Publication

This report examines recent political and economic developments in Costa Rica as well as issues in US-Costa Rica relations. Costa Rica is a politically stable Central American nation with a relatively well-developed economy. On February 7, 2010, former Vice President Laura Chinchilla (2006-2008) of the ruling National Liberation Party was elected president, easily defeating her competitors. The US and Costa Rica have long enjoyed close relations as a result of the countries’ shared commitments to strengthening democracy, improving human rights, and advancing free trade.