Trek Zone

Country Facts:
Switzerland vs. Costa Rica

Learn about the similarities and differences between Switzerland and Costa Rica by reviewing data on key indicators such as population, economy, energy, religion, language and many other relevant factors.

Country #1
Country #2

Geography

Switzerland vs. Costa Rica - comparison of geographical features.

Country area

The surface area of Switzerland is 15 940 mi², while the surface area of Costa Rica is 19 730 mi². This means that the area of Costa Rica is 23.78% larger.

Statistics: Countries of the World Compared by Area
15 940 mi²
19 730 mi²

Coastline length

Switzerland has a coastline of 0.0 mi, while Costa Rica has a coastline of 801.6 mi.

0.0 mi
801.6 mi

Largest city

The largest city in Switzerland is Zürich, with a population of about 390 474 people. In contrast, the largest city in Costa Rica is San José, where the population is 1 188 020.

390 474 ppl
1 188 020 ppl

Highest peak

The highest peak in Switzerland is Monte Rosa, its height is 15 203 ft. The highest peak in Costa Rica is Cerro Chirripó, which rises to a height of 12 533 ft.

15 203 ft
Monte Rosa
12 533 ft
Cerro Chirripó

Highest recorded temperature

106.7°F
Grono, Moesa District
-

Lowest recorded temperature

-43.2°F
La Brévine
-

Society

Switzerland vs. Costa Rica - comparison of aspects of social life.

Population

The population of Switzerland is about 8 654 622, while Costa Rica is home to 5 094 118 people.

Statistics: World Population by Country
8 654 622 ppl
5 094 118 ppl

Life expectancy

Life expectancy is 83.0 years in Switzerland and 79.4 years in Costa Rica.

83.0 years
79.4 years

Average age

The average age is 42.7 years in Switzerland and 32.6 years in Costa Rica.

42.7 years
32.6 years

Birthrate

The birth rate is 0.65% in Switzerland and 1.04% in Costa Rica.

0.65%
1.04%

Literacy

Literacy is 99.0% in Switzerland and 97.9% in Costa Rica.

99.0%
97.9%

Language

In Switzerland, the main language is German, French, Italian, and in Costa Rica the primary language is Spanish.

german, french, italian
spanish

Religion

In Switzerland, the main religion is Christianity; in Costa Rica, the main religion is Christianity.

christianity
christianity

Tourism

Foreign tourists in 2015

9 305 000 ppl
Ranking: 32/174
-

Economy

GDP per capita

Switzerland: 71 761 Int$. Costa Rica: 21 143 Int$.

71 761 Int$
Ranking: 6/194
21 143 Int$
Ranking: 66/194

Currency

Switzerland: Swiss Franc (CHF). Costa Rica: Costa Rican Colon (CRC).

Tools: Currency Calculator
CHF
Swiss Franc
CRC
Costa Rican Colon

Practical information

Electricity

Electricity in Switzerland: frequency and voltage are 230V 50 Hz (plug type: C, J). Electricity in Costa Rica: frequency and voltage are 120V 60 Hz (plug type: A, B).

230V 50 Hz
Plug type: C, J
120V 60 Hz
Plug type: A, B

Driving side

Switzerland has right-hand traffic, Costa Rica has right-hand traffic.

right-hand traffic
right-hand traffic

Useful when traveling

USDCHFEURCRC

Best months to visit

The best months in terms of weather are: Switzerland - July, August; Costa Rica - January, February, March, April.

Traveler's essential: Tourist Season Around the World

Safety level

Scale from 1 (safe) to 4 (unsafe)
Traveler's essential: Travel Safety Map
Exercise normal safety precautions
Level 1
Exercise a high degree of caution
Level 2

Visa requirements

For citizens of United States (Settings → Your Country)
Traveler's essential: With or Without a Visa?
Visa not required
A visa is not required.
Visa not required
A visa is not required.

Expected daily budget for 1 person

B - backpacker's budget 1
T - tourist's budget 3
B121 USD - 155 USD
T248 USD - 322 USD
B44 USD - 56 USD
T127 USD - 159 USD

Countries Frequently Compared
(Country Facts)