+
print News & Articles
| RSS Feed
February 07, 2010
Costa Rica Votes Today. Every Vote Counts.
Every vote counts and Costa Ricans are urged to get out today and vote. Some 2.8 million Costa Rican voters are being called on today to elect their president, two vice presidents, 57 deputies and 498 members of municipal councils.
Read
February 07, 2010
Candidates Pledge China-Led Recovery as Vote Nears
(Bloomberg) - Costa Ricans head to the polls for presidential elections this weekend with the leading candidate, Laura Chinchilla, pledging that a pending free-trade pact with China will power an economic rebound. Read
February 06, 2010
How To Avoid Congestion On New San José - Caldera Highway? Increase The Tolls
Costa Ricans had been waiting more than thirty years for the road from San José to Caldera to be built, a road that promised to reduce the trip to the Pacific coast in less than an hour. Read
February 06, 2010
Next President Faces Serious Challenges
Combating insecurity, corruption and poverty are the main challenges for the candidate who wins tomorrow's election, that is is up for grabs by nine contenders, three of which really have any chance of taking a majority of the votes. Read
February 06, 2010
Young Vote Could Be Deciding Factor In Sunday's Presidential Election In Costa Rica
The 2010 presidential elections in Costa Rica may be decided by young voters more than ever, as they make up 42% of the voters or 1.2 million between the ages of 18 and 24 years of age. And this group is also shows the highest rate of abstention, according to the La Republica newspaper. Read
February 06, 2010
Tourism Outlook? Depends Who You Ask
Chip Bramen says he goes to the beaches of Manuel Antonio in Quepos, on the central Pacific coast, nearly every day. He says the beaches are beautiful and calm and sunny. He also says they're vacant. Read
February 02, 2010
Costa Ricans Cold On 3G Cellular Service
For some unexplained reason, Costa Ricans are not rushing to gobble up the cellular telephone lines as has occurred in the past. In fact, only 135.738 of the 950.000 3G cellular lines have been spoken for since the introduction last December. Read
January 30, 2010
Political Campaign Must Shut Down On Thursday, Three Days Before The Elections
Come Thursday, the naked man, the least evil of the candidates and the marionettes will all disappear from the public's eye as the 2010 presidential elections campaigns come to a close. Read
January 28, 2010
San José - Caldera Road Open, Finally
Finally, after more than three decades of planning, promises, starts, stops and delays, the San José - Caldera highway, though some prefer to call it a road, is a reality and travel between the interior of Costa Rica and the Pacific coast is at least 45 minutes faster. Read
January 27, 2010
Costa Rica, Colombia Among the Times' '31 Places to Go in 2010'
Costa Rica wins praise for its new Costa Rican Bird Route, which highlights the country's great avian diversity and natural beauty, is one of the hot travel destinations in the world, according to the New York Times. Read
January 27, 2010
Frequent Quakes in Costa Rica
Frequent telluric movements in Costa Rica since last Saturday were the cause of the clash of Cocos and Nazca plates and the micro-plate Panama in the area around Punta Burica, experts reported on Tuesday. Read
January 27, 2010
Qatar, Costa Rica Sign Economic And Other Deals
Official talks between Costa Rican president, Oscar Arias and the the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, of Qatar, resulted in the signing of an economic agreement between the two countries, including a Tourism Cooperation Agreement. Read
January 26, 2010
Solís Says He Was Offered us$50 Million Dollars By Panamian To Finance His Campaign
Ottón Solís, the presidential candidate for the Partido Acción Cuidadan (PAC) sent a letter on Monday to the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE), explaining that he received a strange phone call from a number originating in Panama, offering him financial help for his struggling campaign. Read
January 26, 2010
Starbucks Buying Less Costa Rica Coffee
Starbucks, the US coffee giant has reduced the amount of purchases of Costa Rican coffee this year, according to the Instituto del Café de Costa Rica (ICAFE) - the Costa Rican Coffee Institute. Read
January 25, 2010
Praxair Starts up New Plant in Costa Rica
Praxair, Inc. has started up its new air separation plant in San José. In addition to meeting increasing demand for oxygen, nitrogen and argon from industrial and medical customers in Costa Rica, the new facility positions Praxair to supply distributors in Panama as well as the Caribbean market. Read
January 24, 2010
Costa Ricans Cannot Adopt Orphaned Haitian Children
Costa Rican families who want to adopt Haitain children orphaned following last week's devastating earthquake cannot do so, says Mario Víquez, president of thePatronato Nacional de la Infancia, Costa Rica's child welfare agency. Read
January 24, 2010
Cisco Opens Entrepreneur Institute in Costa Rica
Cisco has announced the creation of the Cisco Entrepreneur Institute in Costa Rica to help small and medium business entrepreneurs improve their business skills and learn how to use information and collaboration technologies. Read
January 24, 2010
Presidential Candidates Debate On Live Television Tonight
Costa Ricans will be able to see in action, on live television tonight the three top presidential candidates, in a debate that is sure to spark controversy and increase tensions. Read
January 23, 2010
Quake Hit Costa Rica Central And South Pacific Zones
A moderate earthquake shook the ground in some 30 kilometres southeast of Golfito in Costa Rica's southern zone, (65 km) west of David, Panama. Read
January 23, 2010
Costa Rica Braces for Tight Presidential Election
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Costa Rica’s next presidential election might need a run-off and the second round could see a tight finish, according to a poll by Unimer published in La Nación. 40.9 per cent of respondents would vote for the ruling Liberal National Party (PLN) candidate Laura Chinchilla in next month’s ballot, down 2.1 points since November. Read
January 22, 2010
Prince of Qatar in Costa Rica
Costa Rica each year receives "important" visitors who chose Costa Rican beaches and resorts for their vacations. The latest of such visits is by the Prince of Qatar, arriving at the Daniel Oduber Quirós in Liberia, Guanacaste, shortly after 8pm. Read
January 20, 2010
Costa Rica To Approve Cellular Competitors By April
The process of opening the cellular telecommunications sector in Costa Rica has been a slow one, with setbacks and postponements, all the time giving the state telecom, the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), time to regroup and prepare to operate in a competitive market. Read
January 19, 2010
Quick Justice Sends Jamaican Minor To 32 Years For Killing OIJ Agent
A private trial held in the Tribunales de San José sentenced a Jamaican national to 32 years in prison for killing the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) agent, Randall López, last November 3, in a shootout in Escazú. Read
January 16, 2010
Scotiabank Group Named No. 1 FX Provider in Canada, Costa Rica, Jamaica and Peru
Scotiabank announced today that it has been acknowledged as the leading foreign exchange provider in Canada, Costa Rica, Jamaica and Peru for 2010. Read
January 16, 2010
ICE, A Company In Change, But Sticks With Same Restrictive Policies For Cellular Services
For more than a decade Costa Ricans and foreigners living and visiting Costa Rica have had to accept the decisions of the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) with respect to cellular telephone service, with poor service, no coverage in many areas and the banalities of a state institution of dictates who can and who cannot subscribe to their cellular service. Read
January 13, 2010
Guevara Promises Dollarization and Lower Taxes; Chinchilla Confident To Win In First Round
Otto Guevara, the presidential candidate for the Movimiento Libertario (ML) party said he plans to "dollarize" the Costa Rican economy if elected. Read
January 12, 2010
Singapore, Costa Rica, To Sign FTA
Costa Rica and Singapore are expected to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) by the weekend, said Costa Rica's External Commerce Ministry on Monday. Read
January 12, 2010
Anne Slaughter Andrew Takes Head Of US Embassy Today.
Anne Slaughter Andrew today officially replaces Peter Cianchette as head of the United States Embassy in San José. Cianchette left his post in June 2009, leaving the San José embassy without a boss for the last six months. Read
January 12, 2010
WNS Heads Into Costa Rica Creating More Than 100 Jobs
WNS (Holdings) Limited, a leading provider of global business process outsourcing (BPO) services recently announced its entry into Latin America with the establishment of a centre in Costa Rica, providing employment for at least 100 people. Read
January 12, 2010
Teleperformance Launches Operations in Costa Rica
MARKETWIRE via COMTEX)Teleperformance, the # 1 global leader in managing the customer experience in the outsourced contact centre market, is pleased to announce its launch of operations in San José, Costa Rica. Read
January 10, 2010
Ridge Collapse Leaves Large Crater in Costa Rica Volcano
SAN JOSE – Costa Rican vulcanologists inspected the Turrialba volcano and discovered that the ridge separating two new craters formed after an eruption of ash this week had collapsed, leaving a large crater 65 meters (213 feet) in diameter. Read
January 10, 2010
AH1N1 Vaccine Should Be In Costa Rica On Monday
Although the 200.000 doses of the AH1N1 vaccine were to have arrived in Costa Rica this week, the Ministerio de Salud confirms that that is not the case. Read
January 10, 2010
Costa Rica: Opportunity And Risk In A "New" Insurance Market
While relatively small in comparison to the major Latin American insurance markets, Costa Rica is the largest insurance market in Central America (excluding Panama). Read
January 10, 2010
It's Cold Out There, Cold Front Hits Costa Rica
If you haven't felt it yet, it's probably because you haven't stepped outdoors just yet. So, if that is the case, make sure to get out the long sweater and a jacket, as a cold front dropped the daytime high to around 22 Celsius in San José and strong winds make feel like winter. Read
January 09, 2010
Tourism Decline In 2009 Was Lower Than Forecasted
The numbers are in and show that Costa Rica had 180.000 less tourists during 2009 over 2008. Despite this decline, the agency forecasted of a drop from 12%, but in reality was just under 10%, a decline lower than anticipated. Read
January 09, 2010
New York Times Columnist Praises Costa Rica
"Hmmm. You think it's a coincidence? Costa Rica is one of the very few countries to have abolished its army, and it's also arguably the happiest nation on Earth", Nicholas D. Kristof starts off his syndicated New York Times column "The Happiest People ". Read
January 07, 2010
Turrialba Coffee Crops Spared From Volcano Eruption
Costa Rica's high-quality coffee crops around the Turrialba volcano were spared from damage this week when the long-dormant volcano erupted for the first time in more than 140 years, spewing ash and forcing evacuations. Read
January 06, 2010
Second Round Predicted In Presidential Elections In Costa Rica
Although Laura Chinchilla has a commanding lead over her opponents in the presidential elections to be held on February 7th, the latest opinion poll predicts she lacks the necessary votes to win a first round. Read
December 31, 2009
Costa Rica Holidays Among Predictions For Popular Destinations
According to Sebastian Lander, writing in the Daily Mail's travel section, the central American location is set to become popular among explorers hoping to immerse themselves in jungle and the surroundings that offer "fabulous" beaches and unique wildlife. Read
December 30, 2009
Early Morning Emergency At The Juan Santamaría
The pilots of the airliner with 108 passengers on board detected a problem with the motors about 30 minutes into the flight, near the Nicaraguan border, headed for Houston. Read
December 28, 2009
San José - Caldera Highway Almost Ready, Take Our Virtual Tour
The day is soon approaching when you can travel from San José to points like Playa Jacó, Caldera or Puntarenas in under one hour by way of the new San José - Caldera highway that is nearing construction. Read
December 28, 2009
Motif Inc. plans to open Costa Rican service center
Motif Inc., a Sunnyvale, California-based outsourcing company, announced they will open a new service center in Costa Rica. The company, which provides customer support, back office processing, research and analytics and online fraud prevention services to Fortune 500 companies, said they intend to invest $2.5 million in the center, which is set to begin operations in January 2010. Read
December 26, 2009
Poás Volcano Dazzles Christmas Day Visitors With Eruption
The volcán Poás on the north side of the Central Valley gave visitors a display of fireworks on Christmad day, spewing ash and mud some 500 metres into the air, forcing national park officials to control access to the crater. Read
December 26, 2009
Costa Rican Company Part Of Consortium To Excavate Panama Canal Extension
Costa Rica's Meco will be joining the Spanish construction company FCC and Mexico's ICA as part of a consortium for the dry excavation of the Panama Canal extension in a contract worth us$267.8 million dollars. Read
December 26, 2009
First M&M Store Opens In Escazú
For lovers of M&M chocolates, Escazú is the place to be, at the first store dedicated to "the chocolate that melts in your mouth and your hands" is open. Read
December 22, 2009
Incoming businesses a bright spot in dim '09 economy
In a recession year, a boost to Costa Rica's struggling economy came with the arrival or relocation of new businesses to the country. Many companies, particularly in the software and medical fields, either established or announced plans to open operations in Costa Rica in 2009. Read
December 20, 2009
Chinchilla is Favourite in Costa Rica
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Laura Chinchilla could become the next president of Costa Rica, according to the latest poll by CID-Gallup, with 45 per cent of respondents would vote for the former vice-president and member of the governing Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN) in the 2010 election. Read
December 18, 2009
In Costa Rica, Intel Keeps Crown as King of Exports
At a time when Costa Rica's trade deficit has grown to its largest size in more than a decade, the country's smallest export continues to be its biggest moneymaker. That product is the Intel Pentium processor, or the microchip, which continues to be the flagship export for Costa Rica, even in a year of overall economic decline. Read
December 17, 2009
Why is Costa Rica Smiling?
(Yes! Magazine) A child growing up in the Costa Rican countryside is surrounded by some of the most beautiful and biodiverse landscapes in the world. The government of this tiny Central American country aims to keep it that way. But preserving this land of tropical rainforests isn’t Costa Rica’s only accomplishment. The government ensures all citizens have access to health care and education, and the country actively promotes peace around the world. So when the New Economics Foundation released its second Happy Planet Index, a ranking of countries based on their environmental impact and the health and happiness of their citizens, the No. 1 spot went to Costa Rica, population 4 million. Read
December 16, 2009
New consumer rules appear to cover developers
Real estate developers who offer proposed projects or projects in development must now comply with strict rules for the protection of consumers. Read
December 12, 2009
The Jewish Experience In Costa Rica
While Costa Rica is a Catholic country, it is considered one of Israel's best friends. It was among the first countries, in the United Nations, to vote for for Israeli statehood. Costa Rica maintains an embassy in Tel Aviv, having fairly recently moved from Jerusalem. Read
December 12, 2009
¢100 Million Colones To Keep Spaniard In Custody Prior To Extradition
It has been some time, but Pedro Urrutia was on his way home to Spain yesterday after more than a year under heavy police guard, waiting extradition, which cost the Costa Rican people an estimate ¢100 million colones. Read
December 11, 2009
Credit Cards In Costa Rica Come With 54% Interest Rate
Everyone knows that using a credit card is costly especially when paying only the minimum payment on the balance. But, what is the real cost of credit card interest in Costa Rica? Anywhere from 20% to 54% a year. Read
December 11, 2009
Is a Real Estate Revival Underway?
As light begins to peek through the dark clouds of the worldwide economic crisis, members of the Costa Rican real estate community are growing more optimistic at the tail end of what has been, for many, one of the worst years they can remember in the housing market. Read
December 09, 2009
20% More Job Opportunities Expected In 2010
If the expectations and projections for 2010 are realized, the year could start off with more job opportunities and growth in the economy. A recent study by Manpower of 620 Costa Rican businesses reveals that 26% will be looking to hire more staff in the new year. Read
December 08, 2009
Intel Costa Rica Sees Q3 Exports Increase 18%
US chip manufacturer Intel saw third quarter exports from its Costa Rica facility increase 18% year-over-year, reaching US$595 million. Intel corporate relations manager Karla Blanco said main product destinations include Asia, the US and Europe, all of which have recovered faster than expected from the global economic slowdown. Read
December 08, 2009
Costa Rican Tourism Down 10% in 2009
The impact of the world economic crisis on Costa Rica will be 200.000 or 10% less tourists for 2009 over 2008, according to projections by the Cámara Nacional de Turismo (Canatur). Read
December 05, 2009
ICE Delays Cellular Competition In Costa Rica; No Competition Until At Least 2011
A move by the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) delays the entry of new operators for cellular service and opening of the cellular market in Costa Rica until at least 2011. The reason for the delay is due to ICE's, the state telecom, stall in providing the government the radio frequencies that are to be used by the competition. Read
December 04, 2009
Arias To End Term with Low Popularity
With only months before the end of his term, Costa Rican President Oscar Arias will end his presidential term with a low popularity, as his acceptance indexes dropped by 5 percent during November, as revealed by the latest poll published Wednesday. Read
December 03, 2009
Costa Rica Cost Of Living Increases
The cost of living in Costa Rica has gone up and the latest report on basic prices and services by the Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Comercio (MEIC) confirms it. Read
December 02, 2009
Guevara Moves Up In The Polls, Becomes Alternate Option To Chinchilla
A poll by Unimer for the daily Spanish languaga newspaper La Nación places Otto Guevara of the Movimiento Libertario (ML) party in second place with 30% support, behind Laura Chinchilla of the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN) party with 43%, while Ottón Solís of the Partido Acción Cuidadana (PAC) party trailing in third with a 16% support. Read
December 01, 2009
Six Supermarkets Charged With Over Charging
The country's supermarkets and retailers are under the watchful eyes of officials of the Ministerio de Economía (MEIC), as many take advantage of consumers during the holiday season. Read
November 28, 2009
Up To 1.600 Drivers Licenses Issued Daily For End Of Year Rush
The year end rush for a driver's license is on. The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT) reports an increase of 15% in requests, bringing the total number of applications to between 1.400 and 1.600 daily. Read
November 28, 2009
Arias A Key Player In Sunday's Possible Democratic End To The Honduras Conflict
Costa Rican president, Oscar Arias, who as placed in the middle of the Honduras conflict following the ousting of Manuel Zelaya on June 28 by his country's military and set on the ground in San José following the coup d'etát, must now watch the events unfold from the sidelines. Read
November 27, 2009
Limón Filled With Tourists
With the arrival of three cruiseliners and the Transat competition, some 6.000 tourists have invaded the port of Limón this past couple of days, boosting economic activity in the Caribbean coast. Read
November 26, 2009
MOPT: Bridge Network Requires US$200 Million
Costa Rica's Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes - public works and transport ministry (MOPT) - says it needs to invest us$200 million over the next three years to improve bridge infrastructure, local paper La Nación reported. Read
November 26, 2009
Chinchilla Promises Hard Line On Drug Trafficking
The frontrunner in Costa Rica's 2010 presidential elections, Laura Chinchilla, promises to combat drug trafficking and reduce violence and crime, if she is elected to replace Oscar Arias. Read
November 26, 2009
RITEVE Looking To Double Its Inspection Fees
The mandatory vehicular inspection could cost double next year if the Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (ARESEP) approves a request by the Revisión Técnica Vehicular (RITEVE). Read
November 25, 2009
New National Stadium To Have Natural Turf
Following months of doubt and uncertainty, the new Estadio Nacional (national stadium) under construction in San José will have a natural turf. The announcement was made by the viceministro de Deportes, Osvaldo Pandolfo, dispelling rumours of the installation of a synthetic playing surface. Read
November 24, 2009
Boston Scientific to close plant, send 1,400 jobs to Costa Rica
Medical-products manufacturer Boston Scientific will close its plant in Doral, Fla., eliminating 1,400 jobs by 2012, Miami-Dade economic development officials said Friday. Read
November 24, 2009
Government Announces Public Workers Holiday Period
Note on your calendar the dates December 19, 2009 to January 4, 2010, as the date the public sector employees are off on their Christmas/Year End vacation. Read
November 23, 2009
Debi Nova is Costa Rican Singer
Meet Debi Nova, an already very famous singer in her native Costa Rica. But watch out world, the young songstress is looking to make her mark! Read more about the lovely Debi Nova here. Read
November 23, 2009
Nature Air Wins National Geographic Geotourism Challenge 2009
The global online community has chosen Nature Air as one of its top leaders for sustainable tourism in the second annual Geotourism Challenge, sponsored by the National Geographic Society and Ashoka’s Changemakers. Read
November 22, 2009
3G Will Only Be Offered in "Basic" Mode To Start
Many are excited for the arrival of 3G in Costa Rica, especially with the announcement by the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) will begin marketing the 950.000 next generation of cellular lines by mid December. However, some will be severely disappointed. Read
November 22, 2009
Problems With Text Messaging Continues
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) - Costa Rica's sole provider of cellular service - said on Friday that it was having problems with the text messaging platform. The problem continues still today. Read
November 22, 2009
Holidays in Costa Rica Bring Savings and Warm Weather
With tight budgets on everyone's minds and the cold, winter months just around the corner, Costa Rica is the ideal place where families can warm up, relax, and interact with the world around them, all while giving back to local communities and the environment and still not breaking the bank. Read
November 21, 2009
Dollar Keeps Dropping, No Rebound Expected Today
The US dollar has been dropping all week and experts day the spiral downward will continue for the rest of the month, recovering in December. Read
November 21, 2009
Costa Rican creates plasma rocket to pick up space trash
Franklin Chang Diaz wants to fuel the International Space Station and transport people to Mars with his plasma rocket. Read
November 21, 2009
Costa Rica Tagged As Threat To Banana Exports to Mideast
Philippine banana exporters to the Middle East are threatened by an expected intensifying competition banana producer Costa Rica, an industry official said yesterday. Higher export prices are also seen if aerial spraying is banned, causing an increase in production cost. Read
November 19, 2009
Costa Rica Cut Off From World For Two Hours
A break in the Arcos underwater cable left most of Costa Rica without an internet connection for almost two hours. Read
November 19, 2009
China May Spend $700 Million on Costa Rica Refinery
China may spend $700 million to help fund expansion of Costa Rica’s Refinadora Costarricense de Petroleo SA oil refinery as it boosts energy ties in the region. Read
November 17, 2009
Amway To Move Functions To Costa Rica
Amway says it will cut jobs in North America as part of an effort to consolidate its finance division, which consolidation will happen in Costa Rica, where new jobs will be created. Read
November 15, 2009
Costa Rica With One Foot Out Of World Cup
The Uruguay teamA first-half goal from Diego Lugano gave Oscar Washington Taberez\'s side strong hopes of playing in South Africa next year, following their failure to qualify for the finals Germany in 2006. Read
November 15, 2009
Heredia Centro Bridge Added To List of "Bad Bridges"
The list of "bad bridges" - bridges that are a safety risk for their poor condition due mainly to lack of maintenance - grows with the latest bridge added to the growing list is that over the Pirro river, adjacent to the Universidad Nacional UNA) in Heredia centro. The bridge is located 150 metres east of the Burger King, and had a 4 metre gaping hole, which continues unrepaired. Read
November 14, 2009
Moderate Earthquake Shakes Costa Rica
A 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook Costa Rica Friday, without immediate report of victims and material damages. Read
November 14, 2009
2.2 Tonnes Of Cocaine Seized In Costa Rica
Costa Rican police seized over 2.2 tonnes of cocaine in San Francisco de Dos Rios, in the southern suburbs of the capital, San José. The drugs were found late Wednesday in a storage facility belonging to an international drug gang that was shipping the load to the Mexico and United States in containers, officials said. Read
November 13, 2009
2010 Marchamo On Sale Beginning Monday
The 2010 Marchamo - annual vehicular circulation permit - goes on sale beginning Monday, November 16, confirmed the president of the INS, Guillermo Constenla. Read
November 09, 2009
Chinchilla is Clear Frontrunner in Costa Rica
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Former vice-president Laura Chinchilla is heavily favoured to become the next president of Costa Rica, according to a poll by Demoscopía published in Al Día. 53 per cent of respondents would vote for the candidate of the ruling National Liberation Party (PLN) in next year’s election. Read
November 08, 2009
State of the Nation: Guarded Optimism
Costa Rica stumbled through much of 2008 and the first half of 2009, but the country is still on its feet. Read
November 07, 2009
Search Continues For Missing Brit in Costa Rica
The family of missing British journalist, Michael Dixon, continues to search for him following his disappearance in Costa Rica. Michael was reported missing over two weeks ago in Tamarindo, Guanacaste, where he was on holiday. Read
November 07, 2009
Sailors predict flat out race to Costa Rica in the Transat Jacques Vabre
The wind whipping up the Channel and into the harbour of Le Havre today served notice to the 20 yachts in the Bassin Paul Vatine that, come Sunday when they set off on the 5,000-mile Transat Jacques Vabre to Costa Rica, that the price of a sunny South American finish will be an opening autumnal slap in the face. Read
November 06, 2009
San José - Santa Ana Highway Completely Closed At Multiplaza
The autopista Próspero Fernández near Multiplaza Escazú will be completely closed between 8am today and 10am Sunday to allow work crews to continue critical work on the Agres river bridge reconstruction. The reconstruction of the bridge has been going on for the better part of the year as part of the widening of the autopista to six lanes. Read
November 06, 2009
Wal-Mart To Open 11 New Stores And Provide 500 New Jobs in Costa Rica
Wal-Mart announced that it will be hiring an additional 500 people and opening 11 more stores in 2010 in Costa Rica, half of the company's investment in the region. Read
November 06, 2009
ICE Gets Tough On High Risk Cellular Customers
Have you had your cellular phone service cut off immediately the day after it's due date? Well, it may be because your are on ICE's blakc list. Read
November 06, 2009
Costa Rica Foreign Investment to Rebound, Ruiz Says
(Bloomberg) - Costa Rica’s foreign direct investment will return to 2008 levels after falling about 30 percent this year, boosted by tourism and investments in ports and telecommunications projects, said Marco Vinicio Ruiz, the country’s minister of foreign trade. Read
November 05, 2009
Costa Rica To Suspend New Gun Permits To Foreigners
By executive order the government of Costa Rica has decided on a ban on new weapons permits to all foreigners and an exhaustive review of all existing permits held by foreigners and revoke any permits if such permits cannot be justified, said yesterday the ministro de la Presidencia, Rodrigo Arias Sánchez. Read
November 05, 2009
New MOPT Minister Orders Closure Of Two Bridges
In less than 48 hours in office, the new ministro de Obras Pública y Transportes (MOPT), Marco Vargas, has ordered the closing of the first two, of what could be a series of bridges, the suspension bridges in Grano de Oro de Turrialba and San Jerónimo de Esparza. Read
November 05, 2009
"Lay Away" Is A Way For Many Costa Ricans To Buy Christmas Gifts
Christmas shopping in Costa Rica is a little different, the lay-away plan is a favourite for early shoppers to avoid the long lines as December approaches, fear of shortage of stock or lack of funds to pay before receiving the Aguinaldo. Read
November 04, 2009
Best Bank Costa Rica: Sweet Insulation
Costa Rica's state banks have played an important role in supporting the country's economy and continue to dominate at a time when private financial institutions and foreign operations may find it difficult to enter or increase share. Read
November 04, 2009
Luxury Home Tax Fine Can Be 10 Times The Tax
Foreign nationals should be especially careful about the new luxury home tax (casa de lujo in Spanish) because Costa Rica (Tico) attorneys and accountants have expressed confusion about how this new law affects owners. Read
November 02, 2009
Court To Decide On Appeal For Free Wireless In Costa Rica
The Sala Constitucional (Constitutional Court) has accepted for study a "recurso amparo" (appeal) that would require the State to offer free internet services over a wireless network. Read
October 31, 2009
Trick or Treat. It's Halloween!
