Photo: Henry Zbyszynski from Capitola California, USA · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Costa Rica
Costa Rica places highest on Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate (top 3% worldwide) and lowest on Income Share Held by Richest 10% (bottom 5%).
Costa Rica in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
5,105,525
people
since 1950
Land area
50,560
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
28,443
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
80.8
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.833
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
6.843
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Costa Rica
Key facts about Costa Rica
- Capital
- San José
- Official language
- Spanish
- Currency
- Costa Rican colón (CRC)
- ISO code
- CRI · CR
- Domain · dialling
- .cr · +506
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Costa Rica’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
2ndof 177
From 3 of 4 key statistics
4thof 183
From 4 of 4 key statistics
13thof 193
From 3 of 3 key statistics
32ndof 194
From 4 of 4 key statistics
38thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
58thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint57thof 176
From 4 of 4 key statistics
65thof 200
From 4 of 4 key statistics
70thof 196
From 3 of 3 key statistics
71stof 181
From 3 of 3 key statistics
61stof 147
From 3 of 3 key statistics
80thof 175
From 4 of 4 key statistics
joint92ndof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
98thof 192
From 3 of 3 key statistics
101stof 171
From 4 of 4 key statistics
116thof 159
From 2 of 2 key statistics
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Costa Rica’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Costa Rica in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Costa Rica stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Costa Rica sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Costa Rica does best11
In the top third of all countries measured. 11 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1st
Position · derived 104th of 104 · 1 = worst · 2.5 · 2023
world median 5.2 (better) · ▲ 15 pts since 2013
- 4th
Position · derived 4th of 120 · 99.17 · 2024
world median 65.93 (better) · ▲ 36 pts since 2014
- 6th
Position · derived 188th of 193 · 1 = worst · 25.82 · 2024
world median 468.81 (better) · ▲ 8 pts since 2014
- 6th
Position · derived 6th of 86 · 50.07 · 2024
world median 35.86 (better) · ▲ 4 pts since 2017
- 7thLiberal Democracy Indextop 3%
Position · derived 7th of 176 · 0.809 · 2025
world median 0.353 (better)
- 7th
Position · derived 84th of 90 · 1 = worst · 49.3 · 2025
world median 75.8 (better)
- 8th
Position · derived 8th of 190 · 99.91 · 2024
world median 35.66 (better) · ▲ 8 pts since 2014
- 8th
Position · derived 8th of 190 · 99.91 · 2024
world median 31.14 (better) · ▲ 7 pts since 2014
- 9th
Position · derived 9th of 176 · 0.787 · 2025
world median 0.339 (better)
- 9th
Position · derived 9th of 109 · 121.81 · 2024
world median 93.19 (better)
- 10th
Position · derived 10th of 176 · 0.862 · 2025
world median 0.497 (better) · ▼ 4 pts since 2015
Where Costa Rica struggles most5
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 4 are within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 4thIncome Share Held by Richest 10%bottom 5%
Position · derived 4th of 60 · 1 = worst · 35.05 · 2023
world median 26.18 (worse) · ▼ 5 pts since 2013
- 5thGini Indexbottom 7%
Position · derived 5th of 60 · 1 = worst · 46.73 · 2023
world median 33.72 (worse)
- 5thIncome Share Held by Lowest 20%bottom 7%
Position · derived 56th of 60 · 4.49 · 2023
world median 7.12 (worse)
- 5thPalma Ratiobottom 7%
Position · derived 5th of 60 · 1 = worst · 2.66 · 2023
world median 1.332 (worse)
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Costa Rica can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
56th
of 141 · 1990
62nd
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
47th
of 173 · 2012
46th
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
64th
of 125 · 2000
55th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 24 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
68th
of 132 · 2022
72nd
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
87th
of 140 · 1995
61st
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
78th
of 172 · 2020
79th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Costa Rica has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Open Data Inventory+65 pts since 2016
- Out-of-School Rate, Primary+23 pts since 2014
Losing ground
Where Costa Rica has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Deaths in Organized Violence-47 pts since 2015
- ICT Goods Exports-42 pts since 2014
- Crop Production Index-29 pts since 2012
05In context
Costa Rica and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 178, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Central America
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 178 placed).
