World · permanent entity record · CS

Costa Rica

Thirty-second orientation

Costa Rica at a glance

Capital: San José; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Population: 5,152,950; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025
Area: 51,100 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Nationality / demonym: noun: Costa Rican(s); adjective: Costa Rican; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Government: presidential republic; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Languages: Spanish (official), English; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04

Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history

Costa Rica through time

1945-11-02
Admitted to the United Nations
Costa Rica became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04

Source history · changed fields only

Changes since the final CIA profile

Field	Maintained Almanac value	Final CIA profile
Population	5,152,950World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025	total: 5,304,932 (2025 est.) male: 2,654,314 female: 2,650,618CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-20

A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.

World Development Indicators · latest available observation

People, economy, and access

Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.

Gross domestic product: $102.9 billion; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Gross domestic product per person: $19,970; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Life expectancy at birth: 81.0 years; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Urban population: 79.7%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Access to electricity: 99.8%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
People using the internet: 87.2%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Retrieved 2026-09-08.

World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.

Maintained profile

Capital: San José; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
Area: 51,100 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
Population: 5,152,950; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Currency: Costa Rican colones (CRC); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
Languages: Spanish (official), English; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
Nationality / demonym: noun: Costa Rican(s); adjective: Costa Rican; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
Government: presidential republic; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
UN membership: 1945-11-02; United Nations, Member States · as of 2026-09-04
Continent: North America; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “Central America and the Caribbean.”
Coastline: 1,290 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Climate: tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Religions: Roman Catholic 47.5%, Evangelical and Pentecostal 19.8%, Jehovah's Witness 1.4%, other Protestant 1.2%, other 3.1%, none 27% (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Flag colors: blue, white, red; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
National symbol: yiguirro (clay-colored thrush); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Highest point: Cerro Chirripo · 12,530 ft (3,819 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Lowest point: Pacific Ocean · 0 ft (0 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
NATO membership: Not a member; NATO, What is NATO? · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
BRICS membership: Not a member; BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.

Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data

Final CIA World Factbook profile

This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.

CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated 2026-01-20 · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b

Introduction1 fields

Background: Although explored by the Spanish early in the 16th century, initial attempts at colonizing Costa Rica proved unsuccessful due to a combination of factors, including disease from mosquito-infested swamps, brutal heat, resistance from Indigenous populations, and pirate raids. It was not until 1563 that a permanent settlement of Cartago was established in the cooler, fertile central highlands. The area remained a colony for some two-and-a-half centuries. In 1821, Costa Rica was one of several Central American provinces that jointly declared independence from Spain. Two years later it joined the United Provinces of Central America, but this federation disintegrated in 1838, at which time Costa Rica proclaimed its sovereignty and independence. Since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred the country's democratic development. General Federico TINOCO Granados led a coup in 1917, but the threat of US intervention pushed him to resign in 1919. In 1948, landowner Jose FIGUERES Ferrer raised his own army and rebelled against the government. The brief civil war ended with an agreement to allow FIGUERES to remain in power for 18 months, then step down in favor of the previously elected Otilio ULATE. FIGUERES was later elected twice in his own right, in 1953 and 1970. Costa Rica experienced destabilizing waves of refugees from Central American civil wars in the 1970s and 1980s, but peace in the region has since helped the economy rebound. Although it still maintains a large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Geography17 fields

Location: Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Geographic coordinates: 10 00 N, 84 00 W; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Area: total : 51,100 sq km land: 51,060 sq km water: 40 sq km note: includes Isla del Coco; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than West Virginia; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land boundaries: total: 661 km border countries (2): Nicaragua 313 km; Panama 348 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Coastline: 1,290 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Climate: tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Terrain: coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major active volcanoes; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Elevation: highest point: Cerro Chirripo 3,819 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 746 m; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Natural resources: hydropower; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 33.1% (2023 est.) arable land: 3.3% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 7.4% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 22.5% (2023 est.) forest: 58.4% (2023 est.) other: 8.4% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Irrigated land: 1,015 sq km (2012); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population distribution: roughly half of the nation's population resides in urban areas; the capital of San Jose is the largest city and home to approximately one fifth of the population; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Natural hazards: occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast; frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season and landslides; active volcanoes volcanism: Arenal (1,670 m) is the most active volcano in Costa Rica; a 1968 eruption destroyed the town of Tabacon; Irazu (3,432 m), situated just east of San Jose, has the potential to spew ash over the capital city, as it did between 1963 and 1965; other historically active volcanoes include Miravalles, Poas, Rincon de la Vieja, and Turrialba; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Geography - note: four volcanoes, two of them active, rise near the capital of San Jose in the center of the country; one of the volcanoes, Irazu, erupted destructively in 1963-65; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

