The Central American nation of Costa Rica is located between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The country's history has shaped the rich cultural heritage of its people, including indigenous peoples, Spanish colonization, and the fight for independence. In this dynamic text, an excellent aid to elementary social studies curricula, readers will not only discover more about Costa Rica's past but also its current arts and cuisine. This nation is also home to more than 500,000 species, thanks to its many national parks! Vivid photographs bring the content into sharp focus, and reader-friendly sidebars and fact boxes clarify complex concepts.