Halloween, a relatively new holiday in Costa Rica, will be celebrated today in mostly private parties and get together. In Costa Rica the night is called "Noche de Brujas" (witches night). Read
October 31, 2009
Arias Commits To Feasibility Study To Build Railway With Panama
Costa Rican president Oscar Arias, said on Friday that during a meeting with his Panamanian counterpart, Ricardo Marinelli, to sign the Costa Rica - Panama trade agreement they two discussed the possibility of a railway between the two countries. Read
October 31, 2009
Two More Weeks Before the Dry Season Kicks In
The national weather service - the Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) - says that the rains will last two weeks more in the Central Valley before the summer or dry season kicks in by the middel of November. Read
October 30, 2009
Costa Ricans Have Most "Happy Years" Of Life
An update of the World Database of Happiness calculates Costa Rica is at the top of the list for quality of life in 148 countries, Dutch researchers say. Read
October 29, 2009
Multiplaza Escazú To Unveil Expansion On Monday
On Monday, Multiplaza Escazú will unveil its "quinta etapa" (fifth stage) with the expansion of its floor area to include 86 additional stores, a new department store and more than 1.000 new parking spaces. Read
October 28, 2009
Porteadores To Paralyze Country Today
The Porteadores (the informal taxi drivers) say they will paralyze the country today with protests and roadblocks to pressure the government into stopping its plans to eliminate the "porteo" or informal taxi service from the current legislative agenda. Read
October 27, 2009
Tires Made In Costa Rica Will Be Part of 2011 Volkswagens Original Equipment
Tires manufactured in Costa Rica will be used in new Volkswagen vehicles beginning in 2011, following the signing of an agreement between the German auto manufacturer and Bridgestone. Read
October 26, 2009
10 Ticking Time Bombs Await Us In Costa Rica, Report Says
A recent study says that at least 10 of the 1.330 bridges that need urgent repairs are a ticking time bomb, waiting to be the next tragedy for Costa Ricans to mourn. The first of the time bombs "exploded" last Thursday killing five people and injuring 33. How many more have to die before anything is done, Costa Ricans ask themselves, turning to their leaders for answers. Read
October 25, 2009
Government Allocates $15 Million to Repair Bridges
The Costa Rica government announced on Saturday that it is allocating us$15 million for the reparation of 10 bridges, two days after a tragedy that took five lives and sparked a barrage of criticism against the ministra de Obras Pública y Transportes, Karla González. Read
October 25, 2009
Private Security Guards Outnumber Police Officers In Costa Rica
Private security guards in Costa Rica almost double the number of police officers in Costa Rica. According to the Dirección del Servicio de Seguridad Privada del Ministerio de Seguridad, there are 20.000 registered security guards to 13.000 members of the Fuerza Pública (police). Read
October 24, 2009
Costa Rica Focusing On Eco-Tourism To Weather The Economic Storm
An interview with Costa Rica's ministro de Turismo (Tourism Minister), Carlos Ricardo Benavides, who says that tourism in Costa Rica, like the rest of the world, has dropped a little bit and still focusing on the US market. Read
October 24, 2009
Costa Rica's Most Comprehensive Real Estate Guide Hits the Presses
For close to a decade, Costa Rica has been building a reputation as a reliable place to invest in property. In fact, in 2006 Costa Rica was one the hottest real estate markets in the world according to CNBC News. Read
October 24, 2009
Intel Is Good Neighbour in Costa Rica
Intel Corporation, with headquarters in California, has a large presence in Costa Rica, where it strives to prepare local students for the high-tech job market. The company, which makes integrated circuits for computing and communications industries worldwide, is the largest company in Costa Rica. Read
October 23, 2009
Beer In Costa Rica
Quick, how many different types of beers are there in Costa Rica? If you said five - Imperial, Pilsen, Bavaria, Rock Ice and Heineken - you would be absolutely, without a question, be wrong! Read
October 23, 2009
Costa Rica's Economy Doing Better, But Unemployment Levels Worrisome
The Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR) - Central Bank - says the Costa Rican economy is recuperating from the economic crisis of the past year, however, unemployment continues to be a stickler. Read
October 23, 2009
TACA Offers Orlando - San José Three Times A Week
TACA joins JetBlue in providing service between Orlando, Florida and San José, Costa Rica, with three flights a week beginning on November 1. Read
October 22, 2009
Sykes Looking To Hire 100 In Costa Rica
Sykes in Costa Rica is looking to hire 100 for positions in customer service to technical support. The job fair will be held on Saturday between 8am and 2pm in Sykes offices in Moravia. Read
October 22, 2009
Lack Of Rainfall Forces Possible Higher Electricity Rates
The lack of rainfall this rainy season will cost us all as the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) is readying to request an increase in electrical rates as it faces higher expenditures in the generation of electricity to keep the lights on in Costa Rica. Read
October 21, 2009
New Grant to Support Discovery and Innovation in the Americas
The Costa Rican National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICIT), in association with the Costa Rica-United States of America Foundation (CRUSA), the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) at the University of Illinois, and under the auspices of the Advanced Research and Technology Collaboratory for the Americas (ARTCA) announced the Discovery and Innovation Through Cyberactivity - Costa Rica (CR-DIC) to the international scientific and research community. Read
October 20, 2009
Costa Rica Tourist Arrivals Drop in 2009 After 2008 Record Increase
After a record arrivals of 2.51 million in 2008, a steady annual increase since the 2.06 million in 20006 and 2.29 million in 2007, Costa Rica recorded a drop to 2.29 million for 2009. Arrival numbers are forecast to tick up again in 2010, and to grow at an average rate of 2.2% until the end of our forecast period in 2013. Read
October 18, 2009
C.R.’s Lease on Peace
Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez' decision to open a peace base in Costa Rica has perplexed government officials here. Read
October 18, 2009
Bands on Exchange Rate Are Stretched to ₡ 100
The Central Bank of Costa Rica adjusted the breadth of the exchange rate vis-a-vis the United States dollar this week, raising the ceiling value to ₡ 600 to $1. The floor value that a dollar can be exchanged for is ₡ 500, and dollars can be bought or sold anywhere within the ₡ 100 range on Monex, the domestic money market. When the system of the bands was initially created in 2006, the width between the ceiling and floor was only ₡ 15.44. Read
October 18, 2009
How Not to Get Ripped Off in Costa Rica
“Is it safe to invest in Costa Rica?” This is one of the most frequent questions I get asked by the guests on my monthly retirement/relocation tours. During my nearly 30 years of living in Costa Rica I have had the opportunity to observe a lot of people make money and other lose it. I have also bought and sold a lot of property here and have currently have some sizeable money invested in property. Read
October 17, 2009
Anne Slaughter Andrew Nominee For US Ambassador to Costa Rica
Anne Slaughter Andrew is the nominee of US president Barack Obama for ambassador to Costa Rica, the White House announced. Read
October 17, 2009
Amway Could Move Hundreds Of Jobs to Costa Rica
Amway Corp. is said to be ready to move what could be hundreds of local jobs to Costa Rica as part of a sweeping streamlining of its global operations, according to a confidential memo obtained by The Press. The Ada-based direct seller on Oct. 5 told employees it was moving finance functions currently handled locally to a new "enterprise process centre" in Costa Rica. Read
October 16, 2009
Political Campaign Turns Heated Days After Commencing
Although it has only been days since the 2010 presidential political campaign officially began, it has already begun to heat with the first round fired by the Partido Acción Ciudadana (PAC), Ottón Solís, challenging Laura Chinchilla, candidate for the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN), to a "cara-a-cara". Read
October 15, 2009
ICE President Accused Of Graft and Embezzlement By Fiscalía
The use of helicopters and airplanes by public officials for private use is hitting a new time high, with the Fiscalía filing charges against the president of the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), Pedro Pablo Quirós, for using state funds to pay a helicopter for personal use. Read
October 15, 2009
Government Introduces Plan To Regulate Casinos And Gambling
The government wants to take advantage of the potential tax revenue of casinos that could mean some us$100 million dollars a year in revenue by proposing a new law to regulate casino and sports betting operations. Read
October 15, 2009
372 Years Prison For "Whitehouse Killers"
Tuesday afternoon, almost a year after the killing spree, Juan Carlos Mena Jiménez and Cristian Mora Cantillano faced the three trial judges who would determine their fate for the rest of the lives. The decision wasn't a question if they were guilty or not, but rather, how long would they spend behind bars. Read
October 11, 2009
Costa Rica Wins Easily To Bolster World Cup Chances
Costa Rica had a 4-0 home win over Trinidad & Tobago on Saturday to put itself in position to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. Alvaro Saborio scored two goals and Walter Centeno added another, while Radanfa Abubakr's own-goal opened the scoring at the Ricardo Saprissa Stadium. Read
October 11, 2009
Monday Is A Holiday
Monday October 12 is "Día de las Culturas" in Costa Rica, a day that is traditionally celebrated throughout the Americas as the day Cristopher Columbus arrived in 1492. In English speaking countries is celebrated as Columbus Day. In other countries in Latin America it is celebrated as "Día de la Raza". Read
October 10, 2009
Gas Prices Coming Down Again
By mid November gasoline prices will drop again, the second decrease in a row, with the latest approval by the Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (Aresep). Read
October 09, 2009
San José - Caldera Highway Gets Green Light For Completion
The Tribunal Ambiental Administrativo gave the Autopistas de Sol the green light yesterday to continue work on the San José - Caldera highway. Read
October 08, 2009
New Luxury Tax In Costa Rica - A Contribution To The Poor
As of October 1st. 2009 Costa Rica sets a standard for giving home to the poor at times when the luxury real estate industry of the world is facing the challenges of the current worldwide financial crisis. Read
October 08, 2009
2010 Presidential Campaign Now Official
Now that the 2010 presidential elections is official, what can voters expect from the candidates? Promises on security, jobs and honesty, is the answer by the experts, though it won't be known until after the elections if the elected will keep the promises. Read
October 03, 2009
Emergency Vehicles Must Stop To Fill Out Form At Escazú Toll Booths
Emergency response units of the Policía de Tránsito, Cruz Roja, Bomberos and Fuerza Pública are complaning on the time it takes them to get through the Escazú toll booths on the San José - Caldera highway. Read
October 03, 2009
Dunn Bros Coffee to Take Customer on Coffee Tour in Costa Rica
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE) - For more than 20 years, Dunn Bros Coffee has been bringing the world's finest coffees to customers around the country. Now, they're going to do it the other way around. They're bringing the customers to the coffee. Read
October 03, 2009
Mild Quakes Shake And Roll Costa Rica
Friday morning at least two mild earthquakes shook Costa Rica, one near the Cinchona site that devastated the area in January. Read
October 03, 2009
Traffic Accident Deaths Down
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT) statistics show that the number deaths on the country's roads is down this year by 36 over the same period last year. Read
October 03, 2009
Caldera Highway Cited
In a move that seems to many to be long overdue, the Environmental Tribunal, an administrative court under the Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Technology (MINAET), froze work on a portion of the Caldera highway last week because of concerns over suspected environmental damage. Read
October 02, 2009
Luxury Home Tax Takes Effect Today
Today, October 1, 2009, is not a good day for owners of homes categorized as "luxury", as owners such homes, beginning today will have to pay a special tax for a period of 10 years. Read
October 02, 2009
Government "Will Pay" Aguinaldo
The ministro de la Presidencia, Rodrigo Arias, assured yesterday that this year's "aguinaldo" (Christmas bonus) will be paid to all public employees as established by law that obligates every employer - public or private - to pay to its employees between December 1 and 20 of each year. Read
October 02, 2009
Gasoline Price Drop Approved
The price of gasoline products at the pumps will be dropping in the coming weeks with the latest and fifth reduction approval this year by the Autoridad Reguladora de Servicios Públicos (Aresep). Read
October 02, 2009
Calderón Takes His Legal Battle To The Media
The verdict is only days away and former president, Rafael Angel Calderón, is not leaving his freedom to chance, using the media to get his message to the judges and support of the public in his favour, in case the judges don't bite. Read
October 01, 2009
Arias Blasts Honduran Decree
Condemning the Honduran coup as a throwback to Latin America's ugly history, Costa Rican President Oscar Arias said Tuesday that the country can't have free and fair elections until its de facto government lifts a repressive decree that silenced opposition media and forbade public gatherings.
