Costa Rica - 90.84
15
A welcome anomaly in Central America
Costa Rica is unique among Central American nations. Not plagued by the same crime and corruption as their neighbors, Costa Rica has long prospered while the rest of Central America languished. The country’s policies have been used as a template for development in Panama and El Salvador, as other countries attempt to replicate Costa Rica’s success in the face of adversity. Despite repeated allegations of corruption against former presidents, Costa Rica does not struggle with corruption to nearly the same extent as its neighbors. Costa Rica’s strong democracy has consistently demonstrated commitment to human rights and the nation’s development. One area in which Costa Rica encounters the same pitfalls as their neighbors is in their economy, as Costa Rica struggles with a very high economic disparity and a spiking unemployment rate.
Human Rights - 90
Costa Rica has fully abolished the death penalty. Prisons in Costa Rica hovered consistently at around 127% capacity throughout the year, fostering the spread of COVID-19. Overcrowding was even more severe in pretrial detention, with detainees regularly remaining in pretrial detention for as long as 180 days. Prisoners lacked adequate access to medical facilities. Costa Rica guarantees a full gamut of LGBT rights, with gay marriage and same-sex joint adoption both being legalized in 2020. Abortion is legal to preserve the physical health of the mother.
Democracy - 100
The president is directly elected and can serve an infinite number of nonconsecutive terms, but cannot serve two consecutive terms. Parliament is directly elected, and elections are free and fair. A multi-party system is emerging in Costa Rica, as the influence of the traditionally dominant National Liberation Party (PLN) and Christian Unity Party (PUSC) is waning.
Freedom - 96
Costa Rica has unenforced laws criminalizing defamation. Defamation no longer carries a prison sentence circa 2010 but attempts to outright repeal the law have not been successful. Catholicism is the official religion but freedom of religion is guaranteed. Possession of drugs for personal use has been decriminalized since 2017, but distribution, manufacture, and trafficking of drugs remain illegal. Costa Rica shall issue gun ownership licenses for semi-automatic rifles and handguns up to three total firearms. A collector’s permit is required for more than three firearms.
Economy - 71
Health - 95
Costa Rica has a life expectancy of 80 years and an infant mortality rate of 0.75%. 25.7% of Ticos are obese and 8.2% are malnourished. Costa Rica’s universal healthcare system is perhaps the best in the Americas. 99% of Ticos have access to clean, running water. Costa Rica has minor problems with mosquito-borne tropical diseases, namely dengue and zika.
Corruption - 80
Petty corruption is generally rare in Costa Rica. Favoritism and occasional bribery occur in awarding public contracts. Every president elected since 1990 has been accused of corruption after leaving office, but only a few have been seriously investigated.
Competency - 91
The government is failing to repeal or use unenforced laws and provide for prisoners.
Future - 97
Costa Rica’s economy has been growing relatively steadily, and despite a major hit due to COVID it is likely to recover soon. A multi-party system has been emerging in Costa Rica in the last few years, spelling a bright political future for Costa Rica.
Actions Abroad - 100
Costa Rica does not maintain a military of any kind. The country maintains a police force but does not have a national guard or a coast guard. Costa Rica is generally isolationist and enjoys good relations with most nations.
1.7% of Ticos live below the international poverty line and 21% live below the national poverty line. Unemployment spiked to 17.4% in 2021, and Costa Rica has a very high economic disparity. The minimum wage in Costa Rica is $522 per month. Costa Rica has one of the best (if not the best) universal healthcare systems in the Americas, providing very high-quality coverage to all citizens. Costa Rica’s economy shrunk 4.5% in 2020 and grew 2.3% in 2019.