Costa Rica's history began with the arrival of indigenous peoples, such as the Bribri and Cabécar, long before European contact. In 1502, Christopher Columbus arrived on the Caribbean coast, leading to Spanish colonization in the 16th century. Costa Rica became part of the Captaincy General of Guatemala and was primarily an agricultural colony. In 1821, Costa Rica gained independence from Spain and later joined the United Provinces of Central America. By the late 19th century, the country developed a coffee export economy, which significantly shaped its growth. Today, Costa Rica is known for its stable democracy and commitment to environmental conservation.