Read
October 01, 2009
GE Money To Close Offices in Costa Rica, Transfer Services To BAC
GE money said it will close its 16 offices located around the country as of October 1 and will transfer its operations to the Red de Pagos de Credomatic and BAC San José, who between them have more than 200 branches and points of sale. Read
September 27, 2009
The Sun Wore Its Crown Yesterday
The peace and monotony of Saturday morning in Costa Rica was broken yesterday when a perfect halo formed around the sun was visible between 10am and 12 noon. Read
September 27, 2009
San José - Caldera Highway Hits An Environmental Roadblock
The completion of the construction of section of the San José - Caldera highway is in jeopardy as the Environmental Tribunal put a halt to all construction on the final section (Santa Ana - Orotina) of the highway, ordering the Autopistas del Sol to stop all construction, because of apparent environmental damages. Read
September 25, 2009
Costa Rica Calls On UN Security Council to "Make Good On The Promise" For Peace
Costa Rica on Thursday called on the UN Security Council to "make good on the promise" for peace, saying that the 15-nation body "fails in its historic mission every day that it turns a blind eye to the rampant arms race." Read
September 25, 2009
Sabana Sur Road Construction Continues Behind Schedule
The adminssion by the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT) that the Universal-MAG road work is behind schedule is of no surprise to anyone, as we all are accustomed to the delays in road work. Read
September 24, 2009
Domino's Pizza Making A Comeback In Costa Rica
The Domino's Pizza chain will be re-opening its doors in Costa Rica after a surprise total closure last February, with new owners and better service. Read
September 24, 2009
Six Sentenced In NC For Role In Costa Rican Telemarketing Scheme
(AP) -- Six more people have been sentenced for their roles in a Costa Rica-based telemarketing scheme. Read
September 19, 2009
Exchange Rate On Rollercoaster Ride
Many in the middle of an exchange transaction were caught by surprise Friday afternoon with the sudden and drastic rate change announced by the Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR) - Central Bank. Read
September 19, 2009
Costa Rican President Impressed With Work Pace At The New Stadium
Costa Rican president, Oscar Arias, yesterday displayed surprise and said he was impressed at the fast moving pace of the Chinese workers building the new Estadio Nacional (national stadium) in the Sabana park. Read
September 19, 2009
Media Bill Languishes in Congress
A bill on the press and freedom of expression that has been kicking around in the Costa Rican Congress for the past eight years, which deals with questions like source confidentiality, access to public information, and libel and slander laws, was saved in late August from being permanently shelved by the legislature. Read
September 19, 2009
New Ley De Tránsito Pushed Back To March 2010
It's official, the new Ley de Tránsito will not take effect on Wednesday as it had been scheduled, but rather on March 1, 2010, following approval by 39 legislators last night. Four legislators voted against the postponement. Read
September 19, 2009
Problems With GSM Cellular Service Continues
The subgerente de Telecomunicaciones del ICE, Claudio Bermúdez, assures that the problems experienced by GSM cellular telephones users this week is due to the cellular telephone unit and not the unification of the network that occurred last Saturday, September 12. Read
September 16, 2009
U.S. World Cup Foe Costa Rica Could Turn Tough
The road to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa has just turned a little bit more tricky for the United States. Read
September 15, 2009
Property Registry Continues Vulnerable
Looking for that notary that signed off on the property deed now in question? Can't find him or her? Probability he or she is dead. Read
September 12, 2009
Costa Rica Celebrates Tuesday 188 Years Of Independence
This week the Costa Rican flags on display everywhere - private homes, public buildings, store windows, etc - are not to support the Costa Rican national soccer team, "the sele", but, rather to celebrate the country's 188th day of independence which is on Tuesday, September 15. Read
September 12, 2009
China, Costa Rica Make Progress In Free Trade Talks
(AFP) – China and Costa Rica concluded the fourth round of negotiations in Beijing aimed at reaching a free trade agreement, according to the foreign trade ministry. Read
September 12, 2009
Don't Forget To Turn Off And On Your Cellular Phone Tonight
As announced all week long the unification of the two GSM cellular networks takes place today and the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) is asking all GSM subscribers to turn off their cellular phones and then turn them back on. Read
September 11, 2009
Catholic Church Will Not Be Silent About Anti-Catholic Movements
(CNA) In response to attempts by lawmakers to eliminate a clause from the country’s constitution that states the official religion of Costa Rica is the Catholic faith, Bishop José Francisco Ulloa of Cartago said the Church "will not be silent" and will not abandon her mission to defend human life and the family. Read
September 11, 2009
Tilarán Wind Farm Announces Possible Closure
The first generating project using wind energy in Latin America would cease to exist next March because of money problems. Plantas Eólicas, Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, which has been operating in Tilarán for the last 15 years says it may stop operating next March. Read
September 11, 2009
Cruz Roja Discards Presence of Body In Volcano Lagoon
The Cruz Roja Costarricense (Costa Rican Red Cross) has ruled out that the item floating in the lagoon of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano is not the body of US missing student, David Gilmfarb. Read
September 11, 2009
Finally, Electrical Rates Come Down
Following days of adjournments, the Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo on Wednesday ordered the approved 7.2% electrical rate reduction to go into effect as of today. Read
September 10, 2009
Nicklaus Opens New Golf Course, Joins Biden in Costa Rica
(PR.com)-- Frank Biden, brother of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, and Craig Williamson, chairman of the Guanacaste Country Club announced that Nicklaus Design, the world's leading golf course design firm, will open a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at the Guanacaste Country Club, just 15 minutes from the Liberia International Airport, Costa Rica. Read
September 10, 2009
Costa Rica Improves Its Competitiveness Ranking
Costa Rica has moved up four notches in the Global Competitiveness Report released by the World Economic Forum on Tuesday. Read
September 09, 2009
Tourism Minister Expected To Resign Today
The ministro de Turismo, Carlos Ricardo Benavides, is expected to tender his resignation today to join the presidential campaign of Laura Chinchilla. Read
September 06, 2009
4.5 Quake Jolts Costa Rica
(Inside Costa Rica)
A 4.5 quake shook the Pacific zone of Costa Rica last night at 11:02pm, the epicentre located 10 kilometres from Golfito, according to the US Geological Survey, that monitors earthquakes around the world. Read
September 06, 2009
Electricity Rate Reduction Decision Maybe Tomorrow
(Inside Costa Rica)
Costa Rican have to wait a little long to know if their electricity bill will drop by 7.2% as approved by the Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (Aresep) and challenged in court by the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE). Read
September 05, 2009
Contraloría Approves China - Recope Oil contract
(Inside Costa Rica)
The Contraloría General de la Republica (Comptroller's Office) - Costa Rica's legal watchdog - on Thursday cleared a billion-dollar contract the government signed with China to jointly build an oil refinery after it was held up in legal wrangling for months. Read
September 05, 2009
Installation of 3G Network In Trouble; ICE Decides Not To Cancel TDMA
December is only a few months away and the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) is scrambling to keep its promise of a 3G network in the country, even though it has facing hurdles and accusations of "sabotage" by ICE's president, Pedro Pablo Quirós. Read
September 05, 2009
Rising Energy Needs Prompt New Bill
(The Tico Times) Less than a year before President Oscar Arias' departure from Casa Presidencial, the Ministry of the Presidency has proposed a bold new bill that would spell drastic changes for Costa Rica's energy market. Read
September 04, 2009
Modern New Ecoloxury Community Breaks Ground in Costa Rica
Rich in biodiversity brimming with excitement and unparalleled in gorgeous views, Costa Rica is one of the hottest destinations for travelers and expatriates. Read
August 30, 2009
Preparing for Telecom Industry Competition
In June, the Costa Rican Superintendence of Telecommunications (SUTEL) welcomed six telecommunications companies into Costa Rica's newly opened market, officially beginning an era of competition for the country's Internet service providers, voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), network infrastructure providers and other Web-based services. Read
August 30, 2009
In Costa Rica, private health care provides options
Hundreds of thousands of people pass through the doors of the country's public hospitals each year to receive services and medicines made available to them by the Costa Rican government. Read
August 30, 2009
Police Seek New Role
Crime rates in Costa Rica have never been higher, and the crime wave has left most government agencies that work to contain crime in a difficult position, competing among themselves for increased funding and more personnel. Read
August 29, 2009
Costa Rican President Calls for New Constitution
Costa Rican president Oscar Arias is joining the trend in Latin America calling for constitutional changes that would expand executive powers, allow re-elections and get rid of unnecessary checks on presidential authority. Read
August 29, 2009
Using A Cellular Phone While Driving Is A "Cultural Phenomenon" Says Policía de Tránsito Chief
We have all seen others do it at some time or another, perhaps have even done it yourself, sending a text message while driving, a dangerous practice that is common on the streets of Costa Rica. A study reveals that the practice increases the risk of an accident by 23 times. Read
August 27, 2009
Costa Rica Tops The 2009 Legatum Prosperity Index in Latin America
Costa Rica tops the 2009 Legatum Prosperity Index in Latin America, ahead of Panama, Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. However Latinamerica’s best placed countries in the index which defines prosperity as wealth and wellbeing are in the thirties out of a total list of 104. Read
August 22, 2009
Electrical Service To Cost 7.2% Less Beginning September 1
Contrary to ICE's threats of electrical power interruptions, consumers will see a reduction of 7.2% in the electrical bill beginning on September 1, following the Autoridad Reguladora de Servicios Públicos (Aresep) decision on Thursday. Read
August 22, 2009
2009 Miss Universe: Miss Costa Rica Jessica Umaña Betting Odds
2009 Miss Universe Miss Costa Rica Jessica Umaña Betting Odds: Many Latin women tend to be favorites at the yearly Miss Universe pageants, and this year is no different. Miss Costa Rica: Jessica Umaña [15/1], has done a great job of captivating judges with her sensual curves and Latin flare. Read
August 22, 2009
Supermarket Ordered To Stop Using Man Dressed As Woman In Its Advertising
The Dirección Nacional de Control de Propaganda del Ministerio de Gobernación y Policía has ordered Megasuper to stop all its ads in all forms of communications - radio, television and newspaper - that depict a man dressed as a woman. Read
August 22, 2009
Loan Default Rate At State Banks "Normal" Despite Financial Crisis
The amount of bank loans in arrears more than 90 days or judicial recovery continues on the increase, last month setting a record of 2.21%, up from 2.18% in June, on average, according to the statistics of the Superintendencia General de Entidades Financieras (Sugef). Read
August 22, 2009
Book About Guanacaste Abounds With Stories and Landscapes
(InfoWebPress) – The province of Guanacaste in once again the source of inspiration for a new book. Read
August 22, 2009
Caja, a Model Health System?
As the healthcare debate swirls through the chambers of the United States Congress, in town hall meetings, on main street and in boardrooms throughout that country, medical experts in Costa Rica have watched from the sidelines with heads shaking. Read
August 16, 2009
World Surfing Championship Puts CR On The Global Sports Map
(InfoWebPress) – The recent World Surfing Games that took place in the Central Pacific beaches of Jacó captured the attention of fans of this popular sport from all around the world. Read
August 16, 2009
Stranded in Costa Rica, refugees look for freedom
(The Tico Times) Six weeks ago, political and religious refugees from Africa walked up a white sand beach on the Costa Rican Caribbean coast after being abandoned by a team of “coyotes,” or smugglers of human beings. Read
August 15, 2009
Gas Price Hike On The Horizon
(Inside Costa Rica) Tighten the belt because gasoline prices will be shooting through the roof next month when the price of a litre of super will got to ¢601 colones and regular to ¢582, if the Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (Aresep) approves the latest proposal. Read
August 14, 2009
President Arias Nurses Flu at Home
(The Tico Times) Following orders from his doctors and protocol set forth by the Health Ministry, Arias will remain at his home in Rohrmoser to avoid transmitting the disease to others. Read
August 14, 2009
First ecologically friendly McDonald's in Central America opens in Santa Ana, Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) The first ecologically friendly McDonald's Restaurant in Central America opened last week in Lindora, Santa Ana. Read
August 09, 2009
Cellular Service To Improve In The Coming Weeks, But Don't Bet On It!
(Inside Costa Rica) The manager of mobile services for ICE, Adolfo Arias, promises that cellular service will get better in the coming weeks. Read
August 09, 2009
Heredia - San José Train Finally Leaves The Station
(Inside Costa Rica)
The Heredia - San José commuter train is now a reality with the inauguration run Saturday morning when the four locomotives and cars purchased from Spain left the Estación al Atlántico in San José bound for the "ciudad de las flores". Read
August 09, 2009
Miss Costa Rica at Miss Universe Read
August 09, 2009
Corporations Eyeing Costa Rica Rentals for Meetings and Incentives
(Inside Costa Rica) Costa Rica has long been a popular destination for incentive travel, company events and business trips for both U.S. and Latin America-based corporations. Beach resort destinations like the Paradisus Playa Conchal and San José meeting locations such as the Real InterContinental and Ramada Plaza Herradura are well accustomed to handling these large corporate groups. Read
August 08, 2009
Costa Rica With Free Treatment For All For AH1N1 Flu
(Inside Costa Rica)
The ministerio de Salud (Costa Rican health ministry) has declared the AH1N1 flu virus a matter of “public interest” and ordered the nation’s medical facilities, both public and private, to treat AH1N1 patients free of charge. Read
August 08, 2009
Mother's Day in Costa Rica Around The Corner
(Inside Costa Rica)
Mother's Day is around the corner and many a budge is being stretched thin to give mom that perfect gift. And waiting to the last minute will end up being even more expensive. Read
August 08, 2009
More than 2.500 Jobs Available In Two Job Fairs
(Inside Costa Rica) Good news for those looking for a job, as the Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA) in Alajuela is holding a job fair to fill some 2.500 jobs being offered by some 20 national and international companies. Read
August 07, 2009
Taxi Customers To Pay Road Tolls
(Inside Costa Rica) Taking a taxi to Escazú, for instance, just got more expensive. ¢320 colones more to be exact, now that the Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (Aresep) has ruled that customers are responsible to pay for the tolls. Read
August 07, 2009
Legislator Proposes Bringing Back Land "Exit" Tax
(Inside Costa Rica) Francisco Molina, legislator for the Partido Acción Ciudadana (PAC), wants to bring back the "exit" tax charged to all Costa Ricans and foreigners leaving Costa Rica by land. Currently only those leaving the country by air pay the "exit" tax of us$26. Read
August 07, 2009
New Costa Rican Immigration Law Approved!
(Inside Costa Rica) In second and final debate, the new immgration law was passed by the country's legislators Tuesday evening. But, it won't be until next year and the next government to apply the new rules. Read
August 01, 2009
General Cañas Westbound Completely Closed Again This Weekend
(Inside Costa Rica) The bridge over the river Virilla on the autopista General Cañas continues to be a headache for motorists daily as repair after repair and constant closures, including a complete closure of the highway, fails to solve the problem. Read
August 01, 2009
The ISA World Surfing Games arrives in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) The International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Games begin in Costa Rica Friday. Read
August 01, 2009
Electoral reforms bring transparency and opportunity to vote abroad
(The Tico Times) Sweeping reforms to the electoral code approved this week by the Legislative Assembly will grant more transparency to elections in Costa Rica, while updating old rules to better accommodate modern processes. Read
August 01, 2009
High Phase Of AH1N1 Pandemic In Costa Rica Not Over Yet
(Inside Costa Rica) Costa Rican Salud (Health) officials had expected that the number of AH1N1 cases would have began to drop on Friday after for weeks of increasing infections and deaths. But, such is not the case. Read
August 01, 2009
Fiscalía Asks 24 Years Prison For Former President Calderón
(Inside Costa Rica) The Ministerio Público, in its closing arguments, petitioned the judges of the Tribunal de Juicio de Goicoechea find former president (1990-1994) and 2010 presidential candidate, Rafael Ángel Calderón, guilty and to send him to prison for 24 years for his role in the fraud and embezzlement Caja-Fischel case. Read
July 29, 2009
Costa Rica Seizes 1.4 Tons of Cocaine
(Inside Costa Rica) Costa Rican authorities seized Tuesday about 1.4 tons of cocaine being carried in a truck and arrested two people involved in the shipment, police said. Read
July 27, 2009
Honduras Talks Stall on Plan to Return President
CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Mexico (The New York Times) — Negotiations to end the standoff in Honduras collapsed Sunday when the de facto government that ousted President Manuel Zelaya rejected a mediator’s solution for him to return but with limits on his power. Read
July 25, 2009
Legislators Give Immigration Bill First Approval
(Inside Costa Rica)
Legislators have approved, in first reading, the reforms to the Ley de Migración y Extranjería (immigration law) after being bounced around in the halls of the Legislative Assembly for the last several years. Read
July 25, 2009
Bill Would Tax Costa Rica Based Online Gambling Sites
(Inside Costa Rica) Every few years the Costa Rican government comes up with a novel plan to either tax or license online gambling firms operating in that Central American nation. Each time, the attempt has failed. In two weeks Costa Rica will try once more. Read
July 25, 2009
Back-to-back events planned for 185th celebration of Guanacaste Annexation
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica's upper arm on the Pacific, known for its expansive beaches and steep volcanoes, is celebrating the day it became part of Costa Rica this weekend. Read
July 24, 2009
The Arias Proposal For Peace In Honduras A Bust!
(Inside Costa Rica) Costa Rican president Oscar Arias, as mediator to the Honduras political crisis, on Wednesday presented his reconciliation pan called "Acuerdo de San José" (San José Proposal) in an attempt to bring peace to that country. Read
July 23, 2009
Mexico Beats Costa Rica
(Reuters) – Mexico beat Costa Rica on penalties in a tense semi-final on Thursday to reach the CONCACAF Gold Cup final where they will play the United States, 2-0 victors over Honduras. Read
July 22, 2009
More Than 1.200 Tickets In First Day Of Restrictions
(Inside Costa Rica) On the first day of the reinstatement of the vehicular restrictions of San Jose, more than 1.200 drivers were fined by Tránsito officials. Read
July 18, 2009
Arias’s Effort to End Honduras Stalemate Resumes in Costa Rica
July 18 (Bloomberg) -- Representatives of deposed Honduran President Manuel Zelaya and acting leader Roberto Micheletti will meet today in a bid to end a political stalemate, even as both sides show few signs they’re willing to ease their demands. Read
July 18, 2009
Costa Rica Now With 11 Deaths From AH1N1 Flu Virus
(Inside Costa Rica)
The number of deaths from the AH1N1 flu virus in Costa Rica has now reached a total of 11, continuing the one death per day average of this week. Read
July 18, 2009
Costa Rica to christen Cowboys Stadium
(The Tico Times)
It's difficult to discern what's more exciting for the Costa Rican national soccer team this weekend. Is it playing in the quarterfinals of an international tournament, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, or that they will be a part of the first-ever sporting event to be played in the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas? Read
July 11, 2009
Where Is The Quick Pass Now?
(Inside Costa Rica) Several months ago the HSBC offered the "Quick Pass", a novel device (for Costa Rica) that would speed a driver through the toll stations of the autopista Próspero Fernández (San Jose - Caldera highway), saving 10 minutes or more at each passing. Read
July 11, 2009
Honduras talks end without accord
(BBC) Two days of talks in Costa Rica aimed at ending the political crisis in Honduras have ended without agreement. Read
July 10, 2009
Honduras mediation process at stalemate
(The Tico Times) Delegates leave Costa Rica, pledging to return again Read
July 10, 2009
Gas prices and interest rates increase, value of colón decreases
(The Tico Times) It has been a tough 48 hours in the Costa Rican financial markets, as gas prices and the base interest rate have increased, while the value of the colón has fallen. Read
July 09, 2009
Sabana - Escazú Road Ready By End Of Month
(Inside Costa Rica) In less than three weeks the road work between Sabana Sur and Escazú should be completed and travel between San Jose and Escazú, will be much easier. At least that is the promise by the Ministerio de Obras Publicas y Transportes (MOPT). Read
July 05, 2009
Honduras says ousted president cannot return
TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) - Deposed Honduran President Manuel Zelaya will not be allowed to land in the country if he attempts to fly back a week after he was ousted by troops, the interim government said on Sunday. Read
July 05, 2009
Costa Rican Health Minister Calls For Extreme Alert For AH1N1
(Inside Costa Rica) Following the confirmation of the third death from the AH1N1 flu virus in Costa Rica, health officials have intensified the alert. Read
July 05, 2009
It's Sweater Time In Costa Rica
(Inside Costa Rica) Strong winds have been trashing the Central Valley since Friday, bringing with them cold air. And according to Rebecca Morera of the Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) - national weather service - they will be around for a day or two more. Read
July 04, 2009
Map of the Week: Why Costa Rica is the happiest place
"Every society clings to a myth by which it lives. Ours is the myth of economic growth." Read
July 03, 2009
Arias Considering Breaking Diplomatic Ties With Honduras
(Inside Costa Rica) Costa Rican president, Óscar Arias, said yesterday that the possibility of breaking diplomatic ties with Honduras if "constitutional order" is not restored in the near future. Arias said that the extreme measure would be to respect democracy and more so, Costa Rica would never recognize any de facto government. Read
June 28, 2009
"Intelligent" San Jose Traffic Lights Not So Intelligent In The West
(Inside Costa Rica) -
The "intelligent" traffic lights installed in San José have not been so intelligent on the west side of the city for the last six months, being totally disconnected from the network\'s control centre. Read
June 28, 2009
Rise In Layoffs Expected For July and August
(Inside Costa Rica) - Economists consider that the critical months in terms of unemployment in the country will be in June, July and August.
Read
June 28, 2009
Paving Of Costanera Sur Between Quepos and Dominical Begins
(Inside Costa Rica) - The work to pave the last 42 kilometres of the Costanera Sur betwem Quepos and Dominican began yesterday (Saturday). Read
June 28, 2009
Drugs top Ticos' worry list, says UNA study
(The Tico Times) - The nation's drug problem is the top concern among Costa Ricans today, according to a new survey by the National University (UNA). Read
June 28, 2009
New skating facility opens in La Sabana
(The Tico Times) - Their feet may roll over pavement not ice, but that's not stopping Costa Rica's ice skaters from competing for gold medals abroad. And, with the completion of an outdoor roller rink on a wing of San José's La Sabana Park, they now have the training grounds to get them there.
Read
June 28, 2009
Digicel Interested in Costa Rican Mobile License
(Cellular, News.com) - Caribbean mobile operator Digicel is planning to bid for a mobile operator license in Costa Rica when the licenses are sold next year. Thee tender for the licenses will be launched in September, with the first mobile license to be awarded between March and April 2010.
Read
June 20, 2009
Colegio Humboldt races to be 1st carbon-free school in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) The children who attend the Colegio Humboldt, a German school in the western San José district of Pavas, have a bright and sunny future ahead of them. Read
June 20, 2009
Costa Rican cargo found full of sharks and cocaine
(The Tico Times/EFE) A shipping container holding 893 kilograms of cocaine stuffed inside frozen shark carcasses was originally loaded out of a Costa Rican port, authorities said. Read
June 20, 2009
Costa Rica considers expanding rights of workers' unions
(The Tico Times)
Steeped in an economic recession and watching the employment rate climb higher, Costa Rica's legislators find themselves in the midst of a debate that could dramatically change labor practices here. Read
June 20, 2009
Georgia Tech To Open Logistics Center in Costa Rica
(Inside Costa Rica) The Georgia Institute of Technology on Aug. 20 will open a center in Costa Rica aimed at improving foreign trade by helping companies there get products to market faster and more efficiently. Read
June 20, 2009
China, Costa Rica Make Progress On Free Trade Talks
(Inside Costa Rica) Chinese and Costa Rican commercial delegations said Wednesday that they were satisfied with the progress made through the third round of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries. Read
June 20, 2009
Costa Rica To Lure American Tourists With Discounts
(Inside Costa Rica) The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) - Costa Rican tourism board - is getting aggressive in attracting American tourists to Costa Rica, enticing "gringos" with discounts and bonuses for their visit. Read
June 13, 2009
No More Vehicular Restrictions In San José!