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Costa Rica
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions31
Agriculture Orientation Index87th of 132position · derived0.22Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)2024
bottom 34% of 132 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)
Costa Rica 0.22 · world median 0.305 (worse)
Best in the world 5.38 (Singapore)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2014
Business Ready: Operational Efficiency40th of 50position · derived53.66Operational efficiency score (0–100)2024
bottom 20% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Operational efficiency score (0–100)
Costa Rica 53.66 · world median 65.82 (worse)
Best in the world 87.33 (Singapore)
No earlier reading to compare
Business Ready: Public Services12th of 50position · derived63.58Public services score (0–100)2024
top 22% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public services score (0–100)
Costa Rica 63.58 · world median 50.13 (better)
Best in the world 73.31 (Estonia)
No earlier reading to compare
Business Ready: Regulatory Framework15th of 50position · derived71.34Regulatory framework score (0–100)2024
top 29% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory framework score (0–100)
Costa Rica 71.34 · world median 66.8 (better)
Best in the world 78.34 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Central Bank Independence Indextop 25%0.735CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)2023
top 25% of 191 countries measured
Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)
Costa Rica 0.735 · world median 0.608
Highest 0.974 (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
No real change since 2013
Civic Space Ratings47th of 198position · derived78.06Civic space score (0–100)2025
top 23% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Costa Rica 78.06 · world median 50.46 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)59th of 192rank0.477ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)2024
top 30% of 192 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)
Costa Rica 0.477 · world median 0.387 (better)
Best in the world 0.749 (Singapore)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2014
Completeness of Birth Registrationbottom 42%96.4Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
bottom 42% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Costa Rica 96.4 · world median 98.4 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Control of Corruption53rd of 211position · derived0.694Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 25% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)
Costa Rica 0.694 · world median -0.197 (better)
Best in the world 2.259 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Corruption Perceptions Index46th of 181rank56CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
top 25% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Costa Rica 56 · world median 39 (better)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
General Government Consumption84th of 132position · derived14.01General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
bottom 37% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Costa Rica 14.01 · world median 16.21
Highest 38.94 (Ukraine)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index79th of 195rank45.92AI readiness score (0–100)2025
top 40% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Costa Rica 45.92 · world median 40.19 (better)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2020
Government Effectiveness73rd of 209position · derived0.411Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2025
top 35% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Costa Rica 0.411 · world median 0.101 (better)
Best in the world 2.092 (Singapore)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Government Funding per Primary Student21st of 68position · derived20.34Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)2022
top 30% of 68 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)
Costa Rica 20.34 · world median 17.81 (better)
Best in the world 34.57 (South Korea)
▼ -20 percentile points since 2012
Government Spending on Education23rd of 123position · derived5.312Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)2023
top 18% of 123 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)
Costa Rica 5.312 · world median 3.709 (better)
Best in the world 16.39 (Kiribati)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2013
GovTech Maturity Index73rd of 196position · derived0.77GTMI score (0–1)2025
top 37% of 196 countries measured
World Bank Group · GTMI score (0–1)
Costa Rica 0.77 · world median 0.63 (better)
Best in the world 0.997 (South Korea)
▲ +19 percentile points since 2022
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index17th of 175position · derived0.95Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)2025
top 9% of 176 countries measured · 176 share 175 positions
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
Costa Rica 0.95 · world median 0.676 (better)
Best in the world 0.988 (Australia)
No real change since 2015
Liberal Democracy Index7th of 176position · derived0.809Liberal democracy index (0–1)2025
top 3% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Liberal democracy index (0–1)
Costa Rica 0.809 · world median 0.353 (better)
Best in the world 0.884 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Open Data Inventory49th of 168rank67ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
top 30% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Costa Rica 67 · world median 59 (better)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▲ +65 percentile points since 2016
Political Corruption Index132nd of 176position · derived · 1 = worst0.206Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)2025
top 25% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)
Costa Rica 0.206 · world median 0.518 (better)
Best in the world 0.004 (Denmark)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Public Sector Employment75th of 135position · derived12.98Public sector employment (% of total employment)2022
bottom 45% of 135 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector employment (% of total employment)
Costa Rica 12.98 · world median 15.01
Highest 47.1 (Maldives)
No earlier reading to compare
Public Sector Wage Bill112th of 168position · derived6.159Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
bottom 34% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Costa Rica 6.159 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality58th of 209position · derived0.538Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 27% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Costa Rica 0.538 · world median -0.093 (better)
Best in the world 2.113 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Rule of Law61st of 211position · derived0.603Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 29% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Costa Rica 0.603 · world median -0.102 (better)
Best in the world 2.012 (Finland)
No real change since 2015
Statistical Performance Indicators12th of 188position · derived90.98SPI overall score (0–100)2024
top 6% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Costa Rica 90.98 · world median 69.3 (better)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2016
Trade Union Density56th of 139position · derived20.54Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
top 40% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
Costa Rica 20.54 · world median 16.68 (better)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index10th of 176position · derived0.862Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
top 5% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Costa Rica 0.862 · world median 0.497 (better)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Voice and Accountability36th of 206position · derived1.037Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 17% of 206 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Costa Rica 1.037 · world median -0.022 (better)
Best in the world 1.825 (Norway)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Women, Business and the Law37th of 190position · derived91.88WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
