1825 and this same year, on July 25, the Congress officially accepts the Annexation of Guanacaste (Party of Nicoya).

   In 1832 the first coffee exports to Europe take place and on 1880 the first exports of Bananas occurs. In 1882 the death penalty is outlawed, and still is not practiced in the country.

   In the 20th Century, in 1948, the country has its last Civil War. Lead by Mr. José Figueres Ferrer (known as Don Pepe), the opposition party wins this war and declares a New Constitution, where the Army is dissolved and shall be substituted by a civil guard. At that time, there is a new election and Mr. Otilio Ulate becomes the first President of the New Republic.