Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a Central-American country with a population of approximately 5 million inhabitants. San Jose is the capital city, and the largest city, with a population of approximately 340,000. Costa Rica is known for its fairly steady democracy, highly educated workforce, and its stable, diversified economy.

Costa Rica formally declared its independence in 1847, and since this time, has been one of the most stable economies and countries in Latin America. The short-lived Costa Rican Civil War led to the country abolishing its military forces in 1949, making it one of only a few sovereign nations without a standing-army.

Economic growth in the country took place during the 19th century. Coffee was first grown in the country in 1808; by the 1820s it had surpassed tobacco, sugar, and cacao as the leading export. Into the 20th century, coffee was still the leading source of Costa Rican wealth.

Today many foreign companies operate in Costa Rica, which also helps contribute to the economic growth in the country. DHL, Dell, HP, IBM, and Okay Industries, are among the major companies which operate in Costa Rica, because of its favorable investment and tax incentives. Agriculture, energy/environmental, software development, pharmaceuticals, ecotourism, and the service industries, are among the leading areas which help in developing the country’s economic growth.

Tourism is a major industry in Costa Rica, as it is Central America’s most visited country. Natural beauties including the Arenal Volcano, Poas Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, and Tortuguero National Park, are frequented by millions of tourists annually.

Costa Rica is a democracy, with a three-pronged government with executive, judicial and legislative powers. 

The Supreme Justice Court is the most important judiciary body in the country, and different tribunals comprise the justice system.  The Supreme Justice Court includes 22 magistrates, appointed by the legislature for a term of eight years. 

Costa Rica is broken into seven provinces, and those are divided into 83 cantons, which are further divided into 483 districts.   Each district has a Mayor and a Municipal Council, popularly elected by the people.

The National Law Review covers news stories from the country of Costa Rica affecting government and international relations within Central America and around the world. Environmental and energy development, chemical policies, international trade, election news, tax and financial news, government, and administrative agency news, are among the topics covered by the legal experts who write for the National Law Review.