1419:
more durable and sufficient democracies. This is especially applicable in countries with fragile institutional frameworks, where strengthening institutions is essential for advancing democracy and stability. Elements such as economic development, a record of state-building, and external actors can contribute to institutional strength; understanding these factors is essential for enabling effective governance. Therefore, lawmakers and scholars must pay close watch to institutional strength when analyzing and formulating political strategies to advance stable and effective democracies that serve the interests of their citizens.
865:
1053:. An additional twelve parties ran, but did not receive enough votes to earn a seat in the assembly, making the total number of active parties in Costa Rica twenty-one. Starting in the 2000s, disagreement about many of the neo-liberal policies promoted by the dominant PLN caused the traditional party system of alliances among a few parties to fracture. Although still a stable country, the shift toward many political parties and away from PUSC and PLN is a recent development. Various elected positions within the country, such as mayors and city council members, are held by many different national and local political parties.
528:
monopoly of the Costa Rican
Institute of Electricity - ICE) to market competition, known as the "Combo" law, was met with strong social opposition. The Combo law was supported by both major parties at the time (PLN and PUSC) as well as by President Rodriguez, but the first of three required legislative votes to approve it provoked the largest protest demonstrations the country had seen since 1970. The government quickly resolved to shelve the initiative. President Rodríguez's approval would reach an all-time low, and he was indicted by the Attorney General after leaving office on
2831:
669:
32:
684:, who is elected to a term of four years directly by the voters, not by the National Assembly as it would be in a parliamentary system. There also are two vice presidents and the president's cabinet composed of his ministers. A constitutional amendment approved in 1969 limits presidents and deputies to one term, although a deputy may run again for an Assembly seat after sitting out a term. The prohibition was officially recognized as unconstitutional in April 2004, allowing
1472:
1458:
340:
520:. President Rodriguez assumed office May 8, 1998. The PUSC also obtained 27 seats in the 57-member Legislative Assembly, for a plurality, while the PLN got 23 and five minor parties won seven. Social Christian in philosophy, the PUSC generally favors neoliberalism, conservative fiscal policies, and government reform. President Rodriguez pledged to reduce the country's large
1446:
public health care system attests to strong political institutions and its 70% of its citizens entirely depend on the services. These services are generally well-funded and accessible to the general public. However, there are also concerns about the quality and productivity of these services and the sustainability of the country's public spending.
1436:
Costa Rica is famous for its stable and well-functioning democracy, with periodic, accessible, and honest elections, a competitive party system, and a robust civil society. The country has a presidential system of government, with a unicameral legislature and a multi-party system. Nevertheless, there
695:
The
President of Costa Rica has limited powers, particularly in comparison to other Latin American Presidents. For example, he cannot veto the legislative budget, and thus Congress is sovereign over the year's single most important piece of legislation. On the other hand, he can appoint anyone to his
1418:
Institutional strength is a critical factor in politics since it defines the ability of political institutions to enforce rules, settle conflicts, and sustain stability in society. Weak institutions can lead to instability, violence, and authoritarianism, while solid institutions are associated with
593:
won a legal battle at the
Supreme Electoral Tribunal, which authorized him to gather over 100,000 signatures to send CAFTA to a referendum and let the people decide the fate of the controversial agreement. As the February 28, 2008 deadline to approve or reject CAFTA loomed, Arias decided to call for
535:
In
September 2000 the Constitutional Court rejected an argument by former president Arias that a 1969 constitutional amendment banning presidential reelection be rescinded. Arias thus remained barred from a second term as president; however, in April 2003–by which time two of the four judges who had
527:
The reforms he tried to promote found opposition from several parties, including his own, and he asserted several times the country was "ungovernable". In particular, an attempt by the
Legislative Assembly to approve a law that opened up the electricity and telecommunication markets (controlled by a
1028:
On election days, political parties often organize caravans and marches to get supporters to polling stations. In many areas, voting takes on a festive atmosphere with supporters of each party wearing traditional colors and decorating their cars, houses, and livestock with colored ribbons. Because
1445:
Costa Rica's government provides many public services, including health care, education, and social welfare programs. The "Caja de Seguro Social" in Costa Rica maneuvered through the COVID-19 Pandemic with extreme precaution, providing one of the best responses by public healthcare systems. Their
1427:
The rule of law refers to the idea that all individuals and institutions, including the state, are subject to the same rules and limitations. In Costa Rica, the rule of law is generally considered robust, with a separate judiciary branch, effective law enforcement, and low indices of corruption.
978:
oversee the government and operate autonomously. These institutions have the right to scrutinize, investigate and prosecute government contracts. In addition, they may impose procedural requirements on most political and governmental agencies. The actions of politicians and political parties are
957:
for constitutionality. Courts below the Sala IV deal with issues involving legal and criminal disputes. Additionally, the
Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE for its Spanish initials) is an independent branch of the CSJ, responsible for democratic elections. While the judiciary is independent of the
536:
voted against the change in 2000 had been replaced–the Court reconsidered the issue and, with the only dissenters being the two anti-reelection judges remaining from 2000, declared the 1969 amendment null and thus opened the way to reelection for former presidents–which in practice meant Arias.