top 20% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Costa Rica 91.88 · world median 81.25 (better)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2014
Economy & Innovation36
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution74th of 139position · derived71.35Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
bottom 47% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Costa Rica 71.35 · world median 72.83 (worse)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2014
Adjusted Net Savings26th of 118position · derived16.92Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)2021
top 21% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)
Costa Rica 16.92 · world median 8.389 (better)
Best in the world 32.18 (Bangladesh)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2011
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)106th of 158position · derived3.366Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 33% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
Costa Rica 3.366 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2015
Container Port Traffic54th of 103position · derived1,717,439Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)2024
bottom 48% of 103 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)
Costa Rica 1,717,439 · world median 1,827,788
Highest 299,703,800 (China)
▼ -19 percentile points since 2014
Crop Production Index147th of 195position · derived96.09Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 25% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Costa Rica 96.09 · world median 106.23 (worse)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▼ -29 percentile points since 2012
Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports24th of 170position · derived57.16Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)2024
top 14% of 170 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)
Costa Rica 57.16 · world median 25.42 (better)
Best in the world 87.15 (Ireland)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
Economic Complexity Index61st of 145rank0.334ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
top 42% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
Costa Rica 0.334 · world median 0.131 (better)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
No real change since 2014
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)66th of 138position · derived38.85Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
top 47% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Costa Rica 38.85 · world median 36.34
Highest 199.76 (Hong Kong)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit38th of 179position · derived50.8Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)2025
top 21% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)
Costa Rica 50.8 · world median 35.95 (better)
Best in the world 88.52 (Israel)
No earlier reading to compare
Food Production Index141st of 195position · derived100.36Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 28% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Costa Rica 100.36 · world median 106.08 (worse)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▼ -26 percentile points since 2012
Foreign Direct Investment Inflowstop 18%5.076FDI inflows (% of GDP)2025
top 18% of 202 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · FDI inflows (% of GDP)
Costa Rica 5.076 · world median 1.968
Highest 2,221 (British Virgin Islands)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2015
GDP Growth54th of 186position · derived4.56GDP growth (annual %)2025
top 29% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Costa Rica 4.56 · world median 3.396 (better)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)66th of 185position · derived28,443GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
top 35% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Costa Rica 28,443 · world median 17,265 (better)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Gini Index5th of 60position · derived · 1 = worst46.73Gini index (0 = perfect equality, 100 = perfect inequality)2023
bottom 7% of 60 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gini index (0 = perfect equality, 100 = perfect inequality)
Costa Rica 46.73 · world median 33.72 (worse)
Best in the world 23 (India)
No real change since 2013
Global Innovation Index72nd of 139rank28.36GII score (0–100)2025
bottom 49% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
Costa Rica 28.36 · world median 28.52 (worse)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
No real change since 2022
GNI per Capita (PPP)30th of 102position · derived25,809GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
top 29% of 102 countries measured
World Bank Group · GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Costa Rica 25,809 · world median 14,273 (better)
Best in the world 116,633 (Singapore)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2015
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)114th of 131position · derived15.78Gross capital formation (% of GDP)2025
bottom 13% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross capital formation (% of GDP)
Costa Rica 15.78 · world median 22.93
Highest 45.27 (Algeria)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Gross Savings (% of GDP)120th of 146position · derived13.81Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
bottom 18% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
Costa Rica 13.81 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Household Consumption61st of 131position · derived64Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
top 46% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Costa Rica 64 · world median 62.04
Highest 133.34 (Somalia)
No real change since 2015
ICT Goods Exports58th of 119position · derived1.01ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)2024
top 48% of 120 countries measured · 120 share 119 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)
Costa Rica 1.01 · world median 0.975 (better)
Best in the world 61.45 (Hong Kong)
▼ -42 percentile points since 2014
ICT Services Exports31st of 118position · derived13.88ICT services exports (% of services exports)2024
top 26% of 118 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT services exports (% of services exports)
Costa Rica 13.88 · world median 7.474 (better)
Best in the world 56.25 (Ireland)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)90th of 138position · derived32.64Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
bottom 35% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Costa Rica 32.64 · world median 41.72
Highest 196.89 (Hong Kong)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)114th of 158position · derived19.88Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 28% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
Costa Rica 19.88 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index63rd of 175rank85.92LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
top 37% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
Costa Rica 85.92 · world median 56.21 (better)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2016
Livestock Production Index72nd of 194position · derived113.36Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 37% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Costa Rica 113.36 · world median 107.06 (better)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index66th of 139rank2.9LPI score (1–5)2023
top 49% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
Costa Rica 2.9 · world median 2.9
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)47th of 132position · derived13.58Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)2025
top 35% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)
Costa Rica 13.58 · world median 11.26
Highest 43.97 (Puerto Rico)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2015
Palma Ratio5th of 60position · derived · 1 = worst2.66Palma ratio (income share of the richest 10% ÷ share of the poorest 40%)2023
bottom 7% of 60 countries measured
World Bank Group · Palma ratio (income share of the richest 10% ÷ share of the poorest 40%)
Costa Rica 2.66 · world median 1.332 (worse)
Best in the world 0.771 (Slovakia)
No real change since 2013
Research and Development Spending59th of 84position · derived0.337Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)2023
bottom 30% of 84 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)
Costa Rica 0.337 · world median 0.814 (worse)
Best in the world 6.346 (Israel)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2013
Researchers per Million Inhabitants82nd of 145position · derived507.76Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)2024
bottom 44% of 145 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)
Costa Rica 507.76 · world median 701.95 (worse)
Best in the world 18,130 (Liechtenstein)
No earlier reading to compare
Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All Productsbottom 11%1.3Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)2022
bottom 11% of 143 countries measured
World Bank Group · Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)
Costa Rica 1.3 · world median 3.66
Highest 29.52 (Bermuda)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2012
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)119th of 180position · derived0.763Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
bottom 40% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Costa Rica 0.763 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
No real change since 2011
Trade (% of GDP)78th of 138position · derived71.49Exports plus imports (% of GDP)2025
bottom 44% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports plus imports (% of GDP)
Costa Rica 71.49 · world median 79.68
Highest 396.65 (Hong Kong)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2015
World Energy Trilemma Index33rd of 99rank69.7Trilemma score (0–100)2023
top 33% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
Costa Rica 69.7 · world median 63.8 (better)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Work & Labour19
Average Weekly Hours Worked53rd of 182position · derived41.96Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
top 29% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Costa Rica 41.96 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture100th of 182position · derived11.49Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
bottom 45% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Costa Rica 11.49 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Industry98th of 182position · derived18.48Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
bottom 46% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Costa Rica 18.48 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Services59th of 182position · derived70.03Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
top 32% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Costa Rica 70.03 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio124th of 182position · derived53.71Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
bottom 32% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Costa Rica 53.71 · world median 57.72 (worse)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▼ -21 percentile points since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate134th of 182position · derived46.02Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
bottom 27% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Costa Rica 46.02 · world median 53.36 (worse)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2015
Female Share of Senior and Middle Management6th of 86position · derived50.07Women in senior and middle management (% of managers)2024
top 6% of 86 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women in senior and middle management (% of managers)
Costa Rica 50.07 · world median 35.86 (better)
Best in the world 56.69 (Nauru)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2017
Firms with a Female Top Manager42nd of 179position · derived25.26Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
top 23% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Costa Rica 25.26 · world median 19.16 (better)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed62nd of 168position · derived64,823GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
top 37% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Costa Rica 64,823 · world median 47,384 (better)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Informal Employment Rate51st of 97position · derived · 1 = worst36.11Informal employment (% of total employment)2025
top 48% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Informal employment (% of total employment)
Costa Rica 36.11 · world median 36.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.857 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Labour Force Participation Rate121st of 182position · derived57.66Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
bottom 34% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Costa Rica 57.66 · world median 61.66 (worse)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▼ -25 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked74th of 182position · derived29.06Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
top 40% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Costa Rica 29.06 · world median 22.16 (better)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Self-Employment Rate108th of 182position · derived26.59Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
bottom 41% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Costa Rica 26.59 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
No real change since 2015
Unemployment Rate59th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst6.843Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
bottom 32% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Costa Rica 6.843 · world median 5.084 (worse)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment106th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst23.36Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
top 42% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Costa Rica 23.36 · world median 28.67 (better)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Working Poverty Ratetop 15%0.1Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)2025
top 15% of 113 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)
Costa Rica 0.1 · world median 4.885 (better)
Best in the world 0.007 (Bhutan)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2015
Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training36th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst18.28Youth not in education, employment or training (%)2024
bottom 36% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Youth not in education, employment or training (%)
Costa Rica 18.28 · world median 14.31 (worse)
Best in the world 3.975 (Iceland)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2014
Youth Unemployment Rate48th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst19.95Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
bottom 26% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Costa Rica 19.95 · world median 12.83 (worse)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge18
Academic Freedom Index13th of 176position · derived0.915Academic freedom index (0–1)2025
top 7% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Academic freedom index (0–1)
Costa Rica 0.915 · world median 0.619 (better)
Best in the world 0.978 (Czechia)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2015
Adult Literacy Rate54th of 172position · derived97.41Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
top 31% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
Costa Rica 97.41 · world median 93.99 (better)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling39th of 195position · derived16.35Expected years of schooling2023
top 20% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Costa Rica 16.35 · world median 13.34 (better)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2013
Female Share of Researcherstop 36%42.88Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)2024
top 36% of 153 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)
Costa Rica 42.88 · world median 38.17
Highest 76.54 (Myanmar)
No earlier reading to compare
Harmonized Test Scores73rd of 172position · derived428.56Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)2020
top 42% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)
Costa Rica 428.56 · world median 414.32 (better)
Best in the world 575.27 (Singapore)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2010
Learning Poverty63rd of 125position · derived · 1 = worst34.0210-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)2023
top 50% of 125 countries measured
World Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · 10-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)
Costa Rica 34.02 · world median 34.02
Best in the world 2.331 (Ireland)
No earlier reading to compare
Learning-Adjusted Years of School57th of 172position · derived8.993Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)2020
top 33% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)
Costa Rica 8.993 · world median 7.941 (better)
Best in the world 12.81 (Singapore)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2010
Mean Years of Schooling116th of 193position · derived8.845Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
bottom 40% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Costa Rica 8.845 · world median 9.933 (worse)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2013
Out-of-School Rate, Primary57th of 121position · derived · 1 = worst4.486Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)2024
bottom 47% of 121 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)
Costa Rica 4.486 · world median 3.691 (worse)
Best in the world 0.004 (United Arab Emirates)
▲ +23 percentile points since 2014
PISA Mathematics Performance61st of 79position · derived384.58Mean mathematics score2022
bottom 23% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean mathematics score
Costa Rica 384.58 · world median 442.09 (worse)
Best in the world 574.66 (Singapore)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2012
PISA Reading Performance49th of 79position · derived415.23Mean reading score2022
bottom 38% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean reading score
Costa Rica 415.23 · world median 440.35 (worse)
Best in the world 542.55 (Singapore)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2012
PISA Science Performance54th of 79position · derived410.99Mean science score2022
bottom 32% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean science score
Costa Rica 410.99 · world median 446.93 (worse)
Best in the world 561.43 (Singapore)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2012
Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate4th of 120position · derived99.17Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)2024
top 3% of 120 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)
Costa Rica 99.17 · world median 65.93 (better)
Best in the world 99.85 (Moldova)
▲ +36 percentile points since 2014
Primary Completion Rate60th of 165position · derived98.94Primary completion rate (%)2025
top 36% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Costa Rica 98.94 · world median 97.43 (better)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2015
Secondary School Enrolment9th of 109position · derived121.81Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)2024
top 7% of 109 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)
Costa Rica 121.81 · world median 93.19 (better)
Best in the world 158.55 (Monaco)
No real change since 2014
Upper Secondary Attainment69th of 95position · derived42.4Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)2023
bottom 28% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)
Costa Rica 42.4 · world median 65.76 (worse)
Best in the world 97.89 (Belarus)
No real change since 2013
Upper Secondary Completion Rate89th of 164position · derived57.98Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
bottom 46% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Costa Rica 57.98 · world median 64.87 (worse)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
No real change since 2015
Youth Literacy Ratebottom 14%80.5515–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
bottom 14% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
Costa Rica 80.55 · world median 98.22 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing20
Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff40th of 86position · derived99Births attended by skilled health staff (%)2019
top 47% of 86 countries measured
UNICEF · Births attended by skilled health staff (%)
Costa Rica 99 · world median 98.8 (better)
Best in the world 100 (11 countries tied)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2009
Children with Functional Difficultiestop 18%20.8Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)2024
top 18% of 62 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)
Costa Rica 20.8 · world median 13
Highest 35.2 (Afghanistan)
No earlier reading to compare
Dietary Energy Supply74th of 155position · derived3,016Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
top 47% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Costa Rica 3,016 · world median 2,982 (better)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months109th of 136position · derived25.29Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)2024
bottom 20% of 136 countries measured
UNICEF · Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)
Costa Rica 25.29 · world median 40.74 (worse)
Best in the world 83.3 (Burundi)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Inequality Index55th of 172rank0.217GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
top 32% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Costa Rica 0.217 · world median 0.351 (better)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index99th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst0.002MPI (0–1)2025
top 9% of 109 countries measured
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) · MPI (0–1)
Costa Rica 0.002 · world median 0.039 (better)
Best in the world 0 (Serbia)
No real change since 2021
Global Violent Deaths49th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst13.12Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
bottom 23% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Costa Rica 13.12 · world median 4.02 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
No real change since 2011
Human Capital Index54th of 172position · derived0.629HCI score (0–1)2020
top 31% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Costa Rica 0.629 · world median 0.564 (better)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2010
Human Development Index62nd of 193rank0.833HDI score (0–1)2023
top 32% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Costa Rica 0.833 · world median 0.762 (better)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Infant Mortality Rate120th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst9.081Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 40% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)
Costa Rica 9.081 · world median 12.26 (better)
Best in the world 1.214 (San Marino)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2014
INFORM Severity Index71st of 81position · derived · 1 = worst2INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)2025
top 13% of 81 countries measured
ACAPS · INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)
Costa Rica 2 · world median 3.1 (better)
Best in the world 1.3 (Trinidad and Tobago)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2020
Life Expectancy at Age 6527th of 222position · derived20.74Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates2023
top 12% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates
Costa Rica 20.74 · world median 16.39 (better)
Best in the world 23.21 (Monaco)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth46th of 222position · derived80.8Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
top 20% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Costa Rica 80.8 · world median 74.63 (better)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio120th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst24.12Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
top 39% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Costa Rica 24.12 · world median 46.65 (better)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare13th of 178position · derived19.7Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
top 7% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Costa Rica 19.7 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity86th of 127position · derived · 1 = worst2.7Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
top 34% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
Costa Rica 2.7 · world median 4.7 (better)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Prevalence of Undernourishment104th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst2.5Population undernourished (%)2023
top 19% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
Costa Rica 2.5 · world median 5.2 (better)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five103rd of 162position · derived · 1 = worst9Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
top 37% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Costa Rica 9 · world median 13.8 (better)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate120th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst10.41Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 40% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Costa Rica 10.41 · world median 14.54 (better)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2014
Violent Discipline of Children84th of 90position · derived · 1 = worst49.3Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)2025
top 7% of 90 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)
Costa Rica 49.3 · world median 75.8 (better)
Best in the world 37.6 (Qatar)
No earlier reading to compare
Development & Human Capital12
Access to Electricitybottom 41%99.8Population with electricity access (%)2024
bottom 41% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Costa Rica 99.8 · world median 100 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2014
Cereal Yield53rd of 179position · derived4,448Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
top 29% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Costa Rica 4,448 · world median 3,072 (better)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2013
Child Marriage73rd of 143position · derived · 1 = worst17.1Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)2025
top 50% of 145 countries measured · 145 share 143 positions
UNICEF · Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)
Costa Rica 17.1 · world median 17.1
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Coefficient of Human Inequality83rd of 169position · derived · 1 = worst17.53Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
bottom 49% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Costa Rica 17.53 · world median 17.05 (worse)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Gender Development Index79th of 184position · derived0.975Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
top 43% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Costa Rica 0.975 · world median 0.971 (better)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2013
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index65th of 169position · derived0.678IHDI (0–1)2023
top 38% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Costa Rica 0.678 · world median 0.609 (better)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Net Official Development Assistance Received112th of 130position · derived0.18Net ODA received (% of GNI)2023
bottom 14% of 130 countries measured
OECD Development Assistance Committee · Net ODA received (% of GNI)
Costa Rica 0.18 · world median 2.579
Highest 101.78 (Tuvalu)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI17th of 156position · derived0.774PHDI (0–1)2023
top 10% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Costa Rica 0.774 · world median 0.678 (better)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2013
Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day24th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst0.48Poverty gap at $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%)2023
bottom 40% of 60 countries measured · 60 share 59 positions
World Bank Group · Poverty gap at $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%)
Costa Rica 0.48 · world median 0.345 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (2 countries tied)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2013
Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day23rd of 58position · derived · 1 = worst1.54Population below $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%)2023
bottom 37% of 60 countries measured · 60 share 58 positions
World Bank Group · Population below $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%)
Costa Rica 1.54 · world median 0.93 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day28th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst15.35Population below $8.30 a day, 2021 PPP (%)2023
bottom 46% of 60 countries measured · 60 share 59 positions
World Bank Group · Population below $8.30 a day, 2021 PPP (%)
Costa Rica 15.35 · world median 7.82 (worse)
Best in the world 0.07 (2 countries tied)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Prosperity Gap28th of 60position · derived · 1 = worst2.14Average factor incomes must rise by to reach $28 a day2023
bottom 46% of 60 countries measured
World Bank Group · Average factor incomes must rise by to reach $28 a day
Costa Rica 2.14 · world median 1.754 (worse)
Best in the world 0.406 (Luxembourg)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2013
Environment & Sustainability22
Agricultural Emissions117th of 193position · derived5,984Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
bottom 41% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Costa Rica 5,984 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Agricultural Land117th of 209position · derived33.14Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
bottom 44% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Costa Rica 33.14 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Arable Land per Person156th of 206position · derived0.033Arable land (hectares per person)2023
bottom 24% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Costa Rica 0.033 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
No real change since 2013
Carbon Intensity of Electricity188th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst25.82Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)2024
top 3% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)
Costa Rica 25.82 · world median 468.81 (better)
Best in the world 23.49 (Ethiopia)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2014
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)52nd of 190rank0.387ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)2024
top 28% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)
Costa Rica 0.387 · world median 0.45 (better)
Best in the world 0.263 (Norway)
No real change since 2014
CO₂ Emissions per Capita136th of 210position · derived · 1 = worst1.708Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)2024
top 35% of 210 countries measured
Global Carbon Project · Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)
Costa Rica 1.708 · world median 3.21 (better)
Best in the world 0.054 (DR Congo)
No real change since 2014
Ecological Footprint54th of 126position · derived · 1 = worst2.615Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)2025
bottom 42% of 126 countries measured
Global Footprint Network · Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
Costa Rica 2.615 · world median 2.296 (worse)
Best in the world 0.514 (Yemen)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)top 13%1.364Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)2024
top 13% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)
Costa Rica 1.364 · world median 2.738 (better)
Best in the world 0.666 (Chad)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare4th of 188position · derived1,025Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
top 2% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Costa Rica 1,025 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
No real change since 2013
Forest Area27th of 210position · derived60.4Forest area (% of land area)2023
top 12% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Costa Rica 60.4 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster77th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst6,000New displacements by disaster (people)2024
bottom 48% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
Costa Rica 6,000 · world median 4,750 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▼ -25 percentile points since 2015
