Country Guide - Costa Rica
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11 September 2023
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San José, the capital of Costa Rica, has over a million inhabitants and its own Silicon Valley that rivals the most famous in California.

Costa Rica is located between Panama and Nicaragua. With 51,100 km2, a population of more than five million people, without an army, with large volcanic mountain ranges and a subtropical climate, the beaches and the beautiful scenery of the country enchant tourists. This former Spanish colony has enjoyed peace and stability since 1948. Its culture and language derive from Spain, but the English language is widely used in business. The country’s currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC).

The Costa Rican government is governed by a series of constitutional controls. Executive responsibilities are vested in the President, with the support of two Vice Presidents, and 57 deputies (Legislative Assembly), who are elected for four-year terms. The country has a legal system whose administration is in charge of the Judicial Power, which ensures compliance with the laws and protects both nationals and foreigners who are in the national territory.

The legal system is based on the Civil Code and the Commercial Code. To a high degree of literacy, well-educated and trained workforce, and legislation that is reasonably business friendly and less bureaucratic than other countries' civil codes. GDP per person is USD $12,140 (2022 est.) in equal purchasing power; inflation is 3.3% (2021), unemployment 15% (2021).

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