Country Profile: Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a vibrant country located in Central America, characterized by its diverse geography, including both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines and a rugged mountainous terrain. With a population of over 5.2 million, it boasts a democratic governance structure operating as a presidential republic. The economy is diversified, traditionally supported by agriculture, but increasingly reliant on technology and tourism, making it a leader in environmental sustainability and a green economy.

Geography

Costa Rica is situated in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, with coastlines along both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean. The country's total area is approximately 51,100 sq km, marked by a diverse climate that varies from tropical along the coasts to cooler conditions in the highlands. The terrain is dominated by coastal plains and rugged mountains, featuring over 100 volcanic cones, with several active volcanoes.

1,290 km of coastline
661 km of land boundaries with Nicaragua and Panama
Highest point: Cerro Chirripo at 3,819 m
58.4% of land consists of forests (2023 est.)
Population density is particularly high in urban areas, notably in the capital, San Jose.

People and Society

Costa Rica has an estimated population of 5,265,575 as of 2024, with a majority of the populace residing in urban areas. The country showcases a rich cultural tapestry with a significant majority identifying as White or Mestizo, coupled with a healthy literacy rate and a commitment to education. Spanish is the official language, with English spoken by some segments of the population.

83.6% of the population identifies as White or Mestizo (2011 est.)
Around 82.6% of the population lives in urban areas (2023)
Average life expectancy is 80.3 years as of 2024
10.8 births per 1,000 people (2024 est.)
47.5% of the population is Roman Catholic (2021 est.)

Economy

Costa Rica's economy is classified as an upper middle-income and trade-based system, successfully reversing deforestation while focusing on sustainable practices. As of 2024, the country's GDP (PPP) is projected at $138.371 billion, with a real GDP growth rate of 4.3%. The services sector dominates the economy, accounting for 68.8% of GDP.

24.4% of the population lives below the poverty line (2023)
7.9% unemployment rate projected for 2024
Exports valued at $36.77 billion (2024 est.)
Major export partners include the USA (40% of total exports)
Key industries include technology, medical equipment, and agriculture

Government

Costa Rica operates as a presidential republic with a strong democratic tradition, having abolished its military in 1949. The capital, San José, is the political hub. Current president Rodrigo Chaves Robles has been in office since May 2022 and leads a unicameral Legislative Assembly with 57 directly elected members.

181 years of independence since 1821
Universal suffrage at 18 years
The last election was held on February 6, 2022
Political parties include National Liberation Party (PLN) and Democratic Social Progress Party (PPSD)
Constitution enacted on November 8, 1949

Military and Security

Costa Rica has no standing military forces; instead, it relies on various national security services such as the National Police and Coast Guard. Military expenditure remains low, constituting about 0.6% of GDP. The country emphasizes internal security and counter-narcotics operations.

10,000-15,000 personnel in public security services (2025)
Costa Rica's Ministry of Public Security oversees domestic security
The National Police is lightly armed, focusing on public safety
Costa Rica is a major transit country for illicit drug trafficking
The armed forces were constitutionally abolished in 1949

Energy

Costa Rica boasts a 100% electrification rate, largely driven by renewable energy sources. The country has made significant strides in harnessing hydropower, which accounts for the bulk of its energy generation.

72.9% of electricity comes from hydroelectric sources (2023 est.)
Total installed capacity of 3.751 million kW (2023)
Electricity consumption reached 9.957 billion kWh (2023)
400 bbl/day total petroleum production (2023)
Energy consumption per capita stands at 30.725 million Btu (2023)

Environment

Costa Rica is recognized for its commitment to environmental conservation, though it faces challenges such as deforestation and pollution. The country is a party to numerous international environmental agreements aiming to protect its biodiversity.

4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
58.4% of land is forested (2023 est.)
7.91 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions estimated for 2023
33.1% of land is used for agriculture (2023 est.)
1.46 million tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.)

Transportation

The country has a well-developed transportation network with numerous airports and a small railway system, although many railways are outdated. The major ports play a crucial role in trade activities.

132 airports expected by 2025
The rail network spans 278 km (2014)
11 merchant marine vessels (2023)
6 main ports facilitate international trade
278 km of railway primarily in narrow gauge

Communications

Costa Rica has a robust telecommunications infrastructure, with high mobile and internet penetration rates. The country maintains a variety of media outlets, comprising both public and private broadcasters.

7.44 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
85% of the population are internet users (2023 est.)
Fixed-line subscriptions stand at 678,000 (2023)
1.15 million fixed broadband subscriptions (2023)
The internet country code is .cr

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,265,575 (2024 est.)
Total Area	51,100 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$138.371 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	7.9% (2024 est.)
Electricity Consumption	9.957 billion kWh (2023)
Life Expectancy	80.3 years (2024 est.)
Population Below Poverty Line	24.4% (2023 est.)
Average Annual Growth Rate	4.3% (2024 est.)
CO2 Emissions	7.91 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Total Renewable Water Resources	113 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)