628:
won 17% of the votes. On March 6, 2014, Araya announced that he would abandon his presidential campaign after polls showed him far behind Luis
Guillermo Solís. Elections were held on April 6, 2014, as required by election law, and Solís won with 77.81% of the votes. According to the BBC, the
585:(CAFTA). Main supporters of the approval included the President's PLN, which established a coalition with PUSC and ML in Congress to approve the implementation laws in Congress, as well as different business chambers. The main opposition to CAFTA came from PAC,
953:. Twenty-two magistrates are selected for the CSJ for 8-year terms by the Legislative Assembly, and lower courts. Sala IV, also known as the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court, reviews legislation, executive actions, and certain
573:, but it turned out to be the closest in modern history. Although polls just a week before the election gave Arias a comfortable lead of at least 12% (and up to 20%), preliminary election results gave him only a .4% lead over rival
258:
594:
the referendum himself, and it took take place on
October 7, 2007. CAFTA was approved with 51.5% of voters supporting it, although the election faced criticism due to international, including US, involvement.
1437:
are also some obstacles to the country's democratic institutions, such as a lack of transparency and accountability in government and a high concentration of power among a small class of political elites.
577:
and prompted a manual recount of all ballots. After a month-long recount and several appeals from different parties, Arias was declared the official winner with 40.9% of the votes against 39.8% for Solís.
1016:
The electoral process is supervised by an independent
Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE for its Spanish initials). The TSE is a commission of three principal magistrates and six alternates selected by the
616:, PAC's presidential candidate campaigning on a platform of economic reform and anti-corruption, surprised political observers by winning 30.95% of votes in the first round, while PLN candidate
551:. This election was also important because new parties won several seats in Congress, more than ever. The PUSC obtained 19 seats, PLN 17 seats, PAC 14 seats, PML 6 seats and PRC one seat.
458:
on insurance and telecommunications were opened to private-sector competition. Certain other state agencies enjoy considerable operational independence and autonomy; they include the
1428:
However, there are also concerns about the efficiency of the justice system and the slow pace of legal proceedings, which can sometimes hinder the effective enforcement of the law.
1710:
1310:
Founded in 1901. Existed in various forms and coalition parties. Won the presidency four times (1902, 1928, 1948, 1958, 1966). 1948 election was unrecognized. Defunct as of 2010.
136:
1831:
1651:
524:, privatize state-owned utilities, attract additional foreign investment, eliminate social welfare programs, and promote the creation of jobs with decent salaries.
2952:
501:
of the PLN. During his tenure he experienced some criticism from within his own party for abandoning its traditional social democratic teachings and promoting a
636:
won the presidential election. He became the new
President of Costa Rica, succeeding President Guillermo Solís. Both Solis and Alvarado represented centre-left
1546:
844:
2360:
165:
791:
285:
554:
During 2004, several high-profile corruption scandals shattered the foundations of PUSC. Two former presidents from the party, Miguel Ángel Rodríguez and
558:, were arrested on corruption charges and are currently waiting for the investigation to end and trial to begin. Also involved in scandals has been
377:
1864:
831:
1849:
1021:. All elections are conducted by a secret ballot at local polling stations. Voting is mandatory for registered citizens under Article 93 of the
609:, who had been vice-president in the previous Arias administration. In May 2010, she was sworn in as the first female President of Costa Rica.
1594:
2962:
2932:
2795:
884:
in each of the country's seven provinces. As a result, there are nine separate political parties serving in the Legislative Assembly, with
486:
696:
cabinet without approval from Congress. This provides the single most important power versus Congress that any Costa Rican President has.
2231:
2064:
1718:
1616:
1235:
321:
2017:
1154:
Founded 1983 by four opposition parties. The main historical opposition to PLN. Three presidential victories in 1990, 1998, and 2002.
2484:
1898:
462:(Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad), the nationalized commercial banks (which are open to competition from private banks), and
308:
304:
2957:
2640:
2625:
2578:
2216:
2077:
290:
2333:
1393:
1197:
1038:
786:
689:
625:
459:
265:
2872:
2355:
2304:
2257:
1102:
1083:
1018:
950:
933:
889:
885:
859:
839:
672:
Luis Guillermo Solís has served as president between 2014 and 2018. He is the first President in 66 years not to come from the
637:
606:
184:
160:
129:
350:
2937:
1385:
958:
politically elected executive and legislative branches, it is often responsible for resolving political and legal conflicts.
