The Country That Abolished Its Army and Doubled Down on Eco-Tourism
Costa Rica is one of the world’s most distinctive small countries — a Central American republic that abolished its military in 1948 (one of only a handful of countries with no standing army), redirected the savings into education and healthcare, and has since built one of the most environmentally and politically progressive societies in Latin America. The country produces approximately 99% of its electricity from renewable sources (hydropower, geothermal, wind, solar, biomass), aims for full carbon neutrality, and has reversed deforestation through reforestation incentive programmes — one of the few countries to actually reverse forest loss.
The country occupies the isthmus of Central America between Nicaragua and Panama, with both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines and a backbone of volcanic mountains. It contains roughly 6% of the world’s total biodiversity in just 0.03% of the world’s land area — making it one of the most biodiverse countries per square kilometre on earth. The cloud forests of Monteverde, the rainforests of the Osa Peninsula, the volcanic landscapes around Arenal, and the Pacific surf coast all draw a tourism economy that has grown to roughly 3 million international visitors annually.
Politically, Costa Rica is among Latin America’s most stable democracies, having held continuous democratic elections since 1949 — the longest unbroken democratic record in the region.
A Brief History
Pre-Columbian Costa Rica had several indigenous peoples; population was lower than Mexico or Peru. Spanish colonisation from the 16th century was relatively peripheral (Costa Rica was poor by colonial standards). Independence from Spain in 1821, then briefly part of the Mexican Empire and the United Provinces of Central America before becoming fully independent in 1838.
The 1948 Costa Rican Civil War — a brief but consequential conflict — was followed by the famous decision to abolish the military (the army, not the police). José Figueres Ferrer, who led the victorious side, has become one of the most celebrated Latin American political figures of the 20th century.
Geography and Climate
Costa Rica covers 51,100 km² — about the size of West Virginia — with a Pacific coast (1,016 km), Caribbean coast (212 km), volcanic central highlands (where most population lives), and various climate zones from tropical lowlands to cool cloud forest.
Culture and Religion
Spanish is the official language. Approximately 70% Catholic, with growing Protestant population.
The phrase “Pura Vida” (pure life) is a national greeting expressing the relaxed, optimistic Costa Rican attitude.
The Economy
Costa Rica has an upper-middle-income economy (~$95 billion GDP in 2024). Key sectors: technology services and manufacturing (Intel had a major chip-packaging facility for years), tourism, agriculture (coffee, banana, pineapple — Costa Rica is one of the world’s largest pineapple exporters), medical devices manufacturing.
Cuisine
Costa Rican food is simple and fresh:
- Gallo pinto — rice and beans (the breakfast staple)
- Casado — the lunch combination plate (rice, beans, meat, plantain, salad)
- Ceviche — citrus-cured fish
- Patacones — fried green plantains
- Olla de carne — beef stew with vegetables
Nature and UNESCO Sites
Costa Rica has 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including La Amistad National Park (shared with Panama), Cocos Island National Park, Pre-Columbian Chiefdom Settlements with Stone Spheres, and Guanacaste Conservation Area.
The country has approximately 30 national parks covering about 25% of its territory — one of the highest protected percentages in the world.
Travel Guide
Entry & Best Seasons
Most Western nationalities enter visa-free for 90 days. December-April is the dry season.
Budget
Mid-range $100-$180 per day; eco-lodges and tours add cost.
Surprising Facts
- Costa Rica abolished its military in 1948 — one of only ~20 countries in the world without a standing army.6
- The Nicoya Peninsula is one of five identified “Blue Zones” globally — places with unusually high concentrations of centenarians.3
- Costa Rica generates approximately 99% of its electricity from renewable sources — primarily hydropower.5
- The country has only 0.03% of the world’s land area but contains roughly 6% of global biodiversity.1
- Sloths — the iconic Costa Rican animal — exist in two species in the country: the brown-throated three-toed sloth and Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth.1
- “Pura Vida” (pure life) functions as a Costa Rican greeting, response, expression of agreement, and statement of life philosophy — used dozens of times daily by most ticos.3
Sources and References
See the list of cited sources in the page frontmatter.