Land Under Cereal Production151st of 179position · derived18,758Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
bottom 16% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Costa Rica 18,758 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Livestock Density39th of 188position · derived1.19Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
top 20% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Costa Rica 1.19 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2013
Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation8th of 190position · derived99.91Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)2024
top 4% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)
Costa Rica 99.91 · world median 35.66 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2014
ND-GAIN Country Index53rd of 190rank54.48ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)2024
top 28% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)
Costa Rica 54.48 · world median 47.44 (better)
Best in the world 71.85 (Norway)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
Organic Agricultural Area80th of 150position · derived0.68Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
bottom 49% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Costa Rica 0.68 · world median 0.725 (worse)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
No real change since 2014
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita29th of 181position · derived22,236Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
top 16% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Costa Rica 22,236 · world median 2,528 (better)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation8th of 190position · derived99.91Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
top 4% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Costa Rica 99.91 · world median 31.14 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2014
Water Stress110th of 177position · derived · 1 = worst5.88Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
top 38% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Costa Rica 5.88 · world median 10 (better)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector89th of 171position · derived60.72Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
bottom 49% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Costa Rica 60.72 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2012
Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generationtop 32%12.09Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)2024
top 32% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)
Costa Rica 12.09 · world median 5.769 (better)
Best in the world 69.12 (Denmark)
▼ -23 percentile points since 2014
World Risk Index47th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst11.32WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
bottom 24% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Costa Rica 11.32 · world median 4.17 (worse)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Gender & Equality3
Sex Ratio at Birthbottom 37%104.5Male births per 100 female births2023
bottom 37% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Male births per 100 female births
Costa Rica 104.5 · world median 105.1
Highest 116.3 (Liechtenstein)
No real change since 2013
Social Institutions and Gender Index128th of 140position · derived · 1 = worst10.9SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
top 9% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
Costa Rica 10.9 · world median 25.2 (better)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Women's Political Empowerment Index23rd of 176position · derived0.907Women's political empowerment index (0–1)2025
top 13% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Women's political empowerment index (0–1)
Costa Rica 0.907 · world median 0.772 (better)
Best in the world 0.954 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Democracy & Civil Liberties8
Deliberative Democracy Index9th of 176position · derived0.787Deliberative democracy index (0–1)2025
top 5% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Deliberative democracy index (0–1)
Costa Rica 0.787 · world median 0.339 (better)
Best in the world 0.867 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Egalitarian Democracy Index11th of 176position · derived0.762Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)2025
top 6% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)
Costa Rica 0.762 · world median 0.321 (better)
Best in the world 0.876 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information Index22nd of 176position · derived0.915Freedom of expression index (0–1)2025
top 12% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom of expression index (0–1)
Costa Rica 0.915 · world median 0.693 (better)
Best in the world 0.98 (Denmark)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Government Censorship of the Media67th of 176position · derived0.934Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship2025
top 38% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship
Costa Rica 0.934 · world median 0.565 (better)
Best in the world 3.489 (Belgium)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2015
Government Internet Shutdowns17th of 176position · derived1.879Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns2025
top 9% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns
Costa Rica 1.879 · world median 1.023 (better)
Best in the world 2.081 (Spain)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Military Dimension Indextop 21%0Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)2025
top 21% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)
Costa Rica 0 · world median 0.1 (better)
Best in the world 0 (76 countries tied)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Participatory Democracy Index11th of 176position · derived0.606Participatory democracy index (0–1)2025
top 6% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Participatory democracy index (0–1)
Costa Rica 0.606 · world median 0.298 (better)
Best in the world 0.785 (Switzerland)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Physical Violence Index21st of 176position · derived0.964Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
top 11% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Costa Rica 0.964 · world median 0.79 (better)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Peace & Security5
Deaths in Organized Violence34th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst142Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
bottom 17% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Costa Rica 142 · world median 0 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
▼ -47 percentile points since 2015
INFORM Risk Index94th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst3.7INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
bottom 50% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Costa Rica 3.7 · world median 3.7
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
▼ -22 percentile points since 2016
Political Stability and Absence of Violence26th of 211position · derived1.223Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 12% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Costa Rica 1.223 · world median 0.171 (better)
Best in the world 1.563 (Andorra)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2015
Political Violence by Non-State Actors153rd of 171position · derived · 1 = worst-2.391Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence2025
top 11% of 171 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence
Costa Rica -2.391 · world median -0.661 (better)
Best in the world -3.182 (Luxembourg)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Refugees by Country of Originbottom 40%367Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)2025
bottom 40% of 202 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)
Costa Rica 367 · world median 1,272
Highest 5,224,131 (Ukraine)
No real change since 2015
Risk & Resilience2
Asylum-Seekers by Country of Asylumtop 5%178,212Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)2025
top 5% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)
Costa Rica 178,212 · world median 1,836
Highest 3,718,945 (United States)
▲ +24 percentile points since 2015
Refugee Population by Country of Asylumtop 40%36,395Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)2025