People and Society35 fields

Population: total: 5,304,932 (2025 est.) male: 2,654,314 female: 2,650,618; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Nationality: noun: Costa Rican(s) adjective: Costa Rican; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Ethnic groups: White or Mestizo 83.6%, Mulatto 6.7%, Indigenous 2.4%, Black or African descent 1.1%, other 1.1%, none 2.9%, unspecified 2.2% (2011 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Languages: Spanish (official), English major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Religions: Roman Catholic 47.5%, Evangelical and Pentecostal 19.8%, Jehovah's Witness 1.4%, other Protestant 1.2%, other 3.1%, none 27% (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Age structure: 0-14 years: 18.8% (male 506,041/female 482,481) 15-64 years: 70.2% (male 1,862,872/female 1,832,024) 65 years and over: 11.1% (2024 est.) (male 266,568/female 315,589); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 42.7 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 26.2 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 16.5 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 6.1 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Median age: total: 36 years (2025 est.) male: 34.9 years female: 36.1 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population growth rate: 0.75% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Birth rate: 10.86 births/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Death rate: 5.24 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Net migration rate: 1.89 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population distribution: roughly half of the nation's population resides in urban areas; the capital of San Jose is the largest city and home to approximately one fifth of the population; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 82.6% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Major urban areas - population: 1.462 million SAN JOSE (capital) (2023); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Maternal mortality ratio: 24 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Infant mortality rate: total: 6.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 7 deaths/1,000 live births female: 6.3 deaths/1,000 live births; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 80.3 years (2024 est.) male: 77.7 years female: 82.9 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total fertility rate: 1.45 children born/woman (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Gross reproduction rate: 0.71 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Drinking water source: urban: 99.8% of population (2022 est.) rural: 99.6% of population (2022 est.) total: 99.8% of population (2022 est.) urban: 0.2% of population (2022 est.) rural: 0.4% of population (2022 est.) total: 0.2% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Health expenditure: 7.6% of GDP (2021) 25.8% of national budget (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Physician density: 2.69 physicians/1,000 population (2022); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Hospital bed density: 1.2 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Sanitation facility access: urban: 99.2% of population (2022 est.) rural: 97.6% of population (2022 est.) total: 98.9% of population (2022 est.) urban: 0.8% of population (2022 est.) rural: 2.4% of population (2022 est.) total: 1.1% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 25.7% (2016); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Alcohol consumption per capita: total: 3.07 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 2.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.15 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 0.36 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0.39 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Tobacco use: total: 8.1% (2025 est.) male: 12.2% (2025 est.) female: 4.1% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 2.9% (2018 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Currently married women (ages 15-49): 41.7% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Child marriage: women married by age 15: 2% (2018) women married by age 18: 17.1% (2018); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Education expenditure: 6.2% of GDP (2021 est.) 31.2% national budget (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Literacy: female: 94.1% (2018 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 16 years (2019 est.) male: 15 years (2019 est.) female: 16 years (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Environment10 fields

Environmental issues: deforestation, largely from clearing land for cattle ranching and agriculture; soil erosion; coastal marine pollution; fisheries protection; solid waste management; air pollution; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
International environmental agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Climate: tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 33.1% (2023 est.) arable land: 3.3% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 7.4% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 22.5% (2023 est.) forest: 58.4% (2023 est.) other: 8.4% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 82.6% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Carbon dioxide emissions: 7.91 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 58,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 7.852 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Particulate matter emissions: 15.1 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.46 million tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 5.4% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 1.109 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 245.34 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 2.093 billion cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total renewable water resources: 113 billion cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Government24 fields

Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Costa Rica conventional short form: Costa Rica local long form: República de Costa Rica local short form: Costa Rica etymology: the name means "rich coast" in Spanish; Christopher COLUMBUS named it in 1502, referring to the region's abundant vegetation and water; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Government type: presidential republic; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Capital: name: San José geographic coordinates: 9 56 N, 84 05 W time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: Spanish settlers originally named the city Villa Nueva in 1736; it was later renamed for Saint Joseph; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Administrative divisions: 7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legal system: civil law system based on Spanish civil code; Supreme Court reviews legislative acts; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Constitution: history: many previous; latest effective 8 November 1949 amendment process: proposals require the signatures of at least 10 Legislative Assembly members or petition of at least 5% of qualified voters; consideration of proposals requires two-thirds majority approval in each of three readings by the Assembly, followed by preparation of the proposal as a legislative bill and its approval by simple majority of the Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership; a referendum is required only if approved by at least two thirds of the Assembly; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Executive branch: chief of state: President Rodrigo CHAVES Robles (since 8 May 2022) head of government: President Rodrigo CHAVES Robles (since 8 May 2022) cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president election/appointment process: president and vice presidents directly elected on the same ballot by modified majority popular vote (40% threshold) for a 4-year term (eligible for non-consecutive terms) most recent election date: 6 February 2022, with a runoff on 3 April 2022 election results: 2022: Rodrigo CHAVES Robles elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Jose Maria FIGUERES Olsen (PLN) 27.3%, Rodrigo CHAVES Robles (PPSD) 16.8%, Fabricio ALVARADO Munoz (PNR) 14.9%, Eliecer FEINZAIG Mintz (PLP) 12.4%, Lineth SABORIO Chaverri (PUSC) 12.4%, Jose Maria VILLALTA Florez-Estrada 8.7% (PFA), other 7.5%; percent of vote in second round - Rodrigo CHAVES Robles (PPSD) 52.8%, Jose Maria FIGUERES Olsen (PLN) 47.2% 2018: Carlos ALVARADO Quesada elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Fabricio ALVARADO Munoz (PRN) 25%; Carlos ALVARADO Quesada (PAC) 21.6%; Antonio ALVAREZ (PLN) 18.6%; Rodolfo PIZA (PUSC) 16%; Juan Diego CASTRO (PIN) 9.5%; Rodolfo HERNANDEZ (PRSC) 4.9%, other 4.4%; percent of vote in second round - Carlos ALVARADO Quesada (PAC) 60.7%; Fabricio ALVARADO Munoz (PRN) 39.3% expected date of next election: 1 February 2026 (a runoff, if needed, will take place in April 2026) note: the president is both chief of state and head of government; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legislative branch: legislature name: Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa) legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 57 (all directly elected) electoral system: proportional representation scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 2/6/2022 parties elected and seats per party: National Liberation Party (PLN) (19); Democratic Social Progress Party (PPSD) (10); Christian Social Unity Party (USC) (9); New Republic Party (NR) (7); Broad Front (FA) (6); Progressive Liberal Party (LP) (6) percentage of women in chamber: 49.1% expected date of next election: February 2026; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Judicial branch: highest court(s): Supreme Court of Justice (consists of 22 judges organized into 3 cassation chambers each with 5 judges and the Constitutional Chamber with 7 judges) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court of Justice judges elected by the National Assembly for 8-year terms with renewal decided by the National Assembly subordinate courts: appellate courts; trial courts; first instance and justice of the peace courts; Superior Electoral Tribunal; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Political parties: Accessibility Without Exclusion or PASE Broad Front (Frente Amplio) or PFA Citizen Action Party or PAC Costa Rican Renewal Party or PRC Here Costa Rica Commands Party or ACRM Liberal Progressive Party or PLP Libertarian Movement Party or ML National Integration Party or PIN National Liberation Party or PLN National Restoration Party or PRN New Generation or PNG New Republic Party or PNR Social Christian Republican Party or PRSC Social Christian Unity Party or PUSC of UNIDAD Social Democratic Progress Party or PPSD; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Catalina CRESPO SANCHO (since 19 April 2023) chancery: 2114 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 499-2980 FAX: [1] (202) 265-4795 email address and website: embcr-us@rree.go.cr https://www.embassycr.org/ consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Washington DC; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador-designate Melinda HILDEBRAND (since 3 December 2025); Chargé d’Affaires Jennifer SAVAGE (since August 2025) embassy: Calle 98 Via 104, Pavas, San Jose mailing address: 3180 St. George's Place, Washington DC 20521-3180 telephone: [506] 2519-2000 FAX: [506] 2519-2305 email address and website: acssanjose@state.gov https://cr.usembassy.gov/; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
International organization participation: ACS, BCIE, CACM, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM (observer), OAS, OIF (observer), OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Flag: description: five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double-width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical disk placed toward the left side of the red band meaning: the blue is said to stand for the sky, opportunity, and perseverance; the white for peace, happiness, and wisdom; and the red for the blood shed for freedom, as well as Costa Ricans' generosity and vibrancy history: Costa Rica retained the earlier blue-white-blue flag of Central America until 1848 when, in response to revolutions in Europe, it was decided to incorporate the French colors by adding a central red stripe note: somewhat resembles the flag of North Korea; similar to the flag of Thailand, but with the blue and red colors reversed; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National symbol(s): yiguirro (clay-colored thrush); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National color(s): blue, white, red; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National coat of arms: the Costa Rican coat of arms highlights the country’s natural beauty and history; three volcanoes, each topped with a white cloud, are surrounded with water, symbolizing the seaports of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans; the rising sun in the background stands for the birth of a new nation, and the seven white stars for the country's provinces; the two merchant ships carrying Costa Rica’s flag are a reminder of the maritime trade that shaped the country's history; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National anthem(s): title: "Himno Nacional de Costa Rica" (National Anthem of Costa Rica) lyrics/music: Jose Maria ZELEDON Brenes/Manuel Maria GUTIERREZ history: adopted 1949; the music was originally written for a welcome ceremony in 1852 for the US and UK diplomatic missions; the lyrics were added in 1900; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 4 (1 cultural, 3 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Guanacaste Conservation Area (n); Cocos Island National Park (n); Precolumbian Stone Spheres (c); La Amistad International Park (n); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Economy32 fields

