Costa Rica flag

Costa Rica

Republic of Costa Rica

Capital

San José

Region

Americas

Population

5,309,625

Area (km²)

51,100

💡Quick Summary

Costa Rica, a vibrant Central American nation in the Americas region, spans 51,100 km² and is home to about 5.3 million people, with San José as its bustling capital. Renowned for its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and commitment to environmental conservation, it's a global leader in biodiversity and sustainable tourism. Despite lacking GDP data here, the country boasts a stable economy driven by ecotourism, agriculture, and tech exports, and famously maintains no standing army since 1948.

Key Insights

Low Inflation Amidst Strong Growth

The economy experienced robust GDP growth of 5.112% in 2023, yet maintained an extremely low inflation rate of just 0.525%. This combination suggests effective monetary policy management and stable economic conditions, preventing overheating despite rapid expansion.

Universal Access to Modern Infrastructure

Costa Rica has achieved 100% access to electricity, a critical indicator of development and infrastructure success. This near-universal coverage supports its high urbanization rate (78.882%) and ensures that the benefits of economic growth are widely distributed regarding basic utilities.

Environmental Commitment: A Forested Nation

Over 60% of Costa Rica's land area is covered by forests (60.399%). This high percentage is a result of decades of successful conservation efforts and reforestation programs, contrasting sharply with global trends of deforestation and highlighting its commitment to eco-tourism and biodiversity preservation.

Exceptional Longevity: Life Expectancy Rivaling Developed Nations

Costa Rica boasts a life expectancy of 80.80 years. This figure is comparable to countries like the US or many Western European nations and is a testament to the country's long-standing commitment to universal healthcare and social welfare, despite not being classified as a high-income country.

Economic Indicators
Latest economic data from World Bank

GDP (Current US$)

$86.50B

Year: 2023

GDP Per Capita

$16,942.03

GDP Growth (%)

5.11%

Inflation (%)

0.53%

Unemployment (%)

8.33%

Debt to GDP (%)

N/A%

Source: World Bank • Last updated: 12/24/2025

Historical Trends & Data Visualizations

GDP Growth Rate
Annual percentage change in GDP over time
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023-8.00%-4.00%0.00%4.00%8.00%
  • GDP Growth (%)
Population Growth
Total population over time
201420152016201720182019202020212022202301,500,0003,000,0004,500,0006,000,000
  • Population
Life Expectancy
Average life expectancy at birth (years)
20142015201620172018201920202021202220230.0years25.0years50.0years75.0years100.0years
  • Life Expectancy (years)
Renewable Energy Consumption
Percentage of total energy from renewable sources
201420152016201720182019202020210.0%10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%
  • Renewable Energy (%)
GDP Per Capita
Economic output per person (current US$)
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023$0$4,500$9,000$13,500$18,000
  • GDP Per Capita ($)

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