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Living in Costa Rica . . . . . . . . . ... . Download pdf of Frequently Asked Questions
• What is the local climate like?
• What type of communication services are available in Costa Rica?
• What is the status of the Costa Rican economy and political stability?
• What is the quality of the health care system? What health care is available near Palm Springs?
• What is the quality of the food and water in the local area?
• What is the cost of living?
• Is Costa Rica a good place for families or retirees?
Costa Rica has a very stable democratic political system and a healthy, growing economy. Costa Rica is unique in that it has had over 60 years of uninterrupted political democracy, without a formal military. It has averted many of the wars and dictatorships that plagued Central America during the past half-century. The current president, Oscar Arias, was the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize laureate for his efforts to end civil war fighting in Central America. Voter turnouts for presidential and parliamentary elections are over 60% on average.
The Costa Rican economy has recently opened its markets to free trade and has attracted high-tech investment. Costa Rica is a desirable location for businesses due to its highly educated population (96% literacy rate). It’s main industries are electronics, software, agriculture, and tourism. The population growth rate for 2006 was 4.57%, with 6.6% unemployment.