582:
2459:
2289:
2201:
1835:
589:, environmental organizations and public universities. In April 2007, former PLN Presidential candidate and CAFTA opponent
547:
was elected president, under a national unity platform, but continuing most of the neoliberal and conservative policies of
463:
370:
211:
2032:
1659:
2126:
2103:
971:
555:
2715:
2294:
2121:
1758:
1050:
1006:
923:
873:
598:
430:
124:
2785:
2221:
2186:
1874:
1296:
1159:
648:
590:
517:
248:
243:
238:
1533:
2887:
2537:
2401:
2343:
2196:
1816:
796:
769:
749:
729:
681:
80:
3021:
2805:
2650:
2284:
2211:
2057:
1485:
1216:
1044:
673:
363:
278:
2927:
1097:
Founded in 1951. Controlled the legislative assembly since inception and presidency for all but four elections.
2877:
2437:
2299:
2113:
569:
The 2006 national election was expected to be a landslide for former president (1986–1990) and PLN's candidate
206:
2810:
2547:
2502:
2350:
2191:
1832:"Elecciones en Costa Rica ceden el paso a redes sociales - Noticias de Latinoam rica - Mundo - ELTIEMPO.COM"
2618:
2552:
2323:
2206:
1140:
897:
759:
739:
94:
470:
but maintains a domestic police force and a Special Forces Unit as part of the Ministry of the President.
2982:
2181:
1866:
Political Parties in Costa Rica: Democratic Stability and Party System Change in a Latin American Context
1803:
1541:
1010:
881:
548:
513:
474:
437:
operates independently from the executive and the legislature, but is involved in the political process.
2942:
2517:
2507:
2449:
2423:
2328:
2311:
2176:
2136:
2108:
2050:
1022:
586:
45:
1367:
Founded in 2006. Existed for one election cycle as a protest from ex-PAC members. Defunct as of 2010.
2999:
2987:
2976:
2922:
2892:
2388:
2316:
1989:
1178:
647:, right-wing former finance minister, was sworn in for a four-year presidential term. He had won the
539:
In the 2002 national election, a new party founded by former PLN Congressman and government Minister
326:
57:
1348:
Founded in 2005. Existed for one election cycle as protest from ex-PLN members. Defunct as of 2010.
864:
2947:
2464:
2411:
2131:
1121:
893:
652:
621:
559:
529:
399:
1591:
928:
140:
2917:
2790:
2725:
2660:
2611:
2479:
2469:
2454:
2418:
2338:
2279:
2272:
2262:
2164:
1961:
994:
988:
719:
633:
543:
captured 26% of the vote, forcing a runoff election for the first time in the country's history.
482:
414:
224:
201:
191:
75:
2086:
613:
2912:
2907:
2902:
2532:
2474:
2226:
1334:
629:
success of Solís and Villalta is another example of anti-neoliberal politics in Latin America.
467:
52:
2882:
1793:
2897:
2820:
2765:
2735:
2655:
2571:
2494:
2406:
2376:
2267:
2146:
2095:
1946:
1929:
1519:
1505:
1315:
724:
644:
581:
When Óscar Arias returned to office, the political debate shifted to the ratification of the
509:
in 1987 for his efforts to end civil wars then raging in several Central American countries.
478:
196:
87:
2852:
2800:
2775:
2750:
2710:
2695:
2665:
2512:
1353:
876:. Legislators, called deputies, are elected to non-consecutive four-year terms by popular,
563:
316:
169:
2393:
433:. The president and 57 Legislative Assembly deputies are elected for four-year terms. The
8:
2867:
2862:
2839:
2815:
2755:
2730:
2720:
2675:
2587:
2542:
2522:
395:
1740:
1684:
2770:
2760:
2740:
2685:
2680:
2670:
2527:
2003:
1798:
1602:
422:
406:
2857:
2745:
2690:
2592:
1870:
1463:
506:
426:
344:
2780:
2705:
1941:
1247:
602:
574:
540:
1637:
1598:
1477:
998:
744:
410:
99:
1975:
1571:
454:
was abolished in 1998. There are no provincial legislatures. In 2009, the state
441:
has a strong system of constitutional checks and balances. Voting is compulsory
1713:[Solís warns that he is not yet president despite Araya's withdrawal].
668:
294:
1049:
Currently, there are nine active political parties with representation in the
685:
570:
498:
3015:
2141:
521:
418:
31:
2603:
2154:
617:
544:
1029:
the day of elections is a national holiday, most people have the day off.
1002:
967:
877:
764:
104:
1471:
1329:
Founded in 1996. Held one legislative seat in 2006. Defunct as of 2010.
2073:
502:
438:
2042:
1711:"Solís advierte que aún no es presidente a pesar de retirada de Araya"
2844:
975:
434:
2830:
455:
451:
402:
1863:
Booth, John A. (January 2008). Paul Webb and Stephen White (ed.).
1899:"Costa Rica elections demonstrate country's democratic stability"
443:
1603:"Reelección presidencial: Arias sin prohibición para postularse"
1717:(in Spanish). Guatemala City. AFP. 5 March 2014. Archived from
1928:
Levitsky, Steven (August 2009). María Victoria Murillo (ed.).
1601:
El Nueavo Diario, Managua, 18 July 2007, retrieved July 2009;
1741:"Costa Rica president-elect Carlos Alvarado calls for unity"
1776:
1605:, La Nacion, Costa Rica, 5 April 2003; retrieved July 2009.
954:
1990:"Global Data on National Parliaments Report on Costa Rica"
1685:"Costa Rica government's presidential candidate withdraws"
413:
is exercised by the president and their cabinet, and the
1060:
Political parties in the Legislative Assembly, 2014–2018
900:
each holding 8. Other parties hold the remaining seats.
512:
In the February 1998 national election, PUSC candidate
1759:"Costa Rica: Rodrigo Chaves takes office as president"
845:
Ministry of Science, Technology and Telecommunications
1453:
1263:
Recent non-represented and defunct political parties
1116:
Founded in 2002. Won presidential election of 2014.
1617:"Costa Rica's CAFTA "Si" Vote Called into Question"
828:
Ministry of National Planning and Economical Policy
562:, former president from PLN and former head of the
1364:Conservative, social democracy, Catholic interest
1227:Single issue, rights for people with disabilities
2004:"Transparency International Report on Costa Rica"
1869:(1 ed.). Oxford: Oxford Scholarship Online.
1658:(in Spanish). San José: La Nación. Archived from
3013:
1777:"List of Costa and Ministries with phonenumbers"
1654:[Costa Rican Map of Electoral Results].
1592:"Reelección seduce a los presidentes de America"
1826:
1824:
1569:
692:, which he won with approximately a 1% margin.
1679:
1677:
1526:
1211:Founded in 2005. Never controlled presidency.
1208:Social Christianity, conservatism, right-wing
1192:Founded in 1995. Never controlled presidency.
1189:Christian democracy, conservatism, right-wing
1135:Founded in 2004. Never controlled presidency.
2619:
2058:
1407:Founded in 1998. Active as of 2014 election.
979:frequently researched by these institutions.
487:electoral democratic country in Latin America
371:
2953:South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
2633:
1821:
1221:Partido Accessibilidad sin Exclusión (PASE)
1674:
1563:
1413:
1230:Founded 2001. Never controlled presidency.
1173:Founded 1994. Never controlled presidency.
868:Meeting place of the congress of Costa Rica
680:Executive responsibilities are vested in a
2626:
2612:
2065:
2051:
1890:
1652:"Mapa de Resultados Elecciones Costa Rica"
1431:
1013:in each of the country's seven provinces.
961:
813:Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce
688:to run for president a second time in the
620:gained the second most votes with 29.95%.
497:The 1986 presidential election was won by
378:
364:
1945:
1375:Partido Alianza Democrática Nacionalista
836:Ministry of Housing and Human Settlements
658:
1947:10.1146/annurev.polisci.11.091106.121756
1927:
1923:
1921:
1919:
1656:RESULTADOS ELECTORALES EN MAPA ELECTORAL
1614:
1145:Partido Unidad Social Cristiana, (PUSC)
863:
667:
643:In May 2022, Costa Rica's new president
466:(Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social).
2072:
2018:"Costa Rica, Comparative Health Policy"
1896:
1198:National Restoration Party (Costa Rica)
1183:Partido Renovación Costarricense (PRC)
1039:List of political parties in Costa Rica
810:Ministry of Public Works and Transports
792:Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship
690:2006 Costa Rican presidential elections
286:Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship
3014:
2033:"Costa Rica Prioritizes Public Health"
1934:The Annual Review of Political Science
1788:
1786:
1019:Supreme Court of Justice of Costa Rica
1005:are elected for a four-year term. The
860:History of the Costa Rican legislature
822:Ministry of Labour and Social Security
450:The position of governor in the seven
2607:
2046:
1930:"Variation in Institutional Strength"
1916:
1862:
1534:Democracy Index 2023: Age of Conflict
949:The main arm of the judiciary is the
853:
816:Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock
583:Central American Free Trade Agreement
2030:
1962:"Freedom House Report on Costa Rica"
1202:Partido Restauración Nacional (PRN)
1164:Partido Movimiento Libertario (PML)
1032:
516:won the presidency over PLN nominee
2127:Federal Republic of Central America
2024:
2006:. Transparency International. 2022.
1982:
1940:. Annu. Rev. Polit. Sci.: 115–133.
1856:
1783:
1398:Partido Integración Nacional (PIN)
1339:Partido Unión para el Cambio (PUC)
1170:Classical liberalism, conservatism
872:Legislative powers are held by the
663:
13:
2020:. Columbia University. March 2023.
2010:
1996:
1992:. Inter-Parliamentary Union. 2022.
1968:
1954:
1615:Lydersen, Kari (11 October 2007).
1440:
1240:Alianza Demócrata Cristiana (ADC)
1088:Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN)
1051:Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica
944:
832:Ministry of Environment and Energy
626:José María Villalta Florez-Estrada
599:Costa Rican general election, 2010
14:
3033:
1976:"World Bank Report on Costa Rica"
1897:McPhaul, John (8 February 2014).