(Inside Costa Rica) The Sala Cuarta or Constitutional Court said in Friday that the vehicular restrictions of San José which impedes circulation of vehicles in the downtown core, depending on the last digit of the license plate, as unconstitutional and thus declared the restriction null and void. Read
June 13, 2009
Virilla Bridge To Be Finally Repaired, Forcing General Cañas To Be Closed
(Inside Costa Rica) It has only been a few months since a gaping hole appeared on the bridge over the Virilla river on the autopista General Cañas, when work crews of the ministerio de Obras Publicas y Transportes (MOP), placed a steel plate over the hole and put the actual repair of the bridge on hold. Read
June 12, 2009
Signs of recovery in Costa Rica?
(The Tico Times)
Costa Rica may be riding above the deep economic flood that's washed over other developing countries. Read
June 06, 2009
Borges scores winner for Costa Rica
BACOLET, Tobago (AP) — Celso Borges scored twice, including the winner in the 68th minute, to lift Costa Rica to a 3-2 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday. Read
June 06, 2009
PLN To Elect Leader on Sunday
(Inside Costa Rica) This weekend is the big weekend for the Partido Liberacion Nacional (PLN) as it chooses its leader for the 2010 presidential elections, between Laura Chinchilla, Johnny Araya, who have been alternating leads in the polls and way down the list, Fernando Berrocal. Read
June 06, 2009
Escazú Tolls Begin Tomorrow
(Inside Costa Rica) Get ready to fork over ¢310 colones starting tomorrow for the right to drive on the reconstructed autopista Fernando Prospero from San Jose to Santa Ana. Read
June 02, 2009
Adverse Habitat Awaits U.S. in Costa Rica
(The New York Times) Tropical flora, exotic fauna and fake grass will greet the United States when it plays Costa Rica on Wednesday in a World Cup qualifying match at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá in San José. Read
May 31, 2009
Concept of Family in Costa Rica Is Changing
The number of births to single mothers is on the decrease, as single women between the ages of 15 and 49, are having less children today than six years ago. Read
May 31, 2009
Costa Rica Increases Marketing Spending To Attract C&I Business
Costa Rica Tourism Board's global marketing budget increases to US$20 million this year. Costa Rica has increased its global marketing budget to promote the country as a C&I destination this year. Read
May 31, 2009
PAC Party Makes Political History Tomorrow
Tomorrow, Sunday, May 31, will be a historic day in the politics of Costa Rica, when the Partido Acción Ciudadana (PAC), created in 2000, will hold its first open convention to choose their candidate for the 2010 presidential elections. Read
May 30, 2009
Legislators Demand Caldera Highway Be Finished Before Charging Tolls
A group of legislators of the Partido Acción Ciudadana (PAC) and the Movimiento Libertario (ML) are demanding that the ministerio de Obras Publicas y Tranportes (MOPT) refrain from charging tolls on the new highway to Caldera, until the road is completely finished. Read
May 30, 2009
Costa Rica Offers Tax Incentives
The Costa Rican government is trying to lure overseas nationals into buying and developing property in Costa Rica by introducing various tax breaks and trade agreements, reports Overseas Property Professional. Read
May 30, 2009
TACA Offers Flights To North America For Only us$89
Want to fly from San Jose, Costa Rica to Miami, Florida for only us$89 dollars? TACA has this and other super special offer this weekend, with special pricing online for only two days. Read
May 30, 2009
Cellular Telephones With Connection Problems
If you don't hear your cellular phone ringing, don't rush to the doctor. If you friends and family complain that you never your cell phone or are avoiding their call, blame it all on the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE). Read
May 22, 2009
Costa Rica Technology Insight
(Costarican Chamber of Information and Communication Technologies) Its 6th edition will be held in June 3 - 4 during Costa Rica’s Services Summit, a business conference organized by Procomer and CAMTIC.
Read
May 22, 2009
Costa Rica May Follow US On Credit Card Interest Limits
(Inside Costa Rica) Following the lead of US president, Barack Obama, that signed into law limits on credit card fees and curbs contract changes, the Oficina de Apoyo al Consumidor in Costa Rica announced yesterday that a similar law could be a reality in Costa Rica. Read
May 21, 2009
Testing reveals 11 more H1N1 cases in Costa Rica
The number of confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in Costa Rica surged to 20 Tuesday, following a series of laboratory tests with newly arrived kits. Read
May 21, 2009
Costa Rica crude consumption drops 15.28 percent
The National Oil Refinery (RECOPE) recorded a 15.28 percent decrease in fuel consumption in the first four months of 2009 in comparison with the same period in 2008, according to a communiqué released this week. Read
May 21, 2009
Real Estate Investment in Health Centers Grows
(eMediaWire) In Costa Rica, there is a growing trend in the development of buildings designed to house health care facilities. Read
May 21, 2009
Costa Rica's economy to shrink 1.8 pct in 2009
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, May 21 (Reuters) - Costa Rica's economy will contract 1.8 percent in 2009, hit by the recession in its main trading partner the United States, the central bank said on Thursday. Read
May 21, 2009
Costa Rica clubs in dispute with national coach
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — Costa Rican clubs Herediano and Liberia may ignore national team coach Rodrigo Kenton's request to release players Monday ahead of a World Cup qualifier against the United States on June 3. Read
May 17, 2009
Costa Rica telecom monopoly slow to unravel
(The Tico Times)
The principal and only client of the recently created regulatory agency overseeing the opening of Costa Rica's telecommunications market finally agreed to turn over the fees had collected to keep the agency afloat, bringing to an end a battle that threatened to close the regulator. Read
May 17, 2009
Loss Of Power Forces Small Plane To Land On Circunvalación
Costa Rican drivers are accustomed to just about anything happening on the country's highways. But yesterday was a little different, when the pilot of a small airplane decided to use the Circunvalación to put down the aircraft. Read
May 17, 2009
COSTA RICA: A Day of Multi-Coloured Splendor for Gays
SAN JOSÉ, May 16 (IPS) - Government institutions and civil society organisations are holding talks, workshops and other activities aimed at raising awareness and overcoming intolerance, in preparation for the National Day Against Homophobia on Sunday in Costa Rica. Read
May 17, 2009
Costa Rican Trade Minister Tells Jamaicans Doors Are Wide Open
Costa Rica's Foreign Trade Minister, Marco Vinicio Ruiz, says has been able to weather the economic storm because it has a diverse economy, allowing it keep unemployment low. Read
May 10, 2009
Costa Rica rainy season dries up business
(The Tico Times)
Germán Viales grumbled something under his breath Tuesday afternoon as thunder warned him of the rain that would soon dampen his table of lottery tickets if he didn't move. Read
May 10, 2009
US Bans Shrimp From Costa Rica To Protect Sea Turtles
(Inside Costa Rica) The US Department of State's Bureau of Oceans, Environment, and Science imposed a trade embargo on all Costa Rican shrimp exports to the US, effective as of May 1. The embargo is due to Costa Rica’s failure to enforce its laws that require commercial shrimp fishers to protect sea turtles from capture and death in trawl nets by using Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs). Read
May 10, 2009
Flu virus surfaces in Costa Rica with no identified ties to Mexico
(The Tico Times) Two more likely cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus have been identified in Costa Rica, bringing the total probable cases to four. Read
May 03, 2009
Costa Rica Seizes More Than 1.5 Tons of Cocaine
SAN JOSE – Police confiscated more than 1,560 kilos (3,436 lbs) of cocaine found inside a truck in this capital and arrested a Colombian and a Costa Rican as suspects, Costa Rica’s Security Ministry said Friday. Read
April 28, 2009
First Phase Of The Caldera Highway To Be Inaugurated Next Week
After some 30 years in the making, the road to Caldera that will take minutes to travel between San José and the Pacific port, is finally taking shape and the first phase of the highway will be inaugurated by the current ministra de Transportes, Karla González. Read
April 28, 2009
PLN Candidates Still Ahead of PAC in Costa Rica
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Laura Chinchilla of the Partido Liberacion Nacional (PLN) remains ahead of her rivals in the early stages of Costa Rica’s presidential race, according to a poll by CID-Gallup. 36 per cent of respondents would support the former vice-president in the 2010 election. Read
April 28, 2009
Firestone opens new plant in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) The U.S. economy's loss is Costa Rica's gain. Read
April 27, 2009
Central America Battles Swine Flu
(Inside Costa Rica)
Managua - Nicaragua is adopting measures to prevent contagion with the swine fever outbreak affecting Mexico and the US that also reports human-to-human transmission. Read
April 25, 2009
New Mexico Guard Builds Relationship in Costa Rica
The New Mexico National Guard transported several Costa Rican dignitaries, including the vice minister of public security and the U.S. ambassador to Costa Rica, via UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter yesterday so they could observe the progress of exercise Fuerzas Aliadas Humanitarias 2009. Read
April 25, 2009
Goodbye/Hello Costa Rica: Blagojevich Out, Baldwin In
Stephen Baldwin, the youngest brother of notable actors, Alec, Daniel and William, has quite a career going these days. Unfortunately, it is as a D-level reality TV star rather than an actor. Read
April 25, 2009
Broke Farmers Ask Banks to Give Them a Break
Leaders from the agricultural sector, one of the sectors hit hardest by the financial crisis, are requesting that bankers improve the current credit application process, which they say is aggravating the woes of small farmers across the country. Read
April 19, 2009
Catholic Church Vs. Mel Gibson: Marriage Is For Life
(Fox News) Last Thursday Mel Gibson’s wife of over 28 years, Robyn Moore, filed for divorce in the Los Angeles Superior Court citing irreconcilable differences. Gibson is believed to be worth around $900 million and the couple did not have a prenuptial agreement. Robyn is seeking spousal support, joint custody of their child Tom (the only minor of their 7 children together) and attorney fees. Read
April 19, 2009
U.S. follows Costa Rica, El Salvador along bridge to Cuba
(The Tico Times) Making another stride toward improved U.S.-Cuba relations, President Barack Obama announced a series of changes to U.S. foreign policy that will ultimately lift travel restrictions for family members flying to the island and improve communication between residents. Read
April 19, 2009
IMF approves $735 mln standby loan for Costa Rica
WASHINGTON (AFP) — The International Monetary Fund said Monday it had approved a 735-million-dollar standby loan for Costa Rica to help it weather the global financial and economic crisis. Read
April 15, 2009
Costa Rica president set for Trinidad summit
(The Tico Times) The Costa Rican government has confirmed President Oscar Arias on Friday will attend the Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago, an event the government has been billing as the first opportunity for Arias to finally come face to face with U.S. President Barack Obama. Read
April 15, 2009
Sales of vacation homes fall during recession
(USA Today) Since Suzanne Wegerland put her vacation home in Costa Rica up for sale last summer, she has had plenty of visitors. Read
April 15, 2009
Costa Rica demand for fuel falling fast
(The Tico Times)
Costa Ricans are buying and burning considerably less fuel than last year, according to the nation's oil authority, which registered a 23 percent drop in demand last month from March 2008. Read
April 12, 2009
New Opportunities for Financing in Costa Rica
There is a new option for you to finance the purchase or construction of your home in Costa Rica, without the headaches of the past, and at significantly lower interest rates! Read
April 12, 2009
Thomas L. Friedman: Costa Rica sets a standard for sustainable growth
LIBERIA, Costa Rica — Sailing down Costa Rica's Tempisque River on an eco-tour, I watched a crocodile devour a brown bass with one gulp. It took only a few seconds. The croc's head emerged from the muddy waters near the bank with the foot-long fish writhing in its jaws. He crunched it a couple of times with razor-sharp teeth and then, with just the slightest flip of his snout, swallowed the fish whole. Never saw that before. Read
April 03, 2009
‘New Day’ for U.S. and Latin America
(The Tico Times) U.S. Vice President Joe Biden made few promises, but did seem to win some hearts and minds, during a much-watched, two-stop trip to Latin America that concluded in San José, March 30. Read
April 03, 2009
Gisele Bündchen, Tom Brady Enjoy Beach Time & BBQ Before Wedding
(People) Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen continued their low-key Costa Rican weekend wedding celebration by hitting the beach and enjoying a barbecue before their big day Saturday. Read
April 03, 2009
Costa Rica makes OECD's tax haven blacklist
(The Tico Times) The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) cited Costa Rica on Thursday among nations not cooperating with international tax norms, in a report requested by the Group of 20 developed and developing countries meeting this week in London. Read
April 03, 2009
Costa Rica Q1 inflation slows to 0.83 percent
(The Tico Times) The increasing price of basic goods nearly ground to a halt in March, rounding off Costa Rica's first-quarter inflation at just 0.83 percent, less than half the 2.25 percent price rise of the first three months of 2008. Read
April 03, 2009
Semana Santa Exodus Begins
(Inside Costa Rica) Semana Santa or Holy Week is a religious affair for many Costa Ricans, attending church and taking part in processions and religious activities. But, for many more Costa Ricans it is a time off work to head for the beaches, mountains and resorts around the country. Read
April 03, 2009
Victims Suffer Ordeal To Recover Their Stolen Vehicles From Judicial Lot
(Inside Costa Rica) Victims of vehicle theft say they feel victimized all over again when they try to recover their vehicles from the authorities, that are held at the Depósito Judicial de Vehículos en San Joaquín de Flores, in Heredia. Read
April 03, 2009
Thursday, Friday and Saturday Legal Holidays
(Inside Costa Rica) Although Semana Santa officially begins today, the only legal holidays are Good Thursday, Good Friday and this year Saturday, April 11, in celebration of Costa Rica's national hero, Juan Santamaría. Read
March 28, 2009
Vice President Joe Biden meets with leaders from South and Central America
(The Miami Herald) SAN JOSE, Costa Rica -- In what some analysts see as a nod by the Barack Obama administration to this small nation's tradition of stable democracy and moderate politics, Vice President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with Central American leaders at a two-day gathering here that begins Sunday. Read
March 28, 2009
UN expert urges Costa Rica to improve water safety
SAN JOSE, March 27 (Xinhua) -- A UN expert on Friday urged the Costa Rica government to take measures to improve water safety, saying the country is facing a great risk by the current management of waste water. Read
March 28, 2009
Jessica Umaña Crowned Miss Costa Rica 2009
(Inside Costa Rica) Jessica Umaña has been chosen as Miss Costa Rica 2009 and is now Costa Rica's ambassador of beauty. Jessica was crowned amid a spectacular show at the Nacional del Museo de los Niños auditorium in San Jose. Read
March 28, 2009
Arias Urges Mexican Businessmen To Invest in Costa Rica
(Inside Costa Rica)
On his second day of his official visit to Mexico, Costa Rican president, Oscar Arias, made a call to Mexican businessmen to take a look at what Costa Rica has to offer, to consider Costa Rica as part of their investments. Read
March 28, 2009
$15 Air Tax Replaces 3% Hotel Room Tax
(Inside Costa Rica) Visitors to Costa Rica who have already bought their airfare will have to pay the us$15 tourism tax in addition to the ticket, according to Ley 8694 - Fortalecimiento del Desarrollo de la Industria Turística Nacional, which was published yesterday (Friday) in La Gaceta. Read
March 28, 2009
Hotmail Blocks Racsa Emails
(Inside Costa Rica) Emails from any Radiográfica Costarricense S. A. (Racsa) account to hotmail did not get through to their destination this week, as Hotmail.com blocked all emails from a @racsa.co.cr email. Read
March 27, 2009
Semana Santa Cool To Tourism
(Inside Costa Rica) Semana Santa is not warning up at all, for hotel and resorts owners, that is. The current economic crisis is being blamed for the low interest of Ticos to head for the beaches and mountains, preferring to stay home for Semana Santa. Read
March 27, 2009
Santamaria Temporarily Closed For Biden Refueling Stop
(Inside Costa Rica) The Juan Santamaria (San Jose) international airport was temporarily shut down for about 20 minutes yesterday afternoon when Air Force Two touched down for a refueling stop. The airplane is enroute to Chile where US Vice-President, Joe Biden, will be making an official visit in that country. Read
March 27, 2009
Commando Group Steals 320Kg Of Confiscated Drugs in Golfito
(Inside Costa Rica) It was a the first time in the history of Costa Rica that in a commando style attack, a heavily armed and organized group, overtook two officers of the Fuerza Pública and took the 320 kilos of cocaine stored in the offices of the Fiscalía de Golfito in the Ministerio Public building of the area. Read
March 26, 2009
Costa Rica to say lights out for Earth Hour
(The Tico Times) On Saturday night, San José will be one of almost 2,500 cities worldwide turning off their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. for Earth Hour. Festivities begin at 7:30 p.m. in Plaza de la Democracia, featuring a concert by candlelight and acoustic performances throughout the night. Read
March 26, 2009
Biden Travels South
(Federal City Digest/Washington Post) Vice President Biden, taking Air Force Two for another workout, left Washington yesterday with his wife, Jill, for a short trip to Costa Rica and Chile. He will consult with Latin American leaders on the Summit of the Americas, scheduled for mid-April in Trinidad and Tobago. Read
March 18, 2009
Researchers spot giant sharks in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) Researchers with the ocean conservation organization PRETOMA were pulling in their fishing line when they realized they had caught a little more than they had bargained for: what is believed to be a bull shark measuring approximately four meters (13 feet) in length. Read
March 18, 2009
Pfizer expands in Costa Rica
While Pfizer Inc. is downsizing its worldwide work force, the company is expanding its presence in Costa Rica. Read
March 18, 2009
Another reason to visit Costa Rica - American tourists flock to Costa Rica for medical treatments.
