Costa Rica is a country located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It is a small country, with a total land area of about 19,000 square miles (51,000 square kilometers). Costa Rica is known for its diverse natural beauty, including rainforests, mountains, and beaches, as well as its rich biodiversity. The capital of Costa Rica is San José, which is located in the central part of the country.