Any of about 700 species of lizard, chiefly found in the Americas. The common iguana (I. iguana) of Central and South America is a vegetarian and may reach 2 m/6 ft in length. (Especially genus Iguana, family Iguanidae.)
The sun of freedom rises from the Caribbean Sea. The stars represent Costa Rica's seven provinces. Red was added to the blue and white flag to reflect the French tricolour. Effective date: 29 September 1848.