International Costa Rica relations

Country profile & diplomacy overview · 20 relations tracked

Costa Rica is a small, Central American country located between Nicaragua and Panama. It is known for its rich biodiversity and environmental conservation efforts, and it has a stable democracy and a relatively high standard of living compared to other countries in the region.

Population

5.1M#121 of 203

Land area

51.1K km²#126 of 203

GDP

$102.9B#74 of 197

Global influence

#144Very Low

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Closest relations Strained relations Costa Rica No data

Costa Rica is a member of the United Nations and several regional organizations, including the Central American Integration System and the Organization of American States. It is also a member of the World Trade Organization and has strong ties to the United States, with which it has a free trade agreement.

Despite its relative prosperity, Costa Rica faces several challenges, including high levels of inequality, crime, and drug trafficking. It is also vulnerable to natural disasters, including earthquakes and hurricanes, and the impact of climate change.

Overall, Costa Rica is a peaceful and politically stable country with a strong commitment to democracy and environmental conservation. It plays an important role in the region and has good relations with its neighbors and the international community.

Geography & terrain

A mountainous, volcanic spine runs down the center, flanked by coastal lowlands on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides. Climate is tropical, with wetter conditions on the Caribbean coast. Has coastlines on two oceans. The rugged, forested interior has historically made overland conquest difficult, though the extensive coastlines on both sides offer multiple points of access by sea.

Key facts

Diverse sources: UN, World Bank, Costa Rica Statistics Office/Department. Most recent available data
Capital	San José (342.2K people, 6.7% of total population)
Population	5.1M (#121 of 203 countries)
Land area	51.1K km² (#126 of 203 countries)
Main religion	Christianity
Life expectancy	80 years

Source: World Bank Open Data. Most recent available data (2025)
Currency	Costa Rican Colon
Main language(s)	Spanish
Government type	Presidential republic
Time zone	UTC-6.0
GDP	$102.9B (#74 of 197 countries)
GDP per capita	$20.0K (#60 of 198 countries)
International calling code	+506
Driving side	Right
UNESCO World Heritage Sites	4
Nuclear power	No
European Union	Not a member
NATO	Not a member

Shares a land border with 2 countries — here is how those relations stand

Costa Rica's relations with its neighbors

Most similar countries, by language, currency, GDP per capita, borders & international groups

Rank #144 Very Low International Influence

Costa Rica's actions have no significant effect on the world, and a very limited impact on other countries.

See the full world influence ranking →

Most intense relations

Top 5 relations of Costa Rica by overall intensity. Intensity reflects the level and significance of interaction—not whether the relationship is positive or negative.