to 2376: Somewhere XI

On 15 September, Costa Rica, bordered by PANAMA (31) and NICARAGUA (5), and whose capital is SAN JOSÉ (40/10), celebrated its INDEPENDENCE (43) from SPAIN (35). Its main exports are BANANAS (36) and COFFEE (19D) and, unusually, it has no STANDING ARMY (1). CR (in the twelfth column) was to be shaded.
 
First prize Revd Anne Kiggell, Headington, Oxford
Runners-up Frank Anstis, Truro, Cornwall; D.G. Page, Orpington, Kent