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — Sitting in sweatpants and a sweatshirt in a room overlooking the city, 57-year-old Marsha Ervin seems relaxed, refreshed — perhaps even like a new woman. Her trip to Costa Rica has meant a break from work at her Caring Comfort clinic in Washougal, Wash., where she assists elderly people with dementia and other age-related diseases. Read
March 14, 2009
The Complete Guide To: Costa Rica
(The Independent) The name means 'rich coast', and this stretch of Central America is just that, with hot springs and cloud forest, jungle and volcanoes. Andy Szczuka reveals a wealth of holiday options Read
March 14, 2009
Electric Cars in Costa Rica
(Inside Costa Rica) One company, Electric Cars of Costa Rica has launched the first 100% electric car for use in Costa Rica, which completely eliminates gas emissions and a trip to the gasoline station. Read
March 14, 2009
What Crisis? Car Shows Expect To Attract Thousands
(Inside Costa Rica) If Costa Rica is in an economic crisis it was not seen at the annual car show, ExpoMovil 2009, that began yesterday and will run all week, on the fair grounds west of the Plaza Real Cariari. Read
March 13, 2009
100.000 Visitors Expected For "Medical Tourism"
(Inside Costa Rica) Medical tourism in Costa Rica is a growing trend as more and more foreigners come to the country for a medical procedure offered by private hospitals. Americans are the majority of "medical tourist". Read
March 12, 2009
"Joe" Biden To Visit Costa Rica Later This Month
(Inside Costa Rica) Joseph Robinette Biden Jr or Joe Biden as he is more commonly known, vice president of the United States, will be making his first official visit to Costa Rica on March 29. Read
March 12, 2009
Earthquake Sends Southern Zone Into Panic, No Major Damage
(Inside Costa Rica)
The first earthquake was felt at 11:24am, then another again at 3:04pm, sending the resident of the Southern Zone in panic as flashes of what happened in Cinchona on January 8 could now be happening to them. Read
March 07, 2009
Costa Rica's Minister Resigns Amid Reports of Illegal Mining Concession
SAN JOSE (Latin American Herald Tribune) – Costa Rica’s minister of the environment, energy and telecommunications, Roberto Dobles, has resigned amid reports he illegally granted a mining concession in late 2006 to a company owned by his relatives. Read
March 06, 2009
HSBC Begins Selling Quick Pass For San Jose -Caldera Highway
(Inside Costa Rica) Travelling on the autopista Próspero Fernández between Escazú and Santa Ana and to Caldera will go high tech as the Ministerio Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT) announced a new electronic pay toll system that will be in place once the expansion of the highway is complete in May. Read
March 06, 2009
China to Strengthen Friendly Ties with Costa Rica
(Inside Costa Rica) China is willing to continuously push forward its friendly relations with Costa Rica, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) said Thursday. Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with Costa Rican President Oscar Arias. Read
March 06, 2009
Nicaragua Claims Full Sovereignty Over San Juan River
(Inside Costa Rica) Earlier this week Costa Rica made its oral presentations before the justices of the International Court of Justice (World Court) at the Hague over the dispute with Nicaragua over the navigational rights of the San Juan river. Yesterday, it was Nicaragua's turn to present its arguments. Read
March 06, 2009
Corruption Trial May Derails Calderón's Presidential Aspirations
(Inside Costa Rica) Former president Rafael Angel Calderón is not hiding the fact that he aspires to become elected once again president and has been making visits throughout the country looking for votes. There is one little problem, however, his corruption trial is moving at a slow pace. Read
March 06, 2009
2.500 Jobs Up For Grabs At Expoempleo This Weekend
(Inside Costa Rica) Some 48 companies looking to fill some 2.500 jobs will be taking part in Expoempleo that kicks off today at the Ramada Plaza Herradura hotel. Read
March 06, 2009
Two Nicoya Bridges Are Seeing Improvements
(InfoWebPress) – The Ministry of Transportation and Public Infrastructure (MOPT) announced that it will invest close to $1.1 billion colones (around $2 million) to fix four bridges in various parts of the country, as part of an ongoing program to improve road infrastructure by the ministry’s Public Works Division. Read
March 05, 2009
Costa Rica Leads Tourism in Region and Latin America
(Inside Costa Rica)
Switzerland, Austria and Germany have the most attractive environments for developing the travel and tourism industry, according to the third annual Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report, published by the World Economic Forum. Costa Rica ranked 42nd, the highest ranking of any Latin American country in the report. Read
March 04, 2009
Costa Rica inflation continues to slow in February
(The Tico Times) Prices of basic goods and services during January and February combined rose by 0.82 percent, slowing by 1.85 percent from the same period last year, according to the National Statistics and Census Institute (INEC). Read
February 25, 2009
Costa Rica Economy May Slow to Standstill, Arias Says
(Inside Costa Rica) Costa Rica’s economy may slow to a standstill this year as foreign direct investment drops “severely” and demand for exports wanes, Costa Rican president Oscar Arias says. Read
February 25, 2009
Costa Rica and France team up against climate change
(The Tico Times)
France's Chief Negotiator for Climate Change, Brice Lalonde, is in Costa Rica this week discussing ways France and Costa Rica can cooperate in the fight against climate change. Read
February 25, 2009
Costa Rica’s Bid to Join Chavez Alliance Delayed by Oil Slump
(Bloomberg) -- Costa Rica’s bid to join Venezuela’s Petrocaribe alliance, which provides subsidized oil to Central American and Caribbean countries, has been delayed by the plunge in crude prices, Costa Rican President Oscar Arias said. Read
February 25, 2009
Costa Rican Real Estate: Stable Long Term Prospects
The property news coming out of Costa Rica is by no means a cause for celebration but it is not all gloomy either. Costa Rica still remains among the most popular second home destinations for U.S. citizens. The country has successfully branded itself as a premiere eco-tourism destination and the tourism sector is expected to continue growing. Low cost of living and property taxes still attract adventurous retirees who are looking for cheaper options without too many compromises. Read
February 25, 2009
How is Costa Rica's economy weathering the global downturn? What investments are safe st amid this tumultuous financial climate?
Chat with financial consulting firm Aldesa’s strategy manager, Eric Vargas. Read
February 24, 2009
Costa Rican Lawmakers Approve $500 Million IDB Electricity Loan
(Bloomberg) -- Costa Rican lawmakers last night approved a plan to borrow $500 million from the Inter-American Development Bank to invest in the electrical grid and spur economic growth, said Francisco Antonio Pacheco, president of the legislative assembly. Read
February 24, 2009
Costa Rica Seeks China, EU Trade Pacts by May 2010, Ruiz Says
(Bloomberg) -- Costa Rican Trade Minister Marco Vinicio Ruiz said the Central American country is seeking to reach free trade accords with China, Singapore and the European Union as part of a strategy to diversify markets and lessen the effects of the global financial crisis. Read
February 23, 2009
Costa Rica exports take hard hit in January
(The Tico Times) Costa Rican exporters sustained a considerable blow from the global economic crisis in January, grossing only $600.6 million, 19 percent below the January 2008 total, the Foreign Trade Ministry (COMEX) reported. Read
February 23, 2009
Costa Rica's UPEACE to offer new M.A. in sustainable development
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica's University for Peace announced a new master's program designed as an MBA for sustainable development professionals. Read
February 20, 2009
US Company Starting Up Operations in Costa Rica
(Inside Costa Rica) While some foreign companies in Costa Rica like Sylvania and Merck Sharp & Dome, are scaling down their operations here, others like Arcus is setting up shop, who yesterday announce the opening of a Near-Shore Solutions Centre in San José. Read
February 20, 2009
Costa Rica cuts $13.4 million from public university spending
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica's public universities were outraged to learn the government plans to cut higher education spending by ¢7.5 billion ($13.4 million). Read
February 18, 2009
Wind Project Tender Draws 3 Offers
Three offers were submitted to Eólico Valle Central (EVCSA) to install a 15.3MW wind farm in Costa Rica. The bidders were Sinohydro, Consorcio Eólico Valle Central JBM and Consorcio Eduinter-TSK, the official said. Read
February 18, 2009
New monitoring stations detect 'silent earthquakes' in Costa Rica
CHICAGO, IL--After installing an extensive network of monitoring stations in Costa Rica, researchers have detected slow slip events (also known as "silent earthquakes") along a major fault zone beneath the Nicoya Peninsula. These findings are helping scientists understand the full spectrum of motions occurring on the fault and may yield new insights into the events that lead to major earthquakes. Read
February 18, 2009
Costa Rica’s Arias Gains Confidence
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The past few months have seen an increase in the popularity of Costa Rican president Óscar Arias, according to a poll by Unimer published in La Nación. 49 per cent of respondents say Arias has done a good or very good job as head of state, up 20 points since September. Read
February 18, 2009
Dole gives consumers direct line to Costa Rica
(The Grocer) - An interactive sticker system is being introduced by fresh produce supplier Dole to help reassure consumers over its banana sourcing policies. Read
February 17, 2009
Costa Rica closes pricey embassies
(The Tico Times)
As the global financial crisis squeezes state finances, President Oscar Arias' administration has decided to close three foreign embassies and two consulates. Read
February 17, 2009
China buys US$150m of Costa Rican bonds
(AFP) SAN JOSE: China bought a second batch of bonds of Costa Rica's internal debt for US$150 million, signalling a new rapprochement between the two countries, the Finance Ministry said Monday. Read
February 17, 2009
Centam Coffee-Price slide hits Costa Rica coffee producers
SAN VITO DE COTO BRUS, Costa Rica, Feb 17 (Reuters) - A surprise drop in coffee prices late last year has left some Costa Rican coffee millers in the lurch, forcing them to sell the crop below cost and raising fears of shutdowns if prices fall further. Read
February 17, 2009
Costa Rica gets rest of $300 mln loan from China
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Costa Rica has the rest of a low interest loan granted to the country by China in return for the Central American nation's move to break diplomatic ties with Taiwan and recognize Beijing in 2007. Read
February 16, 2009
Costa Rica's Central Bank figure indicate economy in recession
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica's economy slowed for the third consecutive quarter, according to recently released Central Bank figures, in a downturn economists say means the country has entered a recession. Read
February 14, 2009
San José - Santa Ana Highway To Be Ready By May. Let's Hope.
(Inside Costa Rica) Getting from La Sabana to Escazu can take up to 20 minutes and 40 minutes to Santa Ana on the autopista Próspero Fernández, as traffic through the area has totally collapsed due to the construction of the new San José - Caldera highway. Read
February 14, 2009
Heavy Trucks Off The Highways This Weekend
(Inside Costa Rica) Early this morning (Saturday) the Policía de Tránsito, under the direction of Germán Marín, began an intensive operation on the nation's roads for a safe return home for vacationers and a safe back to school on Monday. Read
February 14, 2009
Costa Rica Closes 3 Embassies, 2 Consular Offices In Cost Cutting Plan
(Inside Costa Rica) Costa Rica has decided to close three embassies around the world and two consulates in the US, as part of the Arias government cost cutting measures. The Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (Foreign Ministry) announced yesterday that it would be closing embassies in Bolivia, Czech Republic and Paraguay, in addition to its consular offices in Chicago and Puerto Rico. Read
February 14, 2009
Price Of Crude Drops While Gasoline Prices Keeps Going Up In Costa Rica
(Inside Costa Rica) Although the price of crude oil sat at a low us$35.10 dollars a barrel, yesterday, the Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (Aresep) is considering the latest request by the state refinery to increase - yes, you read it right - increase the price of gasoline. Read
February 13, 2009
Actor Seagal wants to bring Hollywood to Costa Rica
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Action movie star Steven Seagal told Costa Rican President Oscar Arias on Wednesday he wants to help the Central American country build a filmmaking industry to put its dramatic landscapes to use. Read
February 13, 2009
Right name, wrong place
The glossy brochure in the travel agent's window does not always tell the whole story. But how can holiday plans go so hideously wrong that people end up in the wrong country, or even the wrong continent? Read
February 13, 2009
Actor Seagal eyes up Costa Rica
(BBC News) Action movie star Steven Seagal has told Costa Rica's president that the country should be developed as a centre for making films. Read
February 13, 2009
Costa Rica, Singapore set to negotiate free trade agreement
SAN JOSE (AFP) Costa Rica and Singapore will begin negotiating a free trade agreement on April 20, the foreign trade ministry announced on Thursday. Read
February 12, 2009
World Bank offers Costa Rica $500 million
(The Tico Times) Costa Ricans could have access to $500 million of standby credit during the present economic crisis. Read
February 11, 2009
More companies close doors in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) Faucet distributor Helvex became one of the latest companies to downsize in Costa Rica after it closed its plant in southeastern San José last week, leaving 20 employees out of work. Read
February 10, 2009
NGO builds prefab houses for Costa Rica earthquake victims
(The Tico Times) About 100 volunteers with the non-governmental organization Un Techo para mi País (A Roof for my Country) built 15 temporary homes this past weekend for families left homeless after the Jan. 8 earthquake. Read
February 10, 2009
Costa Rican Website is Launched for the German Community
The recently launched website follows in the informative format focusing on all travel related issues regarding the Central American country of Costa Rica. Read
February 10, 2009
Chinese vice president in Mexico to boost trade
MEXICO CITY (AFP) — Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping began a visit to Mexico, meeting with President Felipe Calderon and business leaders in a bid to boost trade between the two nations. Read
February 08, 2009
China Donates 200 Patrol Cars To Costa Rica
(Inside Costa Rica) The latest gnerosity by the government of China towards Costa Rica is the donation of 200 patrol cars to the Fuerza Pública (police), which will be deployed mainly in San Jose and Limón. Read
February 07, 2009
In Costa Rica you'll have just enough comfort - but no end of creatures
(NY Daily News) Who knew the green movement could actually save you some green? Those who travel to Costa Rica, yearning to get back in touch with nature and revel in everything sustainable, have great deals awaiting them. Read
February 07, 2009
Recession Hits Costa Rica
(Costa Rica Pages) Remember that pizza guy who zoomed through the pouring rain at 10 p.m. last month to deliver you a fresh steaming hot pizza? He is currently unemployed, along with 129 other Domino’s Pizza employees in Costa Rica. I bet you wished you tipped better now. The job losses don’t end there, and while the government is calling for solidarity and support from the people and private businesses, they are also working on short term law reforms to offer a hand to those in need. Read
February 07, 2009
Crisis hits Costa Rica, but will it go further?
(editorsweblog.org) The media crisis has apparently hit Costa Rica - and as we have seen so often recently, Twitter had the latest news first. Grupo Naciòn, who is behind several publications in the country, last week announced plans to up to cut 100 jobs at its daily La Naciòn, and to stop printing its recently launched college based newspaper Vuelta en U, leaving just the website. Read
February 07, 2009
Costa Rica Growth Down, Poverty Up
San Jose, Feb 7 (Prensa Latina) Facing growing tensions over price hikes Costa Ricans learned that the economic growth of their country will fall below the 2.2 percent planned. Read
February 04, 2009
Costa Rica mortgage bank chief ousted after thousand-dollar feast
(The Tico Times) The government forced Ennio Rodríguez to step down Thursday from his post as director of the state National Housing Mortgage Bank (BANHVI) after learning Rodríguez used bank funds to pay for a ¢660,000 ($1,140) lunch. Read
February 02, 2009
Environmentalists try greening Centam sugar
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Environmental groups are working to set up labeling programs to certify green-friendly sugar in a bid to cut the pollution caused by this major cash crop. Read
January 30, 2009
Costa Rica to hold haute cuisine cook-off
(The Tico Times) Tico chefs will start polishing up their chops for “Maestro culinario,” a gourmet cooking contest, which organizers officially launched Wednesday. Read
January 30, 2009
Grupo Nación, Merck downsizing workforces in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) Two prominent companies in Costa Rica, publisher Grupo Nación and pharmaceutical company Merck Sharp & Dohme, announced department cutbacks and layoffs this week. Read
January 29, 2009
Costa Rica earthquake aftermath: return to normalcy slow and painful
(Los Angeles Times) Tourists have gotten out of Costa Rica safely but residents and business owners are still reeling in the aftermath of the 6.2-magnitude earthquake that shook the Central American nation Jan. 8, killing at least 23 people and destroying more than 400 homes. Read
January 29, 2009
Costa Rica traffic law sees 1st big bump in the road
(The Tico Times) A woman arrested with a blood-alcohol level three times the legal limit is temporarily off the hook after a judge suspended all reckless driving trials until discrepancies between the newly passed Traffic Law and the country's Penal Code can be resolved. Read
January 29, 2009
Euro café buyers sniffing around Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) With pen and paper in hand and an abundance of cameras in tow, a group of coffee connoisseurs, mostly from Europe, have been making their way through Costa Rica this week. Read
January 29, 2009
With 7 million new trees, Costa Rica's breathing easier
(The Tico Times)
Seven million trees were planted in Costa Rica last year, and both the government and residents plan to do the same this year. Read
January 22, 2009
Costa Rica Sees Slower Economic Growth in 2009
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Costa Rica's economy is expected to grow 2.2 percent this year, slower than in 2008, but inflation is likely to ease, the central bank said on Thursday. Read
January 22, 2009
Costa Rica's Poás Volcano National Park Reopens after Quake
(The Tico Times) Poás Volcano National Park, Costa Rica's most-visited national park, reopened to the public Tuesday for the first time since the devastating Jan. 8 earthquake struck just 10 kilometers east of the volcano. Read
January 22, 2009
Costa Rica Backs Ecuador in EU Banana Battle
(The Tico Times)
Costa Rica is supporting Ecuador's latest move in the World Trade Organization to challenge the European Union's refusal to lower tariffs on banana imports from this region, trade officials said Wednesday. Read
January 20, 2009
Costa Rica Reacts to Change of Power in the U.S.
(Costa Rica Pages)
All eyes were on Washington today for the swearing in of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. That was no exception here in Costa Rica as several expat groups gathered to watch the ceremony together in Grecia, Heredia, Escazu and other locations. Read
January 19, 2009
Costa Rica Gears up for 2010 Elections
(The Tico Times) In a crucial precursor to the 2010 national elections, the two biggest political parties elected local leaders this weekend. Read
January 19, 2009
Western Union Opens Account for U.S. Donations to Costa Rica Quake Victims
(The Tico Times) Western Union has set up a no-fee money transfer service for donations from the United States to the Costa Rican Red Cross to help victims of the Jan. 8 earthquake, which killed at least 23 people and left more than 2,000 others homeless, Western Union and the Red Cross announced Friday. Read
January 19, 2009
Costa Rican Babies to Be Vaccinated against Meningitis and Pneumonia
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica's socialized heath system is now offering vaccines to protect children against the bacteria that cause pneumonia, meningitis, sinusitis, middle-ear infections and other illnesses. Read
January 19, 2009
Costa Rica expects 30 percent less in investments
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — A Costa Rican official says direct foreign investment in the Central American country is expected to fall by 30 percent in 2009 because of the global economic crisis. Read
January 19, 2009
China and Costa Rica Begin Free Trade Talks
SAN JOSE (AFP) — China and Costa Rica on Monday began talks for a free trade treaty under which the Central American nation hopes to export meat, plants, fruit and coffee to the Asian giant, officials said. Read
January 19, 2009
Costa Rica Calls Off Search for Earthquake Victims
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (Reuters) - Costa Rican authorities called off their search on Monday for victims of landslides from an deadly earthquake 11 days ago. Read
January 19, 2009
Costa Rica Accepts Palestinian Ambassador
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica formally accepted a Palestinian ambassador Monday, nearly a year after forging diplomatic ties with what Costa Rica calls the “State of Palestine.” Read
January 14, 2009
Obama Raises Costa Rican Hopes of Renegotiating CAFTA
(The Huffington Post) The change promised by the incoming Obama administration has raised hopes not just in the United States but throughout the world. In Latin America, the winds of change have been blowing for several years with electoral victories by progressive candidates across South America. Read
January 13, 2009
Several Earthquakes Jolt C America
SAN JOSE, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Several earthquakes of medium intensity rocked different countries of Central America Tuesday, according to information reaching here. Read
January 10, 2009
Red Cross Revises Death Toll in Costa Rica Quake
(AFP) The Costa Rican Red Cross has lowered its death toll from 14 to four from Thursday's magnitude 6.1 earthquake, the strongest to shake the country in the last 150 years. Read
January 10, 2009
Decades Old Dream Becomes Reality This Week With The Opening Of The San José - Caldera Highway
This coming week will be a dream come true for many Costa Ricans, a dream that has taken more than 30 years and many administrations to make a reality. We are talking about the San José - Caldera route, a road of decades in the making, that officially opens on Wednesday, January 27. Read
January 09, 2009
Costa Rica Earthquake Rescuers Try to Help Thousands
Jan. 9 (Bloomberg) -- Rescue workers are trying to get help to thousands of people left stranded or homeless by a magnitude- 6.1 earthquake that struck Costa Rica yesterday. At least 15 people were killed and another 250 people were rescued, the National Emergency Commission said. Read
January 09, 2009
Costa Rica Earthquake Leaves Residents and Tourists on Edge
(Los Angeles Times) Residents and tourists remain on edge in Costa Rica, a day after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake shook most of the Central American nation. This morning, the Red Cross confirmed that five people died after an initial count of 14 dead; almost two dozen are missing, according to the Associated Press. Read
January 09, 2009
Death Toll Rises to 9 from Costa Rica Quake
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — Helicopters plucked tourists from destroyed, mountaintop resorts as the death toll from Costa Rica's magnitude-6.1 earthquake rose to at least 9 victims, the Red Cross said Friday. Read
January 09, 2009
Sobering Stats on Costa Rica Unemployment Released
(Costa Rica Pages) If there was any doubt before, recently released information reporting 15,000 lost jobs in Costa Rica during the month of December 2008 seems to prove that the world economic crisis has indeed hit this Central American nation. The report was released by the Costa Rican Union of Private Business Chambers and Associations (Uccaep), while the Labor Ministry said that 5,000 Costa Ricans presented themselves in January of this year to ask about their severance pay. The ministry said an average of 250 recently unemployed Costa Ricans arrived daily. Read
January 09, 2009
Unimer poll: Costa Rica president approval rating rebounds
(The Tico Times) A Unimer Research International poll found that President Oscar Arias has come back into favor among more Costa Ricans in January, with a 49 percent public approval rating, up from 29 percent in an earlier poll in August. Read
January 08, 2009
Country Jolted by Major Quake
(AM Costa Rica) (2:05 p.m.) A 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit north of the Central Valley this afternoon at 1:21 p.m. and set streets and buildings in motion. There were injuries. Read
January 08, 2009
Cloudy Real Estate Market not Seen as a Fire Sale
(AM Costa Rica) Those in the business are quick to say the Costa Rican real estate markets to emphasize that there are no universal truths to the current economy. Read
January 08, 2009
Strong Earthquake Hits Costa Rica
(BBC News) A strong earthquake has struck Costa Rica, the US Geological Survey has said. Read
January 08, 2009
Strong Quake Hits Costa Rica but No Injuries Reported
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (Reuters) - A strong earthquake struck Costa Rica on Thursday, shaking buildings and causing minor structural damage in the capital, but there were no initial reports of casualties. The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude 6.1 quake occurred some 20 miles (32 km) from San Jose at a depth of 21.7 miles (35 km). The USGS initially estimated the magnitude at 6.2. Read
January 07, 2009
Latin America Dominates Top 10 Ethical Travel Destinations
(Los Angeles Times - Blogs) OK, so the holidays have only just ended, but if you're planning your next break to give yourself something to look forward to, perhaps you should consider Latin America -- especially if you want a holiday that won't damage anything but your wallet. Read
January 07, 2009
Costa Rica's 2008 Inflation Hits 13.9 Percent
(The Tico Times)
Costa Rica ended 2008 with an inflation rate of 13.9 percent, significantly more than 2007's 10.81 percent inflation, the National Statistics and Census Institute (INEC) reports. Read
January 06, 2009
Costa Rica Criticizes Israel, Hamas
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica has joined calls for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, where Israeli tanks, troops and bombs have killed about 550 people since Israel began attacking the area 10 days ago. Read
January 05, 2009
Costa Rica Beefs Up Border with Nicaragua After Holidays
(The Tico Times)
Costa Rican police arrested a man Saturday allegedly trying to bring 40 Nicaraguans into this country illegally to work in sugar cane fields in the northwestern province of Guanacaste, the Public Security Ministry said. Read
January 05, 2009
Costa Rica Serves Copa del Café Tennis Tourney
(The Tico Times)
Darling of U.S. tennis courts, Denis Kudla is set to take a swing at Costa Rica's Copa del Café, which opens today at 6:45 p.m. at the Costa Rica Country Club in the western San José suburb of Escazú. Read
January 04, 2009
The Advantages of Owning Real Estate through a Costa Rica Corporation
(Potterworldonline.com) The process of purchasing Costa Rica real estate is not excessively sophisticated, yet it might require some time from you, often longer than what you have anticipated. This is the reason why those who want to own real estate in this country choose to do it in a manner that is collateral, i.e. through a Costa Rica company. It is a profitable manner of managing the purchase and the subsequent operations related to the proprietorship of the corresponding Costa Rican share of real estate, also guaranteeing the legality of your ownership. A Costa Rica company that owns real estate enjoys several rights from which a single individual could not benefit. Read
January 04, 2009
Why Go to Costa Rica for Medical Care?
