Country Profile: Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a Central American country bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, sharing borders with Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Home to approximately 5.27 million people, Costa Rica boasts a diverse population and a rich cultural heritage. Its economy has evolved from a strong agricultural base to include robust technology and tourism sectors. The nation operates as a presidential republic, emphasizing democratic governance and social equity.

Geography

Costa Rica is situated in Central America, characterized by coastal plains and rugged mountains, with over 100 volcanic cones, including several active volcanoes. The country has a total area of approximately 51,100 sq km and a coastline of about 1,290 km. The climate is predominantly tropical and subtropical, featuring distinct dry and rainy seasons.

• 51,100 sq km: Total area.
• 1,290 km: Length of the coastline.
• Cerro Chirripo: The highest point at 3,819 m.

People and Society

With an estimated population of 5,265,575 in 2024, Costa Rica has a diverse demographic, including ethnic groups such as White or Mestizo (83.6%) and Indigenous peoples (2.4%). The predominant language is Spanish, reflecting the nation's colonial history. Life expectancy is high, with an average of 80.3 years in 2024, and the population is largely urbanized, with over 82% residing in cities.

• 80.3 years: Average life expectancy at birth (2024).
• 2.69 physicians: Per 1,000 population (2022).
• 82.6%: Urban population (2023).

Economy

Costa Rica has established itself as a trade-based upper middle-income economy, notable for its green initiatives and reversal of historical deforestation. The economy is projected to grow 4.3% in 2024, driven primarily by the services sector, which constitutes 68.8% of the GDP. The nation faces challenges, including lingering inequality and government debt affecting overall economic stability.

• $138.371 billion: Real GDP (PPP) for 2024.
• 7.9%: Unemployment rate (2024).
• $36.77 billion: Projected exports for 2024.

Government

Costa Rica functions as a presidential republic, with a democratically elected president serving as both chief of state and head of government. The most recent presidential election occurred in February 2022, resulting in President Rodrigo Chaves Robles taking office. The country has a unicameral Legislative Assembly and a strong judiciary, boasting a high percentage of women in legislative roles.

• 57: Total seats in the Legislative Assembly.
• 49.1%: Percentage of women in the Assembly.
• 18 years: Minimum voting age.

Military and Security

Costa Rica abolished its armed forces in 1949, instead relying on specialized security forces under the Ministry of Public Security. These include the National Police and Coast Guard, focusing on internal security and drug-related threats. The nation maintains a low level of military expenditure relative to GDP.

• 0.6% of GDP: Military expenditures (2024).
• 10-15,000: Personnel in the Ministry of Public Security (2025).

Energy

Costa Rica stands out for its commitment to renewable energy, with nearly all of its electricity generated from hydroelectric sources. In 2023, the installed capacity reached approximately 3.751 million kW, with a goal of sustaining a fully electrified population.

• 100%: Electrification rate (2022).
• 72.9%: Electricity generation from hydroelectric sources (2023).
• 9.957 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).

Environment

The country faces environmental challenges, including deforestation and soil erosion, largely attributed to agricultural expansion. Nevertheless, Costa Rica is praised for its efforts in reforestation and biodiversity conservation, actively participating in various international environmental agreements.

• 60.1%: Forested area as of 2022.
• 34.7%: Agricultural land (2022).

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure includes a network of roads and airports, with 132 airports and several ports facilitating trade and travel. The railways, while currently limited, are undergoing rehabilitation efforts to improve connectivity.

• 132: Total airports (2025).
• 278 km: Total railway network (2014).
• 6: Total ports (2024).

Communications

Costa Rica has a well-developed communication network, with high mobile cellular subscriptions and significant internet penetration. Over 85% of the population uses the internet, supported by a range of broadcasting media.

• 85%: Internet user percentage (2023).
• 7.44 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,265,575 (2024 est.)
Area	51,100 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$138.371 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	7.9% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	80.3 years (2024 est.)
Urban Population	82.6% (2023)
Electric Access	100% (2022)
Forested Area	60.1% (2022)
Airports	132 (2025)
Internet Users	85% (2023 est.)