COSTA RICA.Kos´ta Ree´ka.
The most southern republic of Central America. Area, 26,040 square miles. Population, 190,000. There are many volcanic peaks: Turrialba, 12,500 feet high; Chiriqui, 11,265 feet high; Los Votos, 9,840 feet high.
The chief executive, the President, elected for a term of 4 years, is assisted by 5 ministers. Legislative power is vested in a Congress of Deputies, chosen for 4 years. Capital, San José; pop., 20,000.
The principal products of the soil are coffee, sugar, maize, cocoa, sarsaparilla and fruits. The principal export is coffee. Value of exports, 1883, $2,431,625; of which coffee amounted to $2,000,590. Imports chiefly manufactures from England, $2,081,805. Revenue for fiscal year of 1885, $2,867,170, mainly derived from customs duties and the monopoly on spirits; expenditure, $2,961,110. In 1884, $841,440 were expended for public works. There are about 104 miles of railway: telegraph, 451 miles.
The state religion is the Roman Catholic; constitution guarantees religious liberty. There are 341 national schools and 584 private schools; total number of pupils, 13,924.
NICARAGUA.Nik-ar-a´gwa.
Largest of the Central American states. Area, 49,500 square miles. Population, 400,000. Fifty-five per cent, of inhabitants are Indians. Climate is healthy; mean annual temperature about 80°; rainfall about 100 inches. Constitution adopted 1858. Presidential term, 4 years. Legislative power rests with a Senate and a House of Representatives. Capital, Managua; population, 12,000.
Through want of peace and industry the great natural resources are undeveloped. Lead, iron, zinc, antimony, tin, quicksilver and gold are found. The vegetable products are cotton, coffee, indigo, rice, tobacco and corn. There are about 400,000 cattle in the country. Leading exports in 1882: coffee, $659,550; India rubber, $638,010; gold, $150,000. Imports for the same year, $1,477,340; exports, $1,895,760.