Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA

$11,500 (2008 est.)

Inflation Rate

13.4% (2008 est.)

Population

4,253,877 (July 2009 est.)

Country Risk Ratings

A4

Ease of Doing Business

117/181

Global Competitiveness

4.23/134

Country Map

View Larger Map

Costa Rica : Introduction

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 by natives, 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 became one of several Central American provinces that jointly declared their 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. Although it still maintains a large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread. In January 2008, Costa Rica assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2008-09 term.

Costa Rica: Banco Central de Costa Rica

The Costa Rican central bank is the financial institution in charge of currency issuance and of maintaining its economic stability. Site is available in Spanish only.

Costa Rica: Instituto Nacional de Estadistica y Censos

Costa Rica's National Institute of Statistics and Census provides information on consumer price index, census statistics, national accounts and employment statistics (Spanish Only).

Costa Rica: Investment and Trade Development Board

Investment and Trade Development Board provides information about the business climate in Costa Rica, updates on the investment climate, information on free zones in Costa Rica, economic facts, as well as a directory of companies categorized by industry.

Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (July 2009)