Written and Fact-checked by Whereig Editors | Last Updated On: May 27, 2026
Costa Rica is divided into seven provinces, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions. Here are the names of the provinces in Costa Rica:
Costa Rica is a country in Central America bordered by Nicaragua, Panama, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. The country is divided into 7 provinces, and those provinces are further divided into cantons and districts for local administration. San José is the national capital and also the largest city in Costa Rica.
The country is known for rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, and national parks that cover large parts of its territory. Tourism, agriculture, technology services, and environmental conservation play a major role in the economy across the provinces.
Key Facts
- National capital: San José
- Total population: 5,286,314 (Official estimate 2024)
- Total area: 51,100 km² (19,730 sq miles)
- Currency: Costa Rican Colón (₡, CRC)
- Bordering countries: Nicaragua, Panama
- Total Provinces: 7
- Total Cantons: 84
List of Provinces and Capitals of Costa Rica
Total provinces shown: 7 | Combined population: 5,286,314 | Combined area: 51,100 km²
| # | Province Name | Capital City | Region | Area (km²) | Population (Latest Census) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alajuela | Alajuela | North Central | 9,757 | 1,120,000 |
| 2 | Cartago | Cartago | Central Valley | 3,125 | 580,000 |
| 3 | Guanacaste | Liberia | North Pacific | 10,141 | 430,000 |
| 4 | Heredia | Heredia | Central Valley | 2,657 | 525,000 |
| 5 | Limón | Limón | Caribbean Coast | 9,189 | 510,000 |
| 6 | Puntarenas | Puntarenas | Pacific Coast | 11,266 | 560,000 |
| 7 | San José | San José | Central Valley | 4,965 | 1,561,314 |
Largest Provinces by Area
- Puntarenas - 4,350 sq mi (11,266 km²)
- Guanacaste - 3,916 sq mi (10,141 km²)
- Alajuela - 3,767 sq mi (9,757 km²)
- Limón - 3,548 sq mi (9,189 km²)
- San José - 1,917 sq mi (4,965 km²)
- Cartago - 1,207 sq mi (3,125 km²)
- Heredia - 1,026 sq mi (2,657 km²)
Most Populous Provinces
- San José - Population: 1,561,314 (Official Estimate 2024)
- Alajuela - Population: 1,120,000 (Official Estimate 2024)
- Cartago - Population: 580,000 (Official Estimate 2024)
- Puntarenas - Population: 560,000 (Official Estimate 2024)
- Heredia - Population: 525,000 (Official Estimate 2024)
- Limón - Population: 510,000 (Official Estimate 2024)
- Guanacaste - Population: 430,000 (Official Estimate 2024)
Smallest Provinces by Area
- Heredia - 1,026 sq mi (2,657 km²)
- Cartago - 1,207 sq mi (3,125 km²)
- San José - 1,917 sq mi (4,965 km²)
- Limón - 3,548 sq mi (9,189 km²)
- Alajuela - 3,767 sq mi (9,757 km²)
- Guanacaste - 3,916 sq mi (10,141 km²)
Provinces by Regional Grouping
- Central Valley: Cartago, Heredia, San José
- North Central: Alajuela
- North Pacific: Guanacaste
- Caribbean Coast: Limón
- Pacific Coast: Puntarenas
Landlocked Provinces
- Cartago
- Heredia
- San José
Provinces with Coastline
- Alajuela
- Guanacaste
- Limón
- Puntarenas
Provinces Sharing Borders with Other Countries
- Nicaragua: Alajuela, Guanacaste, Limón
- Panama: Limón, Puntarenas
Sources
- Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos de Costa Rica
- World Bank - Costa Rica Data
- CIA World Factbook - Costa Rica
- Encyclopaedia Britannica - Costa Rica
- Government of Costa Rica
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