Economic overview: trade-based upper middle-income economy; green economy leader, having reversed deforestation; investing in blue economy infrastructure; declining poverty until hard impacts of COVID-19; lingering inequality and growing government debts have prompted a liquidity crisis; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $138.371 billion (2024 est.) $132.64 billion (2023 est.) $126.189 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP growth rate: 4.3% (2024 est.) 5.1% (2023 est.) 4.6% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP per capita: $27,000 (2024 est.) $26,000 (2023 est.) $24,800 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP (official exchange rate): $95.35 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Inflation rate (consumer prices): -0.4% (2024 est.) 0.5% (2023 est.) 8.3% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 3.6% (2024 est.) industry: 19.7% (2024 est.) services: 68.8% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 63.9% (2024 est.) government consumption: 14.7% (2024 est.) investment in fixed capital: 15.8% (2024 est.) investment in inventories: -0.1% (2024 est.) exports of goods and services: 38.5% (2024 est.) imports of goods and services: -32.8% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Agricultural products: sugarcane, pineapples, bananas, oil palm fruit, milk, fruits, oranges, chicken, cassava, beef (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Industries: medical equipment, food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Industrial production growth rate: 4.1% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Labor force: 2.357 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Unemployment rate: 7.9% (2024 est.) 8.4% (2023 est.) 11.4% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24): total: 23% (2024 est.) male: 20.7% (2024 est.) female: 26.2% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population below poverty line: 24.4% (2023 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 45.8 (2024 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Average household expenditures: on food: 21.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.) on alcohol and tobacco: 1.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.7% (2024 est.) highest 10%: 34.2% (2024 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Remittances: 0.8% of GDP (2024 est.) 0.8% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.9% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Budget: revenues: $26.333 billion (2023 est.) expenditures: $25.953 billion (2023 est.) note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Public debt: 48.9% of GDP (2017 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Taxes and other revenues: 13.9% (of GDP) (2023 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Current account balance: -$1.291 billion (2024 est.) -$1.239 billion (2023 est.) -$2.272 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports: $36.77 billion (2024 est.) $33.683 billion (2023 est.) $29.392 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports - partners: USA 40%, Netherlands 6%, China 5%, Guatemala 4%, Belgium 3% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports - commodities: medical instruments, integrated circuits, orthopedic appliances, bananas, tropical fruits (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports: $30.459 billion (2024 est.) $28.413 billion (2023 est.) $27.095 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports - partners: USA 38%, China 15%, Mexico 6%, Brazil 3%, Guatemala 3% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, plastic products, cars, medical instruments, broadcasting equipment (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $14.177 billion (2024 est.) $13.225 billion (2023 est.) $8.554 billion (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Debt - external: $15.574 billion (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exchange rates: Costa Rican colones (CRC) per US dollar - 515.11 (2024 est.) 544.051 (2023 est.) 647.136 (2022 est.) 620.785 (2021 est.) 584.901 (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Energy6 fields

Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 3.751 million kW (2023 est.) consumption: 9.957 billion kWh (2023 est.) exports: 774 million kWh (2023 est.) imports: 54 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.039 billion kWh (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 12.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 72.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) geothermal: 13.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Coal: consumption: 23,000 metric tons (2023 est.) imports: 24,000 metric tons (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Petroleum: total petroleum production: 400 bbl/day (2023 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 60,000 bbl/day (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Energy consumption per capita: 30.725 million Btu/person (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Communications6 fields

Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 610,000 (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 12 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 6.98 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 136 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Broadcast media: over two dozen privately owned TV stations and 1 publicly owned TV station; cable network services are widely available; more than 100 privately owned radio stations and a public radio network (2022); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Internet country code: .cr; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Internet users: percent of population: 85% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 1.15 million (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Transportation6 fields

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: TI; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Airports: 132 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Heliports: 8 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Railways: total: 278 km (2014) narrow gauge: 278 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge note: the entire rail network fell into disrepair and out of use at the end of the 20th century; since 2005, certain sections of rail have been rehabilitated; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Merchant marine: total: 11 (2023) by type: other 11; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Ports: total ports: 6 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 1 very small: 5 ports with oil terminals: 4 key ports: Golfito, Puerto Caldera, Puerto Limon, Puerto Moin, Puerto Quepos, Puntarenas; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Military and Security5 fields

Military and security forces: Ministry of Public Security (Ministerio de Seguridad Pública de Costa Rica): National Police (Fuerza Pública), Air Surveillance Service (Servicio de Vigilancia Aérea), National Coast Guard Service (Servicio Nacional de Guardacostas), Drug Control Police (Policía Control de Drogas), Border Police (Policia de Fronteras), Professional Migration Police (Policía Profesional de Migración) Ministry of Presidency: Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS), Special Intervention Unit (UEI) (2025) note: Costa Rica's armed forces were constitutionally abolished in 1949; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military expenditures: 0.6% of GDP (2024 est.) 0.6% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.6% of GDP (2022 est.) 0.7% of GDP (2021 est.) 0.7% of GDP (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 10-15,000 Ministry of Public Security personnel (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the National Police are lightly armed although small special units are trained and equipped for tactical operations; the US has provided equipment and support to forces such as the Coast Guard, including secondhand US vessels and aircraft (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military - note: Costa Rica relies on specialized paramilitary units within the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) for internal security missions and countering transnational threats such as narcotics smuggling and organized crime, as well as for participating in regional security operations and exercises; MPS forces have received advisory and training support from the US (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Space3 fields

Space agency/agencies: Costa Rican Space Agency (ACE; established by legislation in 2021) (2025) note: ACE is a non-state, public entity subject to guidelines issued by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Telecommunications of Costa Rica; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Space program overview: has a small, recently established program focused on using space to develop the country’s economy and industry, including acquiring and using satellites; has built a remote sensing (RS) cube satellite; has relations with US space agencies and commercial space industries, as well as with the ESA and the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Key space-program milestones: 2018 - first domestically produced remote sensing cube satellite (Irazú) for monitoring tropical forests and climate change launched by US and deployed from the International Space Station 2021 - signed protocols for newly established Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency; opened US commercial company’s space radar facility for mapping and space situational awareness 2022 - domestically produced scientific device (Proyecto Musa or Musa Project) launched on European rocket 2024 - participated in first China-Latin America and the Caribbean Space Cooperation Forum; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Transnational Issues2 fields

Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees: 249,521 (2024 est.) IDPs: 58 (2024 est.) stateless persons: 345 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Illicit drugs: USG identification: major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country major precursor-chemical producer (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

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Costa Rica at a glance

Costa Rica through time

Admitted to the United Nations

Changes since the final CIA profile

People, economy, and access

Maintained profile