1372:National Democrat Alliance Party
492:
2829:
2796:Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
1638:"Costa Rican president sworn in"
1470:
1456:
1326:Center-left, Moderate socialist
770:Social Democratic Progress Party
750:Social Democratic Progress Party
730:Social Democratic Progress Party
651:runoff against former president
505:economic model. He received the
485:Costa Rica was in 2023 the most
338:
30:
2031:Bala, Analisa (March 9, 2022).
1842:
1769:
1751:
1733:
1703:
1552:from the original on 2024-06-09
1486:Foreign relations of Costa Rica
1320:Partido Rescate Nacional (PRN)
1217:Accessibility without Exclusion
1132:Green, progressivism, humanism
1107:Partido Acción Ciudadana (PAC)
1045:List of Costa Rican politicians
394:take place in a framework of a
2035:. International Monetary Fund.
1850:"Trabajo en Día de Elecciones"
1644:
1630:
1608:
1585:
1512:
1498:
1422:
1381:Social democracy, nationalist
1113:Progressive, social democracy
924:Legislative Assembly President
1:
1765:. Deutsche Welle. 9 May 2022.
1491:
1301:Partido Unión Nacional (PUN)
1236:Christian Democratic Alliance
825:Ministry of Culture and Youth
804:Ministry of Justice and Peace
780:
1358:Partido Patria Primero (PP)
1141:Social Christian Unity Party
1025:, but this is not enforced.
982:
898:Social Christian Unity Party
807:Ministry of Public Education
591:José Miguel Corrales Bolaños
518:José Miguel Corrales Bolaños
481:" in 2023. According to the
447:, but this is not enforced.
7:
2485:Water supply and sanitation
1804:Central Intelligence Agency
1542:Economist Intelligence Unit
1449:
1345:Centrist, social democracy
1307:Conservatism, Center-right
1094:Centrist, social democracy
1055:
1011:proportional representation
1009:has 57 members, elected by
993:On the national level, the
882:proportional representation
801:Ministry of Public Security
475:Economist Intelligence Unit
10:
3038:
2137:First Costa Rican Republic
1394:National Integration Party
1246:Conservative, provincial (
1042:
1036:
1023:Constitution of Costa Rica
986:
857:
787:Ministry of the Presidency
468:Costa Rica has no military
464:the social security agency
2971:
2938:Saint Pierre and Miquelon
2838:
2827:
2639:
2565:
2493:
2445:
2436:
2384:
2375:
2253:
2244:
2172:
2163:
2094:
2084:
1384:Founded in 2004. Opposed
1261:
1179:Costa Rican Renewal Party
1084:National Liberation Party
1077:
1074:
1072:Legislative seats (2014)
1071:
1068:
1065:
1058:
934:National Liberation Party
917:
914:
911:
908:
886:National Liberation Party
849:Ministry of Communication
840:Ministry of Foreign Trade
713:
710:
707:
704:
607:National Liberation Party
400:representative democratic
2958:Turks and Caicos Islands
2634:Politics of the Americas
2258:Administrative divisions
2132:Free State of Costa Rica
1817:(Archived 2014 edition.)
1570:V-Dem Institute (2023).
1506:"hup.sub.uni-hamburg.de"
1414:Strength of institutions
1280:Legislative seats (2014)
951:Supreme Court of Justice
460:electrical power company
185:Administrative divisions
161:Supreme Court of Justice
1432:Democratic institutions
989:Elections in Costa Rica
962:Institutional oversight
483:V-Dem Democracy indices
415:President of Costa Rica
3022:Politics of Costa Rica
2873:British Virgin Islands
2290:International rankings
1964:. Freedom House. 2021.
1388:. Defunct as of 2010.
1335:Union for Change Party
1103:Citizens' Action Party
890:Citizens' Action Party
888:holding 18 seats, the
869:
677:
659:Branches of government
638:Citizens' Action Party
549:Miguel Ángel Rodríguez
514:Miguel Ángel Rodríguez
392:politics of Costa Rica
305:Diplomatic missions of
212:Indigenous territories
192:Provinces and comarcas
23:Politics of Costa Rica
2786:Saint Kitts and Nevis
2104:Pre-Columbian history
1404:Conservatism, center
1316:National Rescue Party
1069:Party name (Spanish)
1066:Party name (English)
929:Rodrigo Arias Sánchez
867:
725:Rodrigo Chaves Robles
671:
556:Rafael Ángel Calderón
345:Costa Rica portal
259:2007 CAFTA referendum
141:Rodrigo Arias Sánchez
88:Rodrigo Chaves Robles
2295:Legislative Assembly
2232:World Heritage Sites
1354:Homeland First Party
1297:National Union Party
1275:Party name (Spanish)
1270:Party name (English)
1160:Libertarian Movement
1007:Legislative Assembly
904:Main office-holders
874:Legislative Assembly
700:Main office-holders
614:Luis Guillermo Solís
564:World Economic Forum
477:rated Costa Rica a "
431:Legislative Assembly
170:Fernando Cruz Castro
125:Legislative Assembly
2963:U.S. Virgin Islands
2806:Trinidad and Tobago
2651:Antigua and Barbuda
1978:. World Bank. 2022.
