The Friday File: Of the 195 nations on Earth, 33% get their name from some older group of persons. For example, France is named after the Franks. 25% are named from an aspect of the land; Costa Rica means “the rich coast.” 13% are named for their location; Australia means southern in Latin. And, another 13% are named after men such as the USA; named after Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci.