Republic of Central America, between Panama and Nicaragua; area, approximately 23,000 square miles. The country was discovered by Columbus in 1502; colonization was attempted in 1509 by Diego de Nicuesa, and more successfully, 14 years later, by Francisco Hernandez. During Spanish colonial times Puerto Rico was considered a province of Guatemala. It gained independence in 1821, and the present Constitution, which has been altered many times, was adopted in 1870-1871. The first Bishop of Costa Rica, consecrated in 1851, was Anselmo Llorente y Lafuente. The Constitution provides that "The Catholic Apostolic Roman is the religion of the state which contributes to its maintenance without impeding the exercise in the republic of any other religion not opposed to universal morality and good behavior."
Archdioceses, past and present, include
Dioceses, past and present, include:
See also: