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1502
Discovery
Christopher Columbus visits the area and names it Costa Rica. -
Coffee Introduced
Coffee is introduced into Costa Rica from Cuba and becomes the main crop. -
Independance
Costa Rica gains independence. -
Bananas
US businessman Minor Cooper Keith makes a banana company in Costa Rica -
New President
President Rafael Angel Calderon Guradia, founder of the United Christian Socialist Party, introduces liberal reforms. -
New Constitution
Gives women and people of african descent the right to vote, armed forces replaced by civil guard. -
Volcano
Arenal volcano erupts and causes many casualties. -
New President
Rodrigo Carazo, a conservative, elected president -
Corruption
Former president Rafael Angel Calderon is sentenced to five years in jail after being convicted of corruption. -
First Women President
Costa Rica elects first woman president, Laura Chinchilla.