500 A.D.:
The Diquís, native people living in what is now southern Costa Rica, begin using gold to make jewelry, animal figures and other objects.

1502:
On September 18, Christopher Columbus becomes the first European to reach Costa Rica. Spanish colonization begins in 1522.

1821:
Costa Rica gains its independence from Spain and joins the Mexican Empire.

1823:
The Mexican Empire dissolves; Costa Rica joins El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua as the United Provinces of Central America.

1838:
Costa Rica becomes a fully independent country.

1849-1859:
Juan Rafael Mora leads the fight against William Walker, an American who tries to take control of the region.

1949:
A new constitution is adopted after a bloody 44-day civil war. 1963 The Absoluta Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is created. It is the first of many protected areas in the country.

1963:
The Absoluta Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is created. It is the first of many protected areas in the country.

1968:
Arenal Volcano erupts.

1987:
President Oscar Arias Sánchez wins the Nobel Peace Prize. He helped end civil wars in El Salvador and Nicaragua.

2006:
Arias is elected president for the second time.