1572:"The V-Dem Dataset"
1126:Frente Amplio (FA)
968:Comptroller General
905:
797:Ministry of Finance
701:
653:Jose María Figueres
560:José María Figueres
2716:Dominican Republic
2402:Telecommunications
2114:Captaincy General
1799:The World Factbook
1662:on 3 February 2014
1597:2013-09-13 at the
972:Procurator General
903:
870:
854:Legislative branch
819:Ministry of Health
699:
678:
530:corruption charges
423:head of government
407:multi-party system
3009:
3008:
2601:
2600:
2561:
2560:
2432:
2431:
2371:
2370:
2334:Political parties
2285:Foreign relations
2240:
2239:
1802:(2024 ed.).
1464:Costa Rica portal
1411:
1410:
1257:
1256:
1253:Founded in 2012.
1033:Political parties
942:
941:
778:
777:
507:Nobel Peace Prize
429:is vested in the
427:Legislative power
388:
387:
322:Visa requirements
279:Foreign relations
266:Political parties
231:Recent elections
3029:
2928:Saint Barthélemy
2888:Falkland Islands
2833:
2628:
2621:
2614:
2605:
2604:
2581:
2574:
2443:
2442:
2397:
2382:
2381:
2251:
2250:
2170:
2169:
2150:
2117:
2067:
2060:
2053:
2044:
2043:
2037:
2036:
2028:
2022:
2021:
2014:
2008:
2007:
2000:
1994:
1993:
1986:
1980:
1979:
1972:
1966:
1965:
1958:
1952:
1951:
1949:
1925:
1914:
1913:
1911:
1909:
1894:
1888:
1887:
1885:
1883:
1860:
1854:
1853:
1846:
1840:
1839:
1834:. Archived from
1828:
1819:
1814:
1812:
1810:
1790:
1781:
1780:
1773:
1767:
1766:
1755:
1749:
1748:
1737:
1731:
1730:
1728:
1726:
1721:on 12 March 2014
1707:
1701:
1700:
1698:
1696:
1681:
1672:
1671:
1669:
1667:
1648:
1642:
1641:
1634:
1628:
1627:
1625:
1623:
1612:
1606:
1589:
1583:
1582:
1580:
1578:
1567:
1561:
1560:
1558:
1557:
1551:
1545:(Report). 2024.
1538:
1530:
1524:
1523:
1520:"www.nacion.com"
1516:
1510:
1509:
1502:
1480:
1475:
1474:
1466:
1461:
1460:
1459:
1259:
1258:
1056:
906:
902:
892:holding 13, and
702:
698:
674:two-party system
664:Executive branch
603:Laura Chinchilla
380:
373:
366:
343:
342:
341:
207:Local government
133:
84:
34:
18:
17:
3037:
3036:
3032:
3031:
3030:
3028:
3027:
3026:
3012:
3011:
3010:
3005:
2983:Central America
2967:
2842:
2834:
2825:
2642:
2635:
2632:
2602:
2597:
2584:
2577:
2570:
2557:
2548:Public holidays
2489:
2428:
2395:
2367:
2351:Public finances
2236:
2217:Water resources
2159:
2148:
2115:
2090:
2080:
2071:
2041:
2040:
2029:
2025:
2016:
2015:
2011:
2002:
2001:
1997:
1988:
1987:
1983:
1974:
1973:
1969:
1960:
1959:
1955:
1926:
1917:
1907:
1905:
1895:
1891:
1881:
1879:
1877:
1861:
1857:
1848:
1847:
1843:
1830:
1829:
1822:
1808:
1806:
1792:
1791:
1784:
1775:
1774:
1770:
1757:
1756:
1752:
1747:. 2 April 2018.
