_*Government #_Long-form name: Republic of Costa Rica
_#_Type: democratic republic
_#_Capital: San Jose
_#_Administrative divisions: 7 provinces (provincias, singular—provincia); Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose
_#_Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain)
_#_Constitution: 9 November 1949
_#_Legal system: based on Spanish civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
_#_National holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821)
_#_Executive branch: president, two vice presidents, Cabinet
_#_Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa)