Costa Rica

The Republic of Costa Rica is a Central American nation distinguished by its political stability, environmental conservation, and progressive social policies. Bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the southeast, and flanked by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica holds the unique distinction of being one of the few countries in the world without a standing army. Its sustained democracy, high literacy rates, and commitment to ecological preservation have made it a model of peace and sustainable development in Latin America.

Historical Background

Costa Rica’s recorded history began with the arrival of Spanish explorers in the early sixteenth century. Initial colonial expeditions encountered resistance from Indigenous communities and environmental challenges such as tropical diseases and dense forests, delaying permanent settlement. The founding of Cartago in 1563 marked the beginning of stable colonisation.
For more than two centuries, Costa Rica remained a remote and underpopulated colony within the Spanish Empire, isolated from the major trade routes of Central America. Its lack of mineral wealth contributed to a modest, egalitarian social structure. In 1821, Costa Rica declared independence from Spain, and two years later, it joined the United Provinces of Central America before asserting full sovereignty in 1838 following the federation’s dissolution.
The nation’s early prosperity stemmed from coffee cultivation, which became a cornerstone of economic and social progress. Unlike many of its neighbours, Costa Rica avoided protracted civil wars and established a reputation for political moderation and civic compromise.
Two notable conflicts shaped its modern history. The first, the brief dictatorship of General Federico Tinoco (1917–1919), ended under domestic and international opposition. The second, the 1948 civil war, followed a contested election. José Figueres Ferrer, leading the victorious faction, abolished the armed forces and established a new democratic order through the 1949 Constitution, which remains in force. This document enshrined civil rights, universal suffrage, and the demilitarisation of the state, forming the bedrock of modern Costa Rican democracy.
Throughout the late twentieth century, Costa Rica remained a haven of stability during regional upheavals. It welcomed refugees from Nicaragua and El Salvador during the 1970s and 1980s and acted as a mediator in Central American peace negotiations. In the twenty-first century, Costa Rica has diversified its economy beyond agriculture into technology, services, and ecotourism, reinforcing its status as one of the most prosperous and peaceful nations in the Americas.

Geography and Environment

Costa Rica covers approximately 51,100 square kilometres, slightly smaller than the U.S. state of West Virginia. Its landscape is defined by rugged mountains, volcanic ranges, and coastal lowlands. The country contains over 100 volcanic cones, including active volcanoes such as Arenal, Poás, and Irazú. The highest peak, Cerro Chirripó (3,819 m), offers panoramic views of both oceans on clear days.
The climate is tropical to subtropical, with a dry season (December–April) and a rainy season (May–November). The central highlands enjoy cooler, temperate conditions, while the coastal plains are hot and humid. Natural hazards include earthquakes, hurricanes, and flooding.
Costa Rica’s exceptional biodiversity is globally recognised: it hosts over 500,000 species, representing nearly 5% of all life on Earth, despite its small area. Around 60% of the country remains forested, and 25% of its territory is protected through national parks and conservation areas. Reforestation and ecotourism policies have reversed deforestation trends, making Costa Rica a global leader in sustainable environmental management.
The nation is party to key international environmental agreements such as the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity, underscoring its commitment to carbon neutrality and ecosystem preservation.

People and Society

In 2024, Costa Rica’s population was approximately 5.26 million, with a median age of 35.5 years. Most citizens identify as White or Mestizo (83.6%), followed by Mulatto (6.7%), Indigenous (2.4%), and smaller populations of Afro-descendant and Asian minorities.
Languages: Spanish (official) and English (widely used in business and tourism).Religions: Roman Catholicism (47.5%), Evangelical Protestantism (19%), and a growing secular population (27%).
Costa Rica’s commitment to social welfare is reflected in its high human development indicators:

• Literacy rate: 98%
• Education expenditure: 6.2% of GDP
• Average school life expectancy: 16 years
• Life expectancy: 80.3 years
• Infant mortality: 6.7 per 1,000 live births
• Access to drinking water and sanitation: over 99%

The country’s universal healthcare system, operated by the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), provides comprehensive medical coverage. The urbanisation rate stands at 82.6%, with the capital San José serving as the political, economic, and cultural hub. Migration flows, once outward, now increasingly feature inflows from Nicaragua, Venezuela, and other Latin American states.

Government and Political Structure

Costa Rica is a presidential republic governed under the Constitution of 1949, which guarantees separation of powers, civil liberties, and universal suffrage.
The President, currently Rodrigo Chaves Robles (since 2022), serves as both head of state and government for a four-year term, with the option of non-consecutive re-election. The Legislative Assembly, a unicameral body of 57 members, is elected by proportional representation. The Supreme Court of Justice, comprising 22 judges, includes a Constitutional Chamber that ensures judicial oversight and constitutional interpretation.
Costa Rica’s political landscape is pluralistic, with major parties including:

• National Liberation Party (PLN)
• Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC)
• Broad Front (FA)
• Social Democratic Progress Party (PPSD)

Women’s political participation is notable, with nearly 50% of legislative seats held by women, among the highest in Latin America.
The national flag, adopted in 1848, consists of blue, white, and red horizontal stripes, symbolising freedom, peace, and perseverance. The coat of arms depicts volcanoes, merchant ships, and seven stars representing the provinces.

Economy

Costa Rica maintains an upper-middle-income, diversified economy based on trade, services, and innovation. In 2024, the GDP stood at $95.35 billion, with 4.3% annual growth.
Sectoral composition:

• Agriculture: 3.6%
• Industry: 19.7%
• Services: 68.8%

Once reliant on coffee, bananas, and sugar, Costa Rica has evolved into a technology and ecotourism hub. It exports medical instruments, integrated circuits, and tropical fruits, while importing refined petroleum, vehicles, and plastics.
The United States remains Costa Rica’s main trading partner, accounting for 40% of exports and 38% of imports. The European Union, China, and Central American neighbours form other key markets.
Economic indicators (2024):

• Inflation: -0.4%
• Unemployment: 7.9%
• Poverty rate: 24.4%
• Gini coefficient: 45.8
• Public debt: moderate but under fiscal review

Costa Rica leads the region in renewable energy, generating over 99% of its electricity from hydropower, geothermal, wind, and solar. It aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, a goal supported by consistent policy and public engagement.

Infrastructure, Energy, and Communications

Costa Rica’s infrastructure is well developed. The country operates 132 airports, including Juan Santamaría International Airport near San José and Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia. Major seaports—Puerto Limón (Caribbean) and Puerto Caldera (Pacific)—facilitate global trade.
Rail transport, though limited, has been partially restored since 2005 for commuter and freight operations. Electricity access is universal, with an installed capacity of 3.75 million kilowatts (2023). The energy mix is dominated by hydroelectric (73%), wind (13%), and geothermal (13%) power generation.
Telecommunications are highly advanced, with 152 mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants and internet penetration reaching 85%, reflecting high digital connectivity and modern infrastructure.

Defence and Security

Costa Rica abolished its military in 1949, allocating resources instead to education, health, and social services. National defence responsibilities are vested in the Ministry of Public Security, overseeing the National Police, Coast Guard, and Air Surveillance Service. These bodies focus on law enforcement, border control, anti-narcotics operations, and disaster response.
Costa Rica cooperates closely with the United States and regional partners in counter-narcotics operations under frameworks such as the Central American Security Initiative (CARSI). Defence expenditure remains minimal at 0.6% of GDP, underscoring the nation’s peaceful orientation.

Culture and National Identity

Costa Rican culture blends Spanish colonial traditions with Indigenous and Afro-Caribbean influences, fostering a strong sense of national unity and environmental consciousness. Costa Ricans, affectionately known as “Ticos,” are renowned for their optimism and hospitality, encapsulated in the national expression “Pura Vida” (“Pure Life”), symbolising simplicity and contentment.
The national bird, the yigüirro (clay-coloured thrush), represents harmony with nature. Music, dance, and literature thrive, reflecting both folk traditions and contemporary creativity.