top 40% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)
Costa Rica 36,395 · world median 12,269
Highest 2,655,191 (Germany)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2015
Mobility & Trade4
Average Time to Clear Exports Through Customs95th of 174position · derived · 1 = worst4.194Average time to clear exports through customs (days)2025
top 46% of 175 countries measured · 175 share 174 positions
World Bank Group · Average time to clear exports through customs (days)
Costa Rica 4.194 · world median 4.456 (better)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiotop 18%92.5Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
top 18% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
Costa Rica 92.5 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2012
Cost of Sending Remittances65th of 93position · derived · 1 = worst2.26Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)2023
top 30% of 93 countries measured
World Bank Group · Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)
Costa Rica 2.26 · world median 3.225 (better)
Best in the world -49.69 (Malawi)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2016
Net Migration Ratetop 40%0.195Net migrants per 1,000 population2023
top 40% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Net migrants per 1,000 population
Costa Rica 0.195 · world median -0.133
Highest 39.62 (South Sudan)
No real change since 2013
Poverty & Inequality3
Median Daily Income or Consumption per Person32nd of 60position · derived18.92Median income or consumption per person, 2021 PPP dollars a day2023
bottom 47% of 60 countries measured
World Bank Group · Median income or consumption per person, 2021 PPP dollars a day
Costa Rica 18.92 · world median 22.76 (worse)
Best in the world 89.49 (Luxembourg)
No real change since 2013
Poverty Headcount at National Poverty Linesbottom 32%17.1Population below the national poverty line (%)2025
bottom 32% of 160 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population below the national poverty line (%)
Costa Rica 17.1 · world median 21.8
Highest 82.3 (South Sudan)
No earlier reading to compare
Societal Poverty Rate15th of 60position · derived · 1 = worst24.25Population below the societal poverty line, 2021 PPP (%)2023
bottom 24% of 60 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population below the societal poverty line, 2021 PPP (%)
Costa Rica 24.25 · world median 17.2 (worse)
Best in the world 7 (Slovenia)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Energy5
Net Electricity Imports (share of generation)top 30%2Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)2024
top 30% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)
Costa Rica 2 · world median 0
Highest 707.07 (Palestine)
No real change since 2014
Nuclear Share of Electricity Generationbottom 41%0Nuclear (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 41% of 183 countries measured
Ember · Nuclear (% of electricity generated)
Costa Rica 0 · world median 0
Highest 67.4 (France)
No real change since 2014
Primary Energy Consumption per Capitabottom 41%32.85Energy use per person (million Btu)2024
bottom 41% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per person (million Btu)
Costa Rica 32.85 · world median 49.5
Highest 766.07 (Qatar)
No real change since 2014
RISE Energy Efficiency Policy Scoretop 37%59.22Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)2023
top 37% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)
Costa Rica 59.22 · world median 48.23 (better)
Best in the world 95.93 (South Korea)
▼ -22 percentile points since 2013
RISE Renewable Energy Policy Scoretop 28%52.24Renewable energy policy score (0–100)2023
top 28% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Renewable energy policy score (0–100)
Costa Rica 52.24 · world median 33.26 (better)
Best in the world 89.52 (Denmark)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2013
Digital & Technology2
Mobile Phone Ownership68th of 140position · derived91.89Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 48% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)
Costa Rica 91.89 · world median 91.68 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Libya)
No earlier reading to compare
Smartphone Ownership65th of 140position · derived80.71Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 46% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)
Costa Rica 80.71 · world median 78.78 (better)
Best in the world 97.36 (Sweden)
No earlier reading to compare
People & Population10
Crude Birth Ratebottom 28%10.18Births per 1,000 population2023
bottom 28% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Births per 1,000 population
Costa Rica 10.18 · world median 13.79
Highest 46.36 (Central African Republic)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2013
Crude Death Ratebottom 16%5.457Deaths per 1,000 population2023
bottom 16% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Deaths per 1,000 population
Costa Rica 5.457 · world median 7.303
Highest 25.58 (Vatican City)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2013
Median Age of the Populationtop 42%34.07Median age (years)2023
top 42% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Median age (years)
Costa Rica 34.07 · world median 31.52
Highest 59.63 (Vatican City)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Population Aged 65 and Overtop 39%11.72Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)2023
top 39% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)
Costa Rica 11.72 · world median 8.32
Highest 44.7 (Vatican City)
No real change since 2013
Population Densitytop 48%99.99People per square kilometre of land2023
top 48% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People per square kilometre of land
Costa Rica 99.99 · world median 96.92
Highest 26,145 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Population Growth Ratebottom 37%0.492Population growth (% per year)2023
bottom 37% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Population growth (% per year)
Costa Rica 0.492 · world median 0.888
Highest 5.862 (South Sudan)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2013
Population Under Age 15bottom 39%19.33Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)2023
bottom 39% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)
Costa Rica 19.33 · world median 22.71
Highest 49.17 (Central African Republic)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Sex Ratio of the Total Populationbottom 40%97.71Males per 100 females2023
bottom 40% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Males per 100 females
Costa Rica 97.71 · world median 98.48
Highest 251.08 (Qatar)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Total Dependency Ratiobottom 19%45.03People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–642023
bottom 19% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–64
Costa Rica 45.03 · world median 54.73
Highest 105.18 (Central African Republic)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Total Fertility Ratebottom 12%1.33Live births per woman2023
bottom 12% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Live births per woman
Costa Rica 1.33 · world median 1.962
Highest 6.132 (Somalia)
▼ -19 percentile points since 2013
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Costa Rica. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Agricultural Irrigated Land
- Country Policy and Institutional Assessment
- Debt Service on External Debt
- External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)
- Fatal Occupational Injuries · last seen 2016
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Gender Social Norms Index
- Global Militarisation Index
- Global Report on Food Crises
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary · last seen 2018
- Outbound Mobility Ratio, Tertiary · last seen 2019
- School Life Expectancy · last seen 2019
- Short-Term Share of External Debt
- Tertiary Enrolment Ratio · last seen 2019
07Keep reading
Explore further
08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Costa Rica can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 37 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of Costa Rica on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Costa Rica: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/costa-rica