1739:
1738:
1734:
1724:
1722:
1709:
1708:
1704:
1694:
1692:
1683:
1682:
1675:
1665:
1663:
1650:
1649:
1645:
1636:
1635:
1631:
1621:
1619:
1613:
1609:
1599:Wayback Machine
1590:
1586:
1576:
1574:
1568:
1564:
1555:
1553:
1549:
1536:
1532:
1531:
1527:
1518:
1517:
1513:
1504:
1503:
1499:
1494:
1478:Politics portal
1476:
1469:
1462:
1457:
1455:
1452:
1443:
1441:Public services
1434:
1425:
1416:
1078:Historic notes
1047:
1041:
1035:
999:vice-presidents
991:
985:
964:
947:
945:Judicial branch
862:
856:
783:
760:Vice Presidents
745:Stephan Brunner
666:
661:
634:Carlos Alvarado
632:In April 2018,
495:
411:Executive power
384:
355:
351:Other countries
339:
337:
332:
331:
313:
301:
281:
271:
270:
255:
227:
217:
216:
187:
177:
176:
156:
148:
147:
127:
120:
112:
111:
100:Stephan Brunner
95:Vice Presidents
78:
71:
63:
62:
48:
25:
12:
11:
5:
3035:
3025:
3024:
3007:
3006:
3004:
3003:
2996:
2994:
2992:
2990:
2985:
2980:
2972:
2969:
2968:
2966:
2965:
2960:
2955:
2950:
2945:
2943:Sint Eustatius
2940:
2935:
2930:
2925:
2920:
2915:
2910:
2905:
2900:
2895:
2890:
2885:
2880:
2878:Cayman Islands
2875:
2870:
2865:
2860:
2855:
2849:
2847:
2836:
2835:
2828:
2826:
2824:
2823:
2818:
2813:
2808:
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2798:
2793:
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2773:
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2718:
2713:
2708:
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2698:
2693:
2688:
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2637:
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2446:
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2430:
2429:
2427:
2426:
2421:
2416:
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2414:
2404:
2399:
2391:
2385:
2379:
2373:
2372:
2369:
2368:
2366:
2365:
2364:
2363:
2353:
2348:
2347:
2346:
2336:
2331:
2326:
2321:
2320:
2319:
2309:
2308:
2307:
2302:
2292:
2287:
2282:
2277:
2276:
2275:
2270:
2265:
2254:
2248:
2242:
2241:
2238:
2237:
2235:
2234:
2229:
2224:
2219:
2214:
2209:
2204:
2202:National parks
2199:
2194:
2189:
2184:
2179:
2173:
2167:
2161:
2160:
2158:
2157:
2152:
2144:
2139:
2134:
2129:
2124:
2119:
2111:
2106:
2100:
2098:
2092:
2091:
2085:
2082:
2081:
2070:
2069:
2062:
2055:
2047:
2039:
2038:
2023:
2009:
1995:
1981:
1967:
1953:
1915:
1903:The Tico Times
1889:
1875:
1855:
1841:
1838:on 2014-04-07.
1820:
1782:
1768:
1750:
1732:
1702:
1691:. 5 March 2014
1673:
1643:
1629:
1607:
1584:
1562:
1525:
1511:
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1424:
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1359:
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1346:
1343:
1340:
1337:
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1327:
1324:
1321:
1318:
1312:
1311:
1308:
1305:
1302:
1299:
1293:
1292:
1290:Historic notes
1287:
1282:
1277:
1272:
1266:
1265:
1255:
1254:
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1244:
1241:
1238:
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1127:
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1111:
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1095:
1092:
1089:
1086:
1080:
1079:
1076:
1073:
1070:
1067:
1063:
1062:
1037:Main article:
1034:
1031:
987:Main article:
984:
981:
963:
960:
946:
943:
940:
939:
936:
931:
926:
920:
919:
916:
913:
910:
855:
852:
851:
850:
847:
842:
837:
834:
829:
826:
823:
820:
817:
814:
811:
808:
805:
802:
799:
794:
789:
782:
779:
776:
775:
772:
767:
762:
756:
755:
752:
747:
742:
740:Vice President
736:
735:
732:
727:
722:
716:
715:
712:
709:
706:
665:
662:
660:
657:
645:Rodrigo Chaves
494:
493:Recent history
491:
479:full democracy
386:
385:
383:
382:
375:
368:
360:
357:
356:
354:
353:
347:
334:
333:
330:
329:
324:
319:
312:
311:
300:
299:
298:
297:
295:Rodolfo Solano
282:
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272:
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263:
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241:
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121:
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92:
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72:
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68:
65:
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61:
60:
55:
49:
44:
43:
40:
39:
36:
35:
27:
26:
21:
9:
6:
4:
3:
2:
3034:
3023:
3020:
3019:
3017:
3002:
3001:
3000:South America
2997:
2995:
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2991:
2989:
2986:
2984:
2981:
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2978:
2977:North America
2974:
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2964:
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2893:French Guiana
2891:
2889:
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2884:
2881:
2879:
2876:
2874:
2871:
2869:
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2864:
2861:
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2846:
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2812:
2811:United States
2809:
2807:
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2802:
2799:
2797:
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2784:
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2667:
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2657:
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2516:
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2509:
2506:
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2500:
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2486:
2483:
2481:
2478:
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2463:
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2460:Ethnic groups
2458:
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2387:
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2380:
2378:
2374:
2362:
2359:
2358:
2357:
2356:Supreme Court
2354:
2352:
2349:
2345:
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2233:
2230:
2228:
2225:
2223:
2220:
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2210:
2208:
2205:
2203:
2200:
2198:
2195:
2193:
2190:
2188:
2185:
2183:
2182:Deforestation
2180:
2178:
2175:
2174:
2171:
2168:
2166:
2162:
2156:
2153:
2151:
2145:
2143:
2142:Liberal State
2140:
2138:
2135:
2133:
2130:
2128:
2125:
2123:
2120:
2118:
2112:
2110:
2107:
2105:
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2101:
2099:
2097:
2093:
2088:
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2079:
2075:
2068:
2063:
2061:
2056:
2054:
2049:
2048:
2045:
2034:
2027:
2019:
2013:
2005:
1999:
1991:
1985:
1977:
1971:
1963:
1957:
1948:
1943:
1939:
1935:
1931:
1924:
1922:
1920:
1904:
1900:
1893:
1878:
1876:9780199289653
1872:
1868:
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1859:
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1845:
1837:
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1805:
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1800:
1795:
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1716:
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1690:
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1680:
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1657:
1653:
1647:
1640:. 8 May 2010.
