Costa Rica Is in Central America, Not South America

Costa Rica is not in South America. It is a Central American country, the isthmus connecting North and South America.

Location

• Borders: Nicaragua (north), Panama (southeast).
• Coasts: Caribbean Sea (east), Pacific Ocean (west).
• Coordinates: 8°–11°N, 82°–86°W.

Why the Confusion?

• Central America is a subregion of North America geologically (North American Plate).
• Culturally/historically linked to Latin America (Spanish-speaking, Catholic).
• Sometimes grouped with South America in broad "Latin America" discussions.

Key Distinction

The Darien Gap (Panama-Colombia border) is the geographic divide between Central and South America. Costa Rica is firmly north of it.