Costa Rica

Costa Rica's tourism industry saw a 14,5% increase in visitors during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with 1.532.443 tourists, reflecting a strong recovery and growth from the pandemic's impact

President Rodrigo Chaves has fired the Minister of Culture and Youth, Nayuribe Guadamuz, and the Commissioner for Social Inclusion, Ricardo Sosa, for backing the LGBTQ+ pride march in San Jose without his authorization

A visa-free entry policy for travelers from over 150 countries has been introduced to boost the tourism industry, aiming at more tourist arrivals, economic growth, hotel occupancy and improved air travel connectivity

Costa Rica is leading in Latin America in electronic waste collection per capita, achieving an 8% collection rate (1 kg per inhabitant) despite a regional increase in e-waste generation, significantly outperforming the regional average of 2,7%

A US$854 million project to build a marina and cruise dock in Limon has been announced, aimed at creating jobs and boosting tourism, with interest from international companies and support from business owners and authorities

Costa Rica has become the first country in the world without state-owned zoos, closing the Simón Bolívar Zoo and the Santa Ana Conservation Center to promote wildlife conservation and relocating over 250 animals to better habitats

Costa Rica announced a ban on synthetic nicotine in vaping liquids and e-cigarettes, aiming to address health risks associated with their use, following reports of lung injuries and a surge in vaping-related hospitalizations

Costa Rica's consulate facilitated passport delivery to 450 Venezuelans as part of President Maduro's initiative to provide documentation for Venezuelans abroad, bringing passports to many who had been without passports for over 5 years

Costa Rican health authorities have intensified efforts to vaccinate children against measles, rubella, and mumps, aiming to close vaccination gaps and achieve 100% coverage, especially with over 88.000 children currently susceptible due to missing doses

Costa Rica has reached an agreement with the IMF's technical team to access a total of US$510 million loans to keep the Colon at the same exchange rate with respect to the USD, pending approval from the IMF's Executive Board

Costa Rica has presented a plan to attract semiconductor investments, aiming to become a top destination by leveraging its strategic relationship with the US to begin building centers for the development of such materials

Costa Rica has become the world's first country to export coffee free from deforestation; the first shipment has been destined for Italy's Illycaffè