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1180:
1177:
1176:
1172:
1169:
1166:
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1161:
1158:
1157:
1153:
1151:Conservatism
1150:
1147:
1144:
1142:
1139:
1138:
1134:
1131:
1128:
1125:
1123:
1120:
1119:
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927:
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922:
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907:
901:
899:
895:
891:
887:
883:
879:
875:
866:
861:
848:
846:
843:
841:
838:
835:
833:
830:
827:
824:
821:
818:
815:
812:
809:
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2518:Coat of arms
2508:Architecture
2450:Demographics
2312:Human rights
2245:
2177:Conservation
2155:Reform State
2122:Mexican rule
2116:(Guatemalan)
2026:
2012:
1998:
1984:
1970:
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1906:. Retrieved
1902:
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1807:. Retrieved
1797:
1794:"Costa Rica"
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1719:the original
1715:Prensa Libre
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538:
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396:presidential
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53:Abortion law
46:Constitution
22:
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2918:Puerto Rico
2845:territories
2791:Saint Lucia
2726:El Salvador
2389:Agriculture
2187:Earthquakes
2109:New Granada
1666:20 February
1423:Rule of law
1122:Broad Front
1003:legislature
938:8 May 2022
894:Broad Front
878:direct vote
774:8 May 2022
765:Mary Munive
754:8 May 2022
734:8 May 2022
686:Óscar Arias
622:Broad Front
601:was won by
575:Ottón Solís
571:Óscar Arias
541:Ottón Solís
499:Óscar Arias
327:Visa policy
119:Legislature
105:Mary Munive
58:LGBT rights
2913:Montserrat
2908:Martinique
2903:Guadeloupe
2701:Costa Rica
2533:Literature
2412:Ecotourism
2396:(currency)
2361:Presidents
2222:Waterfalls
2147:Civil War
2074:Costa Rica
1577:14 October
1556:2024-07-22
1492:References
1043:See also:
858:See also:
781:Ministries
503:neoliberal
456:monopolies
439:Costa Rica
2988:Caribbean
2898:Greenland
2821:Venezuela
2766:Nicaragua
2736:Guatemala
2656:Argentina
2641:Sovereign
2480:Squatting
2470:Languages
2455:Education
2419:Transport
2339:President
2300:Deputies
2280:Elections
2273:Districts
2263:Provinces
2212:Volcanoes
2197:Mountains
2165:Geography
2089:(capital)
1075:Ideology
995:president
983:Elections
976:Ombudsman
974:, and an
720:President
682:president
612:In 2014,
452:provinces
435:judiciary
405:, with a
237:General:
225:Elections
202:Districts
166:President
155:Judiciary
137:President
76:President
70:Executive
3016:Category
2853:Anguilla
2801:Suriname
2776:Paraguay
2751:Honduras
2711:Dominica
2696:Colombia
2666:Barbados
2588:Category
2475:Religion
2329:Military
2246:Politics
2227:Wildlife
2087:San José
2078:articles
1745:BBC News
1725:12 March
1695:12 March
1622:31 March
1595:Archived
1547:Archived
1450:See also
1285:Ideology
896:and the
880:, using
649:election
403:republic
317:Passport
291:Minister
2883:Curaçao
2868:Bonaire
2863:Bermuda
2816:Uruguay
2756:Jamaica
2731:Grenada
2721:Ecuador
2676:Bolivia
2661:Bahamas
2572:Outline
2523:Cuisine
2495:Culture
2438:Society
2407:Tourism
2377:Economy
2305:History
2268:Cantons
2192:Islands
2096:History
1908:2 April
1882:2 April
1809:3 April
1248:Cartago
909:Office
705:Office
444:de jure
197:Cantons
130:History
2771:Panama
2761:Mexico
2741:Guyana
2686:Canada
2681:Brazil
2671:Belize
2643:states
2593:Portal
2513:Cinema
2503:Anthem
2465:Health
2424:Unions
2394:Colón
2324:Mayors
2207:Rivers
2149:(1948)
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1763:DW.com
1001:and a
997:, two
918:Since
915:Party
714:Since
711:Party
2858:Aruba
2746:Haiti
2691:Chile
2579:Index
2553:Sport
2543:Music
2538:Media
1550:(PDF)
1537:(PDF)
1386:CAFTA
955:writs
912:Name
708:Name
2923:Saba
2843:and
2781:Peru
2706:Cuba
2528:Flag
2344:list
2317:LGBT
1910:2014
1884:2014
1871:ISBN
1811:2014
1727:2014
1697:2014
1668:2014
1624:2014
1579:2023
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473:The
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250:2022
244:2018
239:2014
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1942:doi
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