(TreatmentAbroad.net) US and Costa Rican medical tourism agency Health Choices International has developed answers to perennial questions they are asked by potential customers. Read
January 04, 2009
Heavy Rains Isolate 6 Costa Rica Towns
SAN JOSE (Latin America Herald Tribune) -- Roads washed out. The heavy rains that began falling late last week have caused flooding, left six towns isolated and damaged at least 150 dwellings in rural areas in northern Costa Rica near the border with Nicaragua, a National Emergency Management Commission, or CNE, spokesman said. Read
January 03, 2009
Tribu Saatchi & Saatchi Named Agency of the Year
Santa Ana, Costa Rica, January 03, 2009 --(PR.com)-- At the recent Volcán Centroamericano Festival, Tribu Saatchi & Saatchi was named the 2008 Agency of the Year by the Association of Advertising Agencies of Costa Rica, ASCAP. Read
December 31, 2008
Driver Files First Appeal Against Costa Rica's New Traffic Law
(The Tico Times) Motorists have begun to sweat in the high beams of Costa Rica's recently approved traffic law, which consists of harsher punishments for anything from failing to buckle up to driving under the influence. Read
December 30, 2008
Costa Rica Opens 28th National Park
San Jose, Costa Rica (The Earth Times) - The Costa Rican government has declared the Los Quetzales region the country's 28th National Park. The 4,000 hectares of reserve were first created in 2005 in one of the rainiest parts of the Central American country, 122 kilometres from the capital San Jose. Read
December 30, 2008
Costa Rican Free Trade Agreement Enters Into Force
United States Trade Representative (USTR) Susan C. Schwab made a statement on December 23 regarding the entry into force of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) for Costa Rica. Read
December 26, 2008
Costa Rica to See Electricity Bill Rise 15 Percent
(The Tico Times)
The Public Services Regulatory Authority, ARESEP, approved a 15 percent raise in electricity rates that would take effect in January. Read
December 26, 2008
Cima and Bíblica Hospitals Would Be Neighbors in Guanacaste
(El Financiero) He promised to give more details in January, but Bernal Aragón, general director of the Clínica Bíblica Hospital, confirmed the hospital center’s interest in building a new branch in Guanacaste. Read
December 26, 2008
Country is After Wealthy, Educated and Environment-friendly Tourists
(El Financiero) The fishing line is ready to be thrown out to the sea of international tourism and for the hook to attract a total of 14.2 million of Americans who are willing to travel to Costa Rica. Read
December 25, 2008
Costa Rica Second Most Globalized Country in Latin America
(Inside Costa Rica) Most Latin American countries increased their roles in the world economy through trade, foreign investment, Internet penetration and other measures in 2007, according to a new report released by Miami-based Latin Business Chronicle. Read
December 24, 2008
Tourism Board Puts Positive Spin on 2008
(The Tico Times)
The Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) is painting 2008 as a good year, despite job losses and a downturn in visitation during the last quarter. Read
December 23, 2008
Bush Clears Way for Costa Rica to Join CAFTA
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush cleared the way on Tuesday for Costa Rica to formally join a regional free trade agreement between the United States, the Dominican Republic and four other Central American countries. Read
December 19, 2008
Costa Rica Tops Old Record for Tourist Arrivals in 2008
The Biedron family from New Jersey received a grand welcome to Costa Rica this Wednesday, Dec. 17, as they were chosen to represent the arrival of the 2 millionth tourist to Costa Rica. Mark and Gretchen Biedron, who will be traveling in the country with their five children aged 8 thru 20 for two weeks, were met by Minister of Tourism Carlos Benavides and a large group of press and interested onlookers. Read
December 18, 2008
Marina Papagayo opens in Costa Rica
(SuperYachtTimes.com) The new full-service, five-star Marina Papagayo was a thriving hub of nautical activity and excitement as mega-yachts began gliding into the docks at Costa Rica’s finest luxury marina on the Pacific coast during its official opening Monday, Dec. 15. Read
December 18, 2008
Costa Rica Gold Mine Threatens Rare Bird and River Water Supply
(Latin American Herald Tribune) CCT warns that open-pit mine will endanger the great green macaw as well as the San Juan River, which forms the country's border with Nicaragua. Read
December 18, 2008
Costa Rica Remains a Top Choice for Travelers Wanting to Escape the Winter and Get the Most for Their Money
(ICT) With Options Ranging from Extreme Sports, the Best in Green Travel and One of the Most Biodiverse Places on Earth, Costa Rica is Sure to Deliver More Than Their Dollar’s Worth Read
December 18, 2008
Costa Rica Creates Ministry for Public Relations
(The Tico Times) President Oscar Arias is creating a new ministerial post to manage public relations for his administration, as a weakening economy threatens to erode his popularity. Read
December 17, 2008
Costa Rica Promotes Greener Air Travel
SAN JOSÉ, Dec 17 (IPS) - Costa Rica is hoping for a big jump in its Clean Trips (Viajes Limpios) programme, which allows air passengers to offset the climate-changing gas emissions from their airplane flights by paying for activities that preserve the country's forests.
By mid-November, 617 people (210 Costa Ricans and 407 foreigners) had compensated for the carbon emissions generated by their airplane travel. The initiative has been in place for just over a year. Read
December 13, 2008
JetBlue to fly to Costa Rica
(USA Today) JetBlue announced plans Wednesday to begin service to Costa Rica, a route that would be the carrier's first to Central America. Starting March 26, JetBlue will begin flying one daily round-trip flight between Orlando and the Costa Rican capital of San Jose. The airline will use its 100-seat Embraer E190 jets on the route and will offer connecting service to San Jose from 14 cities, including New York, Bostonroute and will offer connecting service to San Jose from 14 cities, including New York, Boston, Washington and Austin. Read
December 13, 2008
IMF Will Grant Credit to Costa Rica If Needed
(The Tico Times) In a visit to Costa Rica yesterday, International Monetary Fund director Dominique Strauss-Kahn said the fund would grant as much credit to Costa Rica as the country needs to weather a global financial crisis. Read
December 13, 2008
New Front Could Cool Costa Rica
(The Tico Times)
Another cold front could hit Costa Rica this weekend, bringing cooler temperatures, high winds and some rain, but nothing like the kind that recently devastated the Caribbean region, according to meteorologist Estefania Jiménez. Read
December 10, 2008
French Regatta Picks Costa Rica for Finish Line
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica is set to be the ligne d'arrivée for the Transat Jacques Vabre 2009, France's world-class boat race that launches next November. Read
December 08, 2008
Flirt with Change in Cell Phones and Internet
(El Financiero) Seven out of ten Costa Rican users are flirting with the idea of changing to one of the new operators that will enter the market with the opening up of telecommunications. Read
December 04, 2008
Costa Rica Can Weather Economic Storm, Says Former Finance Chief
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica is in a good position to weather the global recession that many believe will last well into next year, says noted economist and former Finance Minister Fernando Naranjo. Read
December 04, 2008
Developers Protest Coastal Closures in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) Developers angered over the closure of construction projects for alleged environmental violations planned to block the coastal highway today on the southern Pacific coast. Read
December 03, 2008
Costa Rica Poker Site Caught Bluffing
(The Tico Times)
An online gambling site that operates out of a shopping mall in Costa Rica has been embroiled in a cheating scandal, according to an investigation by the daily Washington Post and the TV program, 60 Minutes. Read
December 03, 2008
Costa Rica Intelligence Chief Resigns Over Scandal
(The Tico Times) The highest-ranking intelligence officer in the Arias administration resigned yesterday over a scandal involving bank frauds worth $380,000. Read
December 02, 2008
Costa Rica Celebrates Farewell to Arms
(The Tico Times)
Sixty years after abolishing its military, Costa Rica is promoting an ideology abroad that defense spending should instead fund social programs. B ut the country is not doing enough at home to keep the peace, according to Karen Olsen de Figueres, second wife of the man who famously disbanded Costa Rica's armed forces in 1948, President José “Pepe” Figueres. Read
December 02, 2008
New Rules Limit Costa Rican Offshore Bank Operations
(Costa Rica Pages) The Superintendent General of Finances (SUGEF) intends to pass a bill on December 18th highly limiting the operation of offshore banks in Costa rica. Such banks are considered to be foreign owned banks existing in Costa Rica that license their banking to a Costa Rican organization. Until now, these banks enjoyed a large amount of freedom in setting their own interest rates and were not obligated to pay a large tax to the Banco Central de Costa Rica, as national banks are. Read
December 02, 2008
Costa Rica, Singapore Start Trade Talks
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — Costa Rican President Oscar Arias is in Singapore to start talks on a bilateral free trade agreement. Read
December 02, 2008
Ten Dead, Thousands Hit as Rains Lash Panama, Costa Rica
GENEVA (AFP) — Over 36,000 people have been affected by heavy rains and severe floods in Panama and Costa Rica since late November, the International Red Cross said Tuesday as it launched an appeal for aid funds. Read
December 01, 2008
Costa Rica Residents Return to Their Homes as Rains Subside
(The Tico Times)
Over 4,600 people returned to their homes this week, while another 1,400 remained in shelters as the flooding and torrential rains subsided in Costa Rica's Caribbean areas. Read
December 01, 2008
U.S. Dollar Devalues in Costa Rica as Year-end Payments Kick in and Oil Prices Decline
(EFE) Year-end expenses incurred by businesses and the fall in the price of raw materials, including oil caused the U.S. dollar's value against the colón to drop to its lowest value in over four months. Read
November 28, 2008
Costa Rica Wary of Trade With China
SAN JOSE (EFE) -- Costa Rica's manufacturers are asking to be excluded from the free trade treaty the Central American country plans to negotiate with China in a process set to begin in January. Read
November 27, 2008
SME Banking Makes a Slow Start: System’s financing sources are incomplete
(El Financiero) The Development Banking System (SBD) will go into effect at the beginning of December, although much of the apparatus is incomplete and will stay that way for at least six months. Read
November 27, 2008
The Map That Changed the Country: The Costa Rica Digital Atlas project detected 30 changes in our coastline
(El Financiero) It is very likely that the map of Costa Rica your children study with and the one you store in the glove compartment of your car are out of date. The national seaboard has undergone significant changes and the country is not the same as it was 40 years ago. Read
November 27, 2008
Unemployment Threatens Agriculture, Tourism and Construction: Crisis projects a grim picture for 2009
Agriculture, construction and tourism, all pillars of the country’s economic development, are the most vulnerable sectors to unemployment in 2009. Read
November 27, 2008
Investments on the Backburner: Businesses claim a lack of credit and poor financial conditions
(El Financiero) Humberto Chacón was planning on producing biodegradable labels this year, but the money shortage forced him to put his plan on the backburner indefinitely. Read
November 25, 2008
Caribbean Flooding Claims First Victim in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times)
A lingering storm on the Caribbean side of the country has indirectly claimed its first victim, a man in the town of Siquirres. Read
November 22, 2008
Where to Start the Hunt for Real Estate in Costa Rica
(Costa Rica Pages) If you are on the hunt for a new property in Costa Rica, deciding where to begin may seem overwhelming. Of course the best thing to do is see it all, but we understand that your time is valuable. A smart shopper will take into consideration a number of factors such as social and business opportunities, services such as shopping and healthcare, and finally the weather before jumping head first into the Costa Rica real estate purchase process. The following are our recommendations on where to start and what to consider. Read
November 21, 2008
Costa Rica Puts $15 Tax on Plane Tickets
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (The Associated Press) —Tourists flying into Costa Rica will soon have to pay a new $15 tax. Read
November 20, 2008
Costa Rica Tourist 2,000,000 to be Treated Like a King
(Costa Rica Pages) This December will see, for the first time in history, the two millionth foreign visitor to reach the shores (or international airports) of Costa Rica in any single year. Projected growth in tourism activity predicts that Costa Rica will close the year with 2.1 million visitors. Read
November 19, 2008
Panama Quake Felt in San José
(Inside Costa Rica)
An earthquake of 6.2 magnitude and depth of 25 kilometres struck Panama near the Costa Rican border 11 minutes after midnight Wednesday morning, that it was felt in most parts of Costa Rica including San José. Read
November 19, 2008
6.2 Quake Strikes Costa Rica, Panama Frontier
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — A 6.2 earthquake has struck overnight on the frontier between Panama and Costa Rica, shaking people in their beds but causing no damage or injuries. Read
November 17, 2008
Plácido Joins Latina Opera Divas and Mariachis in First Costa Rica Show
(The Tico Times) Plácido Domingo said Wednesday "the voice is like the most jealous woman in the world – treat her badly and you'll end it." On Friday night, the tenor gave his first ever concert in Costa Rica, at the Ricardo Saprissa Stadium in Tibás, and not for one moment did he betray the lady. Read
November 17, 2008
Costa Rica: Beijing's New Best Friend
How abandoning Taiwan brings you not only a shiny new sports ground but also a presidential visit
(guardian.co.uk) What do you get for renouncing Taiwan and embracing Beijing instead? If you take Costa Rica as a guide, it wins you not only a shiny new national sports stadium but also a visit from Hu Jintao. Read
November 17, 2008
Costa Rica Benefits from Switching Ties to China-Hu
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (Reuters) - Chinese President Hu Jintao said Monday that Costa Rica is benefiting from a closer relationship with Beijing after the Central American country cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan last year. Read
November 17, 2008
China, Costa Rica to Launch Trade Talks
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — China and Costa Rica will launch free trade talks in January and hope to seal a deal by 2010, Chinese President Hu Jintao said Monday during his first visit to a Central American country. Read
November 17, 2008
Ending 4-Year Battle, Costa Rica Approves CAFTA
Opposition lawmakers have stalled its implementation, but finally cleared the final hurdle
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) Costa Rica is finally ready to join the Central American Free Trade Agreement. Read
November 16, 2008
Meet the Competition
SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA (The Herald Tribune) - Shielded from the equatorial sun beneath an umbrella, Jim and Carol Lynch reflect on their unusual decision to move from the small town of Fayetteville, Tenn., to a suburb of this Costa Rican capital.
Read
November 16, 2008
China's Hu Expected to Launch Free Trade Talks in Costa Rica Read
November 14, 2008
Rich Collection of Costa Rican Flora Hits the Web
SAN JOSE (AFP) — Costa Rica's National Herbarium announced Thursday it had launched a website with information on 95 percent of the country's plant species -- some 220,000 specimens. Read
November 14, 2008
Protesters Blocking Princess Cruise Ship from Docking in Costa Rica
(USA Today) - The Coral Princess this week was blocked from calling in Costa Rica for a third time by fishermen protesting new regulations. Read
November 14, 2008
Hu Visit Marks China's Growing Interest in Latin America
SAN JOSE (AFP) — Chinese President Hu Jintao begins a Latin America tour on Monday, taking in Costa Rica, Cuba and Peru, as China tightens economic ties and the region hopes for help in tougher times.
Read
November 13, 2008
Costa Rica Telecom Gives Prepaid Cell Phones a Trial Run
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica's state telecommunications company has launched a pilot plan for the long-awaited prepaid cell phone program that will ultimately be extended to non-residents, the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) said. Read
November 13, 2008
Costa Rica Passes Final Bill Needed for CAFTA
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica has cleared the last hurdle to joining the Central American Free-Trade Agreement with the United States (CAFTA). Read
November 13, 2008
Betancourt's Ex-husband is the New French Envoy to Costa Rica
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (The Associated Press) - The ex-husband of former guerrilla-held hostage Ingrid Betancourt is France's new ambassador to Costa Rica. Read
November 12, 2008
Costa Rica Remembers Armistice Day
(The Tico Times) War veteran and Costa Rica are not often mentioned in the same conversation. Read
November 11, 2008
E-mail May Compromise Witness ID in Costa Rica Murder Case
(The Tico Times) A widely circulated e-mail may have compromised a critical part of the prosecution's case against two suspects in the murder of a White House Casino dealer. Read
November 11, 2008
Costa Rica Min: Ready to Begin China Free-Trade Talks
SAN JOSE (AFP)--Costa Rica is prepared to negotiate a free trade deal with China next year, the foreign trade minister said here Monday ahead of a visit by Chinese President Hu Jintao next week. Read
November 11, 2008
Ending 4-Year Battle, Costa Rica Approves CAFTA
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — Costa Rica is finally ready to join the Central American Free Trade Agreement. Read
November 10, 2008
Stallone to Shoot "The Expendables" in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) Sylvester Stallone is bringing his next action project, "The Expendables," to Costa Rica, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Read
November 08, 2008
ENVIRONMENT: Costa Rica at a Crossroads
SAN JOSÉ, Nov 8 (IPS) - The Crucitas open-pit gold mining project in northern Costa Rica could become an environmental cross to bear for the government of Óscar Arias. Read
November 07, 2008
Costa Rica Lawmakers Pass New Property Tax
(The Tico Times) Owners of properties worth more than about $182,000 will soon pay a new graduated tax, the first major fiscal reform since President Oscar Arias took office in May 2006. Read
November 07, 2008
EVCSA Relaunches Bidding for Valle Central Wind Project
(Inside Costa Rica) Eólico Valle Central (EVCSA) has issued a new call for bids to install the 15.3MW, US$38.3mn wind farm in Costa Rica, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (Cabei) announced. Read
November 06, 2008
Costa Rica Celebrates Historic U.S. Election
(The Tico Times)
Tico leaders from across the political spectrum cheered Democratic candidate Barack Obama's victory yesterday after he became the first black president-elect of the United States. Read
November 06, 2008
Banco Cuscatlán and Uno Complete Merger with Citi in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) Citibank finalized its fusion with Banco Cuscatlán and Banco Uno in Costa Rica this week, and the two absorbed banks will now operate under the name Citi. Read
October 31, 2008
95,000 More Poor People in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) Poverty and unemployment increased in 2008, as the economy slowed and incomes failed to keep up with inflation. Read
October 31, 2008
Costa Rica Casino Dealer Killed, Two Others Wounded
(The Tico Times) Two gunmen shot and killed a woman this week execution-style and critically injured her sister and another woman after the assailants kidnapped the three, all dealers at the White House Hotel's casino. Read
October 31, 2008
Costa Rica Supreme Court Approves Final CAFTA Bill
(Costa Rica Pages) It has been a long and sometimes difficult road, but it appears that Costa Rica has finally complied with all CAFTA requirements. Amid citizen dissension and political stalling tactics, many worried that CAFTA’s provisions were unconstitutional and that the agreement could not and should not be signed into law. Read
October 30, 2008
Human Rights Body Hears Costa Rica In Vitro Case
(The Tico Times) An international commission based in Washington, D.C. held a public hearing yesterday on whether Costa Rica's restrictions on in vitro fertilization violate human rights. Read
October 30, 2008
Costa Rica President Urges Next U.S. Leader to up Latin American Aid
(The Tico Times/EFE) President Oscar Arias is hoping whoever wins the Nov. 4 U.S. presidential election will pay greater attention, and provide bigger aid packages, to Latin America. Read
October 30, 2008
Costa Rica Luxury Home Tax to Eradicate Shantytowns
(Costa Rica Pages) Legislators have approved taxes on luxury homes, and the money will supposedly help to eradicate shantytowns. How much money these taxes will generate is still unknown and the current estimates vary greatly. Houses valued at about $200,000 or more will be the targets of the new tax, however taxes on the land on which they are built are excluded in this scheme. Read
October 29, 2008
Costa Rica Optimistic in the Face of Hardship
(The Tico Times) Ticos are more satisfied with life than people in any other Latin American country, according to a report released yesterday by the apolitical group State of the Nation. Read
October 29, 2008
Miss Hawaiian Tropic Searches for its Star in Costa Rica
(Inside Costa Rica) Beautiful Ticas (Costa Rican girls) have once again the opportunity to showcase themselves and represent the country in one of the most important beauty pageants - the Miss Hawaiian Tropic. Read
October 29, 2008
Credit Crisis Crunches Costa Rica Construction
(Property Wire) The U.S. credit crisis continues to slam real estate investment abroad. Several developments in Costa Rica face delays and possible cancellation as funding dries up and the tourist industry anticipates fewer travelers in months to come. For more information, read the following article from PropertyWire. Read
October 26, 2008
Support To Legalize The "Morning After Pill"
(Inside Costa Rica) A group of legislators from different parties and the ministra de Salud, María Luisa Ávila, are looking to legalize the distribution of the "morning after" pill in Costa Rica. Read
October 26, 2008
Align Technology to Cut 111 Jobs in California
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Associated Press) - Align Technology Inc., which makes Invisalign, a clear device used to align teeth without using braces, said Thursday it will cut 111 full-time positions in Santa Clara and consolidate many functions in Costa Rica. Read
October 22, 2008
Costa Rica President Investigated for Abuse of Authority
SAN JOSE (AFP) — The Costa Rica attorney general's office said Tuesday it has opened an investigation into President Oscar Arias and Environment Minister Roberto Dobles for abuse of authority over a gold mining exploitation they claim to be of "national interest." Read
October 22, 2008
Costa Rica Power Monopoly Plans Blackouts for 2009
(Costa Rica Pages) Lights Out. Summer 2009 Could Mean Lights Out for Parts of Costa Rica. It is hard for me to understand how anyone could support monopolies or even think of them to be anything but big bullies. I grew up in a city where they were considered The Bad Guy - the local power and gas monopoly was hated by all for its unfair and unregulated prices, and was eventually eliminated in my teens - and consumers reveled in their right to choose service providers. Read
October 22, 2008
Ready for a Woman President in 2010?
SAN JOSÉ, Oct 22 (IPS) - The announcement that former Costa Rican Vice President Laura Chinchilla will seek election to the presidency in 2010 indicates that the country "has matured and is ready" to have a woman as head of state, according to some analysts. Read
October 22, 2008
Costa Rica President: Struck by Cupid’s Arrow
(Costa Rica Pages) For the first time in more than a year of separation, Costa Rica’s president Óscar Arias and business woman Geovanna Mendiola were at last seen together again last night. The Head of State went to a Russian Choir concert of the Sretensky monastery in the Teatro Nacional (National Theatre) with the Public Relations professional on his arm. Although open rumors had been circulating that a reunion was in the making, this is the first time the couple has made a public appearance since the break up. Read
October 21, 2008
Costa Rica Hosts Latin American Film Fest
(The Tico Times) Residents this week and next have the opportunity to see movies made south of the Rio Grande after the Fourth Latin American Film Festival kicked off yesterday. Read
October 21, 2008
Chile's Bachelet to visit Costa Rica Next Week
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica has set a date to host Chilean President Michelle Bachelet on her first official visit here, the Foreign Ministry said yesterday. Read
October 20, 2008
Court Whittles Domestic Violence Law in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) The Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court (Sala IV) late last week rescinded two articles of Costa Rica's Law to Penalize Violence Against Women, ruling them unconstitutional, citing vagueness in the wording of both. Read
October 20, 2008
401K got you down? Look south for some remedies.
(Boomerscape.com) The news is grim. Our presidential candidates have been saying it without exaggeration: “The greatest financial crisis in America since the great depression.” 401K plans have plummeted, and housing values have failed to recover. These are indeed very frightening times, and our leaders in Washington and Wall Street can provide no greater reassurance than our next door neighbors. Read
October 19, 2008
16 Dead, Thousands Evacuated as Rains Lash Central America
SAN JOSE (AFP) - Heavy rains have left at least 16 people dead and six missing and forced about 100,000 from their homes across Central America, authorities said Saturday. Read
October 17, 2008
Costa Rica to Lead Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, Oct 17, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Costa Rica, the leader and pioneer of sustainable tourism, has been chosen to head the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Executive Council starting this year. The UNWTO met in Madrid in October 14 -- 15 and appointed Carlos Ricardo Benavides, Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica, to lead the Executive Council of this international organization. Read
October 17, 2008
Costa Rica, 500 Dollars Short of Reclaiming Pre-Columbian Art
SAN JOSE (AFP) — The price of a translation is keeping the Costa Rican government from retrieving a collection of pre-Columbian objects it claims were stolen by a private collector now living in Germany. Read
October 17, 2008
Cars May Be Trapped Under Massive Landslide in N.W. Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) Several vehicles were believed to have been trapped yesterday under a massive landslide on Costa Rica's Inter-American Highway near the exit for Chomes, Puntarenas, which is near the turn-off for the popular north-central mountain reserve of Monteverde, the Red Cross said. Read
October 17, 2008
Costa Rica Opens New Panama Trade Office Ahead of Free-Trade Accord
(EFE) Costa Rica has opened a foreign trade office in Panama, marking a new chapter of commerce between the two nations that awaits the signature of President Oscar Arias. Read
October 16, 2008
Costa Rica’s 2008 Rainfall Already Record-Breaking
(Costa Rica Pages) The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) reports that Costa Rica’s 2008 rainfall is set to make the record books, accumulating more annual rainfall than it has seen in more than 60 years. An analysis of rainfall between January and October shows that 2,100 millimeters (82.7 inches) have fallen in San José city this year, compared to a historical average of 1,800 millimeters (70.8 inches). As expected, soaked and soggy residents Living in Costa Rica are not surprised. Read
October 16, 2008
ICE’s Rate Hike Demand Not Well Received in Costa Rica
(Costa Rica Pages) Fernando Herrero, Costa Rica’s General Regulator (regulador general), has publicly voiced concern and disgust over the Costa Rican Electricity Institute’s (ICE) very public pressures to raise electricity rates by an average of 46 percent. After ICE called a press conference to demand the rate hike, Herrero sent an official letter to ICE’s Board of Directors, explaining his thoughts on the matter. Read
October 16, 2008
Costa Rica Court Rejects Washed Lottery Ticket
SAN JOSE (AFP) — A Costa Rican who mistakenly washed a winning lottery ticket worth 112,000 dollars lost a court appeal to obtain the prize, a report said Wednesday. Read
October 15, 2008
AOL founder Steve Case’s project in Costa Rica delayed until 2010
The financial problems in the United States are taking a toll on Costa Rica. Several well-publicized projects have been put on hold, including Cacique, an ambitious $800 million development on the northern Pacific Coast spearheaded by AOL founder Steve Case. Read
October 15, 2008
Man Disappears in Flood on Costa Rica's Pacific Side
(The Tico Times) One person remained missing yesterday along Costa Rica's central Pacific coast after torrential rains and flooding swamped the area Sunday night. Read
October 14, 2008
WeLoveCostaRica.com Announces New 124 Tips & Traps Report on Living and Retiring in Costa Rica
(WeLoveCostaRica.com) Author of How To Buy Costa Rica Real Estate and Costa Rica's Guide To Making Money Offshore Scott Oliver confirms that while investors around the world have watched their real estate portfolios plummet in value, prices for quality Costa Rica real estate remain stable and profitable, and more Canadians than ever are downloading their free copy of the eighteen page 124 Tips & Traps Report on Living and Retirement in Costa Rica available only at WeLoveCostaRica.com Read
October 09, 2008
Big Companies on Prowl for Bilingual Workers in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times)
About 15 high-powered companies say they're looking to hire 2,000 English-speaking employees at a bilingual job fair that begins today and ends Saturday in San José. Read
October 09, 2008
Construction Saturates the Santa Ana-Belen Corridor
(La Nacion)
The Santa Ana-Belen corridor, also known as the Lindora “Platinum” Mile, is becoming saturated with shopping malls, office buildings and restaurants. Several projects are awaiting the issuance of construction permits, while others are expanding. Read
October 09, 2008
Santa Ana-Belen Corridor to be Expanded to Seven Lanes
(La Nacion)
The two-lane road, which connects Santa Ana with Río Segundo de Alajuela, is to be expanded to six lanes (three in each direction) plus a turning lane in the middle to enable access to local businesses. According to William Matamoros, Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Public Transportation in charge of awarding concessions for public works, this will boost traffic in the area by 60%, and simultaneously free up a road that is currently considered impassable during rush hours. Read
October 07, 2008
Costa Rica hopes to have its ‘Latin American Idol’
(Infocom) — Massive support by Costa Ricans, and many others throughout Latin American, via text-message voting have catapulted local singer Maria Jose Castillo to the finals of the reality show “Latin American Idol,” produced by Sony Entertainment Television — and modeled after the hugely popular American Idol program in the United States. Read
October 07, 2008
Stocks close higher in Panama, lower in Costa Rica, flat in El Salvador
PANAMA CITY (PNA/Xinhua)— Three Central America's major stock markets ended mixed on Monday, with higher in Panama, lower in Costa Rica, and flat in El Salvador. Read
October 07, 2008
Hilton to increase its Central/Latin American portfolio
Hilton Hotels Corporation has announced expansion plans to quadruple its presence in the Caribbean and Latin America by adding 150 new hotels to the portfolio over the next five years. Read
October 07, 2008
Many Costa Rica Citizens Unemployed or Underpaid
(Costa Rica Pages) Though the Costa Rica job market may appear to be strong — high levels of education and English fluency have attracted many international companies and nearshore outsourcing opportunities — the reality is that many Costa Ricans are either unemployed or underpaid. Even worse, many of the struggling workers are young, typically under 25, who have recently graduated from long and arduous 5 or 6-year degrees. Read
October 06, 2008
Costa Rica Nabs Another Alleged Fraudster Wanted by FBI
(The Tico Times) Police in the central Pacific town of Manuel Antonio last week arrested a U.S. citizen wanted for theft by the FBI. Read
October 06, 2008
Costa Rica Inflation Surge Worst in 10 years
(The Tico Times) Prices surged 15.77 percent over the past 12 months, the highest year-over-year increase since 1998, according to a report by the Statistics and Census Institute (INEC). Read
October 04, 2008
Costa Rica: Fly for $27
(Canwest News Service) NatureAir, a Costa Rican airline, is offering tickets to anywhere it flies in Costa Rica for just $27. Read
October 04, 2008
UK: Meg Munn visits Costa Rica and Mexico
(Isria.Info) Foreign Office Minister, Meg Munn, travelled to Costa Rica and Mexico for discussions on a range of subjects including climate change and human rights. Read
October 03, 2008
Costa Rica's Annual Inflation Hits 10 Year High
(Inside Costa Rica)
Costa Rica's accumulated inflation between September 2007 and September 2008 reached 15.77%, the highest year-on-year figure for the last 10 years, the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos (INEC) - National Institute of Statistics and Census -said on Thursday. Read
October 02, 2008
BlackBerry Bursts into Costa Rica Market
(The Tico Times)
The Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) and Canadian company Research In Motion (RIM) have announced an agreement to introduce BlackBerry handheld wireless service in Costa Rica. Read
October 02, 2008
Costa Rica Consumer Confidence Keeps Falling
(The Tico Times)
The dropping value of the colón versus the U.S. dollar, mixed with rising prices, has driven consumer confidence down in recent months, according to a quarterly study by GfK The Marketing Group, a German multinational research firm. Read
October 01, 2008
Costa Rica Gets Extension on CAFTA
(The Tico Times)
Costa Rica has three more months to pass legislation required to enter the Central American Free-Trade Agreement with the United States (CAFTA). Read
October 01, 2008
100 Seek Shelter in Churches Amid Peak Rainy Season in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) A hundred Costa Ricans fled their drenched homes for refuge in dry shelters after heavy rains earlier this week and amid forecasts for more precipitation as the peak rainy season heads into its second month, the National Emergency Commission (CNE) said yesterday. Read
October 01, 2008
Costa Rican VP Chinchilla Expected to Resign
(VOA News) Reports from Costa Rica say Vice President and Justice Minister Laura Chinchilla is expected to resign in the coming weeks to seek the presidency in 2010 as a candidate of the National Liberation Party, or PLN. Read
September 30, 2008
Guanacaste Pro Golf Tournament Now Called Costa Rica Golf Classic
(Infocom) — Less than three months away from having the best professional golfers in the Tour de las Americas (TLA) and the Canadian Tour come to Guanacaste to take part in the high-caliber tournament that will put Costa Rica back on the world golf map, local tournament organizers announced that the tournament’s official name has changed to Costa Rica Golf Classic. Read
September 30, 2008
Investors sought for ‘Costa Rica Forever’ conservation initiative
(Infocom) — During the recent visit by Costa Rican President Oscar Arias to the United Nations in New York, Mark Linden, of the Linden Trust for Conservation, invited the pro-environment leader to share with investors seeking to support initiatives for preserving nature. Read
September 30, 2008
U.S. Economic Crisis Affects Costa Rica Investments
(Costa Rica Pages) It’s the new shot heard round the world: when the U.S. Congress rejected the proposed $700 billion Wall Street bailout, aftershocks were felt in every country around the globe. Read
September 29, 2008
Chinatown to Hit Costa Rica
(Costa Rica Pages) Over the past year China and Costa Rica have been enjoying excellent relations following Costa Rica establishing diplomatic ties with Beijing in the place of its former partner Taiwan. Read
September 29, 2008
For Costa Rican President Venezuelan Cooperation Prevails Over US Aid
(El Universal/Politics) Óscar Arias, the president of Costa Rica, said on Monday that Venezuelan cooperation to Latin America is "four or five times" higher than the United States' and defended his decision to apply for membership in Venezuela's Petrocaribe initiative. Read
September 26, 2008
Finance Minister Zúñiga to Run for Costa Rican President
(The Tico Times) Finance Minister Guillermo Zúñiga has said he will run for president in 2010, joining a crowded field of aspirants from the National Liberation Party (PLN). Read
September 26, 2008
Costa Rica Most Democratic Latin American Nation
(Costa Rica Pages)
The annual Latin American Index of Democratic Development has found that Costa Rica holds its number one spot for democratic nations. The private study collaborated with Polilat.com and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation to conduct its research, and results were released yesterday, September 25, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Read
September 26, 2008
Chinese Foreign Minister Meets Costa Rican Counterpart on Ties
NEW YORK, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met here Friday with his Costa Rican counterpart, Bruno Stagno Ugarte, to discuss relations between their two countries on the sidelines of the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly. Read
September 25, 2008
Costa Rica President Attends Free-Trade Summit with Bush
(The Tico Times) President Oscar Arias attended a forum on free trade yesterday with U.S. President George Bush, weeks after a Supreme Court decision threatened Costa Rica's entry into the Central American Free-Trade Agreement (CAFTA). Read
September 25, 2008
US and Central America Grants Costa Rica TLC Extension
(Inside Costa Rica) The United States extended the October 1, 2008, deadline for Costa Rica to ratify the Tratado de Libre Comercio (TLC) - free trade agreement with the US - to November 6, 2008. A US delegation is expected to visit Costa Rica on September 30 to inspect the approval process. Read
September 25, 2008
Costa Rica’s María José Could be Next Latin American Idol
(Costa Rica Pages) Latin American Idol, modeled after Pop Idol and American Idol, has taken Latin America by storm. Its third and current season has welcomed the talent of twelve sweet-voiced finalists, including María José Castillo, the contest’s first Costa Rican finalist who has held on to the round of four singers. Read
September 19, 2008
Costa Rica Immigration Does Some Housecleaning
(The Tico Times) Immigration Director Mario Zamora has filed police reports against 24 of his own officials. Read
September 19, 2008
Costa Rica Insurance Monopoly Seeks to Calm Nerves After AIG Rescue
(The Tico Times)
Costa Rica's state insurance monopoly sought yesterday to calm clients worried about the fate of insurance giant American International Group (AIG), which reinsures 22 policies here and narrowly avoided bankruptcy this week. Read
September 19, 2008
Second Cocaine Sub Fished Out by U.S.
(MSNBC.com) - Another 7 tons fished out, together they had street value near $400 million Read
September 19, 2008
IHG Unveils New Club InterContinental Tower at the Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower Costa Rica
MIAMI, Sep 19, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- IHG (LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)), the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, today announced the unveiling of the new Club InterContinental Tower at the Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower Costa Rica. The eight-story tower features 98 guestrooms, a 16,000-square-foot spa, an oversized club lounge, all accessed by a private lobby and reception area with private port-cochere. Read
September 19, 2008
Arias’ PLN Is First in Costa Rica
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The governing National Liberation Party (PLN) is the most popular political organization in Costa Rica, according to a poll by Unimer published in La Nación. 25 per cent of respondents would vote for the party of current president Óscar Arias in the next legislative election. Read
September 18, 2008
Bill Would Cut Costa Rica Hotel Tax, Add $15 to Airfare
(The Tico Times) Frugal travelers might be happy to hear that the 3 percent hotel tax in Costa Rica could soon be a thing of the past. Read
September 18, 2008
Escazu and Santa Ana to Have a New Alternate Access
(cratravel.com)Escazu is a widely popular town west of downtown San Jose. It is home to the largest number of expatriates in Costa Rica as well as the most flourishing and modern district in the region. A little further west is also the town of Santa Ana which has also attracted a number of expatriates and large multinational business firms. Read
September 17, 2008
U.S.-Costa Rica Team Up to Bring Health Care to Indigenous Tribe
(The Tico Times)
The U.S. Army and the Costa Rican Social Security System, also known as La Caja, are teaming up to provide health care to isolated indigenous people. Read
September 17, 2008
Costa Rica President's Approval Plummets 21 Points
(The Tico Times) The morning after President Oscar Arias gave an Independence Day address that seemed more a resignation speech at times, a new Unimer poll suggests a remarkable number of voters may wish it had been just that – a farewell from Arias. Read
September 17, 2008
US Navy Seizes Cocaine-laden Sub Off Costa Rica
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — A Costa Rican official says U.S. authorities have intercepted a submarine-like vessel packed with tons of cocaine. Read
September 16, 2008
Costa Rica Seeks More Time – Again – on CAFTA
(The Tico Times)
For the second time, Costa Rica is seeking to extend its deadline for entering the Central American Free-Trade Agreement with the United States (CAFTA). Read
September 16, 2008
Costa Rica President ‘Tired' on Independence Day
(The Tico Times/EFE) Costa Rican school children marched to their own drumbeat throughout Costa Rica yesterday as the country joined other Central American countries in marking 187 years since the colonists broke away from Spain. Read
September 16, 2008
World Bank approves Disaster Funding for Costa Rica
WASHINGTON, Sept 16 (Reuters) - The World Bank on Tuesday pre-approved $65 million in funding for Costa Rica, which the government will be able to access in the event of a natural disaster. Read
September 15, 2008
Costa Rica Celebrates 187 Years of Independence Today
(Inside Costa Rica)
Costa Rican president, Óscar Arias Sánchez, believes that the independence that is being celebrated today is an incomplete victory due to the many social problems affecting the country today. Read
September 13, 2008
Brit Scientists Seek Rare Frogs in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) What makes a herpetologist hoot for joy in the humid night high in the cloud forest of Monteverde? Read
September 12, 2008
China Buying Costa Rica Bonds Over Taiwan Ties
BEIJING, Sept 12 (Reuters) - China is secretly spending $300 million of its currency reserves to buy Costa Rica government bonds to reward the central American country for cutting diplomatic ties with Taiwan, the Financial Times reported on Friday. Read
September 12, 2008
Costa Rica Top Court Blocks US Trade Pact Approval
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (International Herald Tribune): Costa Rica's highest court on Thursday overturned an intellectual property law demanded by the U.S. prior to the enactment of the Central American Free Trade Agreement. Read
September 12, 2008
Condo Project Seems to Have a Mystery Source of Water
(AM Costa Rica) After weeks of problems, suspicions, people falling ill and allegations of illegalities, the national water company still does not know where the water at Avalon Country Club in Santa Ana comes from, said a representative from the company Tuesday. Read
September 12, 2008
Cash Helped China Win Costa Rica’s Recognition
(The New York Times) As part of an incentive package to persuade Costa Rica to shift its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China last year, China used the muscle of its enormous foreign exchange reserves, agreeing to buy $300 million of Costa Rican bonds, documents released in Costa Rica this week revealed. Read
September 11, 2008
Court Rejection Puts U.S. Free Trade Treaty in Peril
(AM Costa Rica) The Sala IV constitutional court has found legal flaws in the last piece of legislation designed to implement the free trade treaty with the United States. Read
September 10, 2008
Hail Yesterday, More Rain Today as Costa Rica Rainy Season Peaks
(The Tico Times) Meteorologists forecast more downpours this afternoon as Costa Rica heads into the wettest part of its rainy season, September and October. Read
September 10, 2008
USA, Mexico, Costa Rica continue march toward South Africa football WC 2010
CHICAGO (AFP) — The United States, Mexico and Costa Rica remained unbeaten in the semi-final phase of regional World Cup qualifying Wednesday, continuing their march toward South Africa 2010. Read
September 09, 2008
Any Port in a Storm? Maybe Not in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) Costa Rican customs officials have sent foreign seafarers packing this hurricane season, denying the three-month temporary import permit extensions that used to make the country's Pacific Coast one of the best storm refuges in the world. Read
September 09, 2008
Ramadan Off to Quiet Start in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica's sparse but diverse Muslim community has begun its second week of observing Ramadan, the solemn month of fasting by day and feasting at sundown. Read
September 09, 2008
Foreigners Come to Costa Rica for Better Prices
(Costa Rica Pages) It’s a well-known fact that Costa Rica is a popular vacation spot, but the small country is also a favorite for real estate investments, medical tourism, and even high-tech needs. In fact, CNBC and ABC have called it “the hottest country” on the planet for these services, a title that simply explains a very complicated phenomenon. Read
September 09, 2008
Costa Rica: No Mercy for Haiti in World Cup Play
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (The Associated Press): Costa Rica coach Rodrigo Kenton doesn't want his team to show any mercy against Haiti in a World Cup qualifier to be played in the storm-battered country. Read
September 08, 2008
Water Authority Reveals Popular Costa Rica Beaches in Bad Shape
(The Tico Times) Some of the Pacific coast's most popular beaches are dangerously polluted with sewage runoff, according to a broad study revealed Friday by the National Water and Sewer Institute (AyA). Read
September 05, 2008
Costa Rica Rivers Overflow with Hanna Rain
(The Tico Times) With heavy rains falling over the last few days, the National Emergency Commission declared red and yellow alerts in parts of the country. Read
September 04, 2008
World Bank Approves $258 Mln Lending for Costa Rica
WASHINGTON, Sept 4 (Reuters) - The World Bank on Thursday approved a new three-year $258 million lending program for Costa Rica to help improve education, telecoms reform, infrastructure development and tackle climate change.
Read
September 03, 2008
Costa Rica Inflation Soars Above Govt Target
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (Reuters) - Costa Rica's inflation rate rose to 15.4 percent in the last 12 months through August, the government statistics agency said on Tuesday, driven by a rise in global food and fuel prices. Read
September 03, 2008
Costa Rica Coffee Exports Up 6.7%
(Inside Costa Rica) Costa Rican coffee exports in August, the 11th month of the 2007-08 crop cycle, rose 6.7% to 92,633 (60-kilogram) bags, the Costa Rica Coffee Institute, or Icafe, said Tuesday. Read
September 02, 2008
Hearings Start Against Costa Rica's ex-President Rodríguez
(The Tico Times/EFE) Preliminary court hearings began yesterday against Miguel Angel Rodríguez, Costa Rican president from 1998 to 2002, in an alleged corruption scandal involving French cell phone company Alcatel and national telecom monopoly the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE). Read
September 02, 2008
Costa Rica's 2009 Budget Beefs Up Social Spending
(The Tico Times) Government spending on education, health care and the environment would all increase next year in the proposed 2009 budget that Finance Minister Guillermo Zúñiga handed over to the Legislative Assembly yesterday. Read
September 01, 2008
Social Groups to Protest Tomorrow for the Independence of the Courts From the Executive Branch
(Inside Costa Rica) Dozens of organizations of the Movimiento Social (Social Movement) will be convening on Tuesday in front of the Poder Judicial de Costa Rica, in downtown San José, to demand the magistrates of the Corte Plena (Full Court) its independence from the powers of the State and reject its alliance with the Poder Ejecutivo (Executive branch of the government). Read
September 01, 2008
New Stadium in Costa Rica Faces Logistical Problems
(Costa Rica Pages) The new national stadium that will be constructed in La Sabana park in San Jose will have the capacity to receive 35,175 spectators. The parking however is only large enough for 400 cars. The difference is so huge, it is almost unthinkable; originally an underground parking was planned, but at a cost of $10 million per floor, the plan was soon dropped. Read
September 01, 2008
‘Operation Success’ Comes to Costa Rica to Boost Education
(Infocom) — With the OK and support of the Ministry of Public Education (MEP), which declared it a “Program of Educational Interest, and economic support from the Costa Rica-USA Foundation, “Operation Success” (Operacion Exito) — a program that employs the Internet as a learning tool —was launched in Costa Rica last Aug. 26. Read
September 01, 2008
CR Businesses Promote Ties with California
(Infocom) — Costa Rica and the state of California, one the richest in the United States, are in negotiations to establish closer commercial ties thanks to a visit made in late August by Costa Rican Foreign Trade Minister Marco Vinicio Ruiz and the general manager of the Costa Rican Foreign Trade (PROCOMER), Emmanuel Hess. There, they were in contact with various organizations to explore possible alliances that would facilitate business dealings with Costa Rican companies. Read
September 01, 2008
Costa Rica Could Feel ‘Indirect' Effects from Hanna
(The Tico Times) As Costa Rican emergency officials dropped the Yellow Alert they had raised last week for Hurricane Gustav, weather analysts here suggested residents carry big umbrellas this week for the side-effects of the next hurricane of the season, Hanna. Read
August 30, 2008
Nicaraguan Passes Himself Off for 35 Years as Costa Rican to Collect Pension
(Inside Costa Rica) It wasn't that Carlos Pavón Ruiz, who lived in Costa Rica for 35 years under a false identity, was ashamed of being a Nicaraguan, he assumed the identity of Miguel Reyes Abarca, a Costa Rican who had been taken from Costa Rica to Nicaragua as a child and never came back, to collect social security. Read
August 28, 2008
Costa Rica's ‘El Camino' Wins Top Latin American Film Award in Chile
(The Tico Times) “El Camino” (The Road), a film by Costa Rican writer, director and producer Ishtar Yasin, has won the award for Best Latin American Film at the SANFIC festival in Santiago, Chile, adding another trophy to Yasin's now cluttered mantelpiece. Read
August 27, 2008
Costa Rica Trade Deficit Doubles
(The Tico Times) Costa Rican exports slowed through July, lifting the trade deficit to $3.3 billion – nearly twice the trade deficit during the same period last year. Read
August 27, 2008
Costa Rica Catches Russian Wanted on Fraud Charges
(The Tico Times) A specialized unit of the National Police in Costa Rica arrested a Russian fugitive wanted since 1997. Read
August 25, 2008
Space Booster? Costa Rican Coffee Could Be Outta This World
(The Tico Times)
Astronauts and space tourists may soon enjoy Costa Rican-style coffee while in orbit thanks to a recent invention that works without gravity and uses natural convection to heat water. Read
August 25, 2008
Clock Ticks on Free Trade Pact with U.S.
(The Tico Times) As Costa Rican lawmakers return today from a weeklong vacation, time grows tight to pass two laws required to implement the Central American Free-Trade Agreement with the United States (CAFTA). Read
August 25, 2008
International Roaming Available for Costa Rica Phones
(The Tico Times) For many cell-phone users in Costa Rica, there's good news: your phone just got a passport. Read
August 22, 2008
Costa Rica’s Arias Surprises No One by Turning his Back on the Dalai Lama
(Council on Hemispheric Affairs) Costa Rica’s President Oscar Arias once again has turned his back on an existing relationship and the obligations that went with it. He has done this in favor of a new one that is more self-serving to the nation as well as possibly his own self-interests. Read
August 22, 2008
'El Camino' Opens in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) “El Camino,” an award-winning independent film by Costa Rican writer, director and producer Ishtar Yasin, is premiering in major theaters around the country following years of anticipation. Read
August 21, 2008
Costa Rica Beats El Salvador 1-0 on Penalty
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica: Forward Alvaro Saborio scored on penalty in the first minute of the second half Wednesday to give Costa Rica a 1-0 victory over El Salvador in the semifinal round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. Read
August 21, 2008
Costa Rica Hospital Workers Strike
(The Tico Times)
San José's Calderón Guardia Hospital employees took action yesterday in what turned into an “indefinite strike” after Costa Rican health officials refused to answer a union demand to give the hospital's former director, Luis Paulino Hernández, his job back. Read
August 21, 2008
Dalai Lama Set to Miss Costa Rica visit
(Costa Rica Pages) The Dalai Lama, leader of Tibetan Buddhists was set to visit Costa Rica this September however fears of causing a dispute with China have led to the high profile trip being cancelled. It was due to coincide with the exiled leader’s visit to America and several Latin American countries where he was expected to make a series of public presentations and deliver religious messages to crowds. Read
August 15, 2008
Amazon expands to Latin America with Costa Rica center
Amazon.com Inc. said it will open a customer service center in Heredia, Costa Rica, in November. Read
August 15, 2008
Traditional Train Ride To Atenas Begins Sunday
(Inside Costa Rica) Beginning this Sunday, 17 August, families can enjoy the countryside from the perspective of the train, as the "Tren & Faenas a la Tica" service begins operation from the Estacion del Pacifico train station in San José. Read
August 15, 2008
Costa Rica to Finish Pacific Coast Highway in 2009
Costa Rica’s infamous road system, often a topic of frustrated news and national concern, has decorated news headlines this week, thanks to the potential $850 million loan to improve and fix the country’s failing infrastructure. In even better news, however, Costa Rica’s President Óscar Arias and the Minister of Public Works and Transportation, Karla González, promised yesterday that the long-awaited Costanera Sur, the southern Pacific’s coastal highway, will be complete by October 2009, after an exaggerated 30 year delay. Read
August 15, 2008
While one dad goes to jail on fraud charges in Costa Rica
Four-year fugitive Thomas Jafeck, wanted for financial fraud in Costa Rica, was arrested in Miami on July 28. Read
August 15, 2008
UCR Looks To Halt Dengue From Space
Tack on another application of satellites, say the country’s scientists, who are now using them to help squash dengue fever. Read
August 08, 2008
Costa Rica English Teachers Need to Brush Up, Says Gov't
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica plans to polish up its English teachers' fluency after a lackluster performance by 3,200 teachers on the Test of English for International Communication. Read
August 05, 2008
Prices Continue to Inflate, Squeeze Costa Rican Consumer
(The Tico Times) Costa Ricans continue to bow under rising consumer prices as inflation reached 8.83 percent at the end of July, compared to 5.62 percent the same period last year, according to the National Statistics and Census Institute (INEC). Read
August 05, 2008
Only One Bid for Costa Rica Cell Phone Contract
(Costa Rica Pages) Huawei Technologies de Costa Rica, a Chinese telecommunications company in Costa Rica, was the only company to submit a bid for Costa Rican Electricity Institute’s (ICE’s) 3G cell phone service contract. Their bid, however, was 159% of the asking price, and has caused several problems and insinuations by ICE. Read
August 04, 2008
Cracked Costa Rica Bridge Cuts Off Main Route to Guanacaste
(The Tico Times)Drivers heading to Costa Rica's northwest Guanacaste province hit a roadblock this weekend that could persist through tomorrow. Road authorities closed a bridge on the Inter-American Highway North Saturday after it cracked, according to the Public Works and Transport Ministry (MOPT). Read
August 01, 2008
Do you speak English? Maybe not if you teach it in Costa Rica
SAN JOSE (AFP) — Less than 10 percent of English teachers in Costa Rica's public schools and colleges have a good command of the language, according to the Ministry of Public Education, citing its own study Wednesday. Read
August 01, 2008
Brazil, Costa Rica call for Latin American unity to face global crises
BRASILIA, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Brazil and Costa Rica have urged Latin American countries to unite in the face of the global financial and food crisis. Read
August 01, 2008
Brazil’s Lula Promises Support to Costa Rica Biofuels Program
(Costa Rica Pages) Thirty years after a Brazil-Costa Rican biofuel partnership was interrupted, President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva — commonly referred to as Lula — has pledged technical and technological help for Costa Rica’s biofuel program. Famous for its reliance on ethanol and biofuels, Brazil has promised to send Edison Lobao, Minister of Energy and Mining, to evaluate and develop Costa Rica’s bio-combustible options. Read
July 30, 2008
Costa Rica Jails 3 Iraqis in Fake Passport Case
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (The Associated Press): Authorities say three Iraqi men have been jailed in Costa Rica on suspicion of using false passports. Read
July 30, 2008
Costa Rica, South Africa Make List of Top 10 'Ethical Destinations'
BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — In an effort to get travelers off the beaten path and support destinations in developing countries, a group called Ethical Traveler has published a list of the "10 best ethical destinations." Read
July 26, 2008
Investing In Real Estate in Costa Rica - The Capital San Jose is the Most Dynamic Area
(WeLoveCostaRica.com) Like any investment, we need to remember that it's not smart to simply throw a dart at the Wall Street Journal and pick a stock to buy. Read
July 24, 2008
Terms of Trade
(La Nacion) Costa Rica has been of the countries most affected by the changes in the prices of internationally-traded products recorded in recent years. Read
July 24, 2008
Fuel Prices Skyrocket
(La Nacion) The Costa Rican Petroleum Refinery (RECOPE in Spanish) repeatedly requests increases in fuels from the Regulatory Authority, as a result of the upward trend of oil in the international market. Read
July 24, 2008
Devaluation Increases
(La Nacion) The rate of exchange between the currency of Costa Rica, the colon, and the US dollar has kept on increasing in recent days. Read
July 24, 2008
Improved Rating
(La Nacion) Amidst Costa Rica’s economic straits, at least some good news surfaced, when Standard and Poor’s improved the credit rating in foreign currency and changed the perspective for the Government of Costa Rica from stable to positive. Read
July 24, 2008
Costa Rica - Panama Joint Effort
(La Nacion) Panama and Costa Rica will sell joint tourist packages in Europe. The initiative was disclosed by the ministers of tourism Carlos Benavides and Ruben Blades. Read
July 24, 2008
$90-Million for Forests
(La Nacion) In the next few years, Costa Rica will invest $90 million in the protection of forests. Minister of the Environment Roberto Dobles said that the National Forest Financing Fund (FONAFIFO in Spanish) will manage the funds through the payment of environmental services. Read
July 24, 2008
Shark Tagging
(La Nacion) In an effort for the survival of three types of sharks, scientists tagged and placed acoustic devices and satellite-guided gadgets on a number of them. Read
July 24, 2008
Chinese Quarter
(La Nacion) The mayor of San José Johnny Araya said that because of the high traffic in the Paseo de los Estudiantes area, the city council decided to establish the planned Chinese Quarter on 11th street, between 2nd and 14th avenues. Read
July 24, 2008
University Purchase
(La Nacion) United States firm Laureate Education bought two private Costa Rican colleges: Universidad Latina and Universidad Americana, therefore taking to three the higher-learning centers it runs here, since it has had controlling shares of Universidad Interamericana since 2003. Read
July 24, 2008
A New Cold War in the Caribbean?
(The Time) Ever since the Monroe Doctrine, the United States has seen the Caribbean in the way that the Romans viewed the Mediterranean — Mare Nostrum, Our Sea. From the Spanish-American War through the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Central American dirty wars of the Reagan era, Washington was always quick to flex its muscle over the rum-soaked waters that stretch from Florida to Venezuela. The bad news: It ain't our sea anymore, gringos. Read
July 23, 2008
INS Insurance Monopoly at an End
(Inside Costa Rica) With the signature of Costa Rican president, Oscar Arias, the insurance monopoly held by the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS), has ended, allowing Costa Ricans to make a choice once the competition enters the market. Read
July 21, 2008
Costa Rica's Economy Growing but Slowing Down
(The Tico Times/EFE) Despite strong growth during the first four months of the year, the Costa Rican economy is slowing down, according to the Central Bank. Read
July 21, 2008
HDTV In Costa Rica In Five Years, Experts Say
(Inside Costa Rica) April 7, 2009 is the date set for the end of all full power analog (NTSC) TV transmissions in the U.S., the same occurring in Europe in 2009. However, it won't be for another five years before digital television transmission will replace analog in Costa Rica, according to the experts. Read
July 21, 2008
Massage Parlours Are Really Front For Prostitution
(Inside Costa Rica) There are more than 100 massage parlours, more than half located in San José, that provide sexual services to clients taking advantage of lax municipal codes and enforcements. Many advertise in the local newspapers and do little to hide what they really are offering. Read
July 21, 2008
New Study Ranks Costa Rica High Schools by Performance
(Costa Rica Pages) No matter his country of residence, every parent is concerned with his child’s education. Reflecting the needs of both Costa Rican parents and their expatriate counterparts, a recent study gathered information on all Costa Rica schools, ranking public, private and semi-private institutions accordingly. For many, the results were surprising. Read
July 20, 2008
Against the Odds: Nery Brenes
(BBC) Nery Brenes struggled for years to get the funding to race professionally The BBC's Against the Odds series profiles athletes heading to the Olympics despite huge obstacles. Read
July 19, 2008
Tribunal is on coastal crusade in Costa Rica
(The Miami Herald) When judges from Costa Rica's Environmental Tribunal emerged from the rain forest recently, they were horrified. Read
July 19, 2008
Costa Rica leader denies knowledge of diverted Taiwan funds
SAN JOSE (AFP) — Costa Rican President Oscar Arias denied any knowledge of a 1.5 million dollar donation from Taiwan for his country's poor, but which allegedly was diverted for pet projects elsewhere in the government. Read
July 18, 2008
Spotlight on Costa Rica—Three new projects with tropical flair
(IHT.com) Costa Rica is the granddaddy of the Central America vacation home scene. It was attracting hordes of U.S. retirees with the promise of tropical paradise and sandy beaches in the Eighties, posting huge run-ups in prices long before Mexico, Panama and Belize started rolling out mass quantities of high-end resorts. Read
July 18, 2008
Costa Rica to Develop Panamanian Border
(The Tico Times/EFE) President Oscar Arias this week signed a $9.2 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) that will be used to finance sustainable development projects in the Sixaola River Basin on the Panama border. Read
July 18, 2008
Costa Rica banana hopes rest on European market
BANANERA EL ESFUERZO, Costa Rica, July 18 (Reuters) - Costa Rican farmhand Elbert Perez cuts bunches of unripe bananas in the blazing sun and prepares them for their long journey from the world's No. 2 banana exporter to the European Union. Read
July 18, 2008
Costa Rica Managing New Transportation Needs
(Costa Rica Pages) San José’s vehicular restriction has gotten cars off the roads and, hopefully, helped reduce the country’s monthly fossil fuel bill. Read
July 18, 2008
Costa Rica’s Risk Rating Improves
(The Beach Times)
Standard & Poor’s, a global leader in credit ratings and credit risk analysis, has adjusted its assessment of Costa Rica from stable to positive. Read
July 17, 2008
Forum on Cross-Straits Relations Held in Costa Rica
SAN JOSE, July 16 (Xinhua) -- A forum on the peaceful development of relations across the Taiwan Straits was held in Costa Rica on Wednesday. Read
July 17, 2008
Costa Rica Disappointed by U.S. Anti-Drug Aid Package
SAN JOSE, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The Costa Rican government on Wednesday voiced discontent with a recent U.S. anti-drug aid package, saying the money is far less than what the country needs to combat drug trafficking. Read
July 17, 2008
Could Climate Change Impact Costa Rica? New Study Says Yes
ScienceDaily (July 17, 2008) — Climate change could have a major impact on the environment of Costa Rica, upsetting delicate mountain cloud forests, and causing a decrease in plant and animal species in a region famous for its biodiversity. Regional climate models predict that the area will become warmer and drier as climate change accelerates. Read
July 16, 2008
Rubén Blades Comments on Costa Rica's "Great" Roads
(Inside Costa Rica) Singer and actor, Rubén Blades, who also happens to be Panama's ministro de Turismo (tourism minister) praised the Juan Santamaría (San José) international airport, although he criticized the country's poor state of the roads. Read
July 16, 2008
Couple Escapes to an Exotic Life
(Calgary Herald)Four years ago, just as the city's economic boom gained steam and sent house prices skyward, Dave Dolezsar and his wife Monica quit their lucrative oilpatch jobs, sold everything and left Calgary in search of paradise. Read
July 16, 2008
Climate Change a Threat to Costa Rican Fauna, Another Study Finds
(The Tico Times) Climate change could dramatically alter Costa Rica's weather, habitats and animal and plant diversity, according to a new study by the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, United States. Read
July 15, 2008
Costa Rica Likely to Join Chávez Oil Group
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica is edging ever closer to becoming the 18th member of Petrocaribe, a Venezuela-led initiative that provides Latin American and Caribbean countries with favorable financing on oil imports, according to the Foreign Ministry. Read
July 15, 2008
Costa Rica Tourism Still a Bull Market
(The Tico Times) During the first six months of the year, 1.03 million foreign tourists visited Costa Rica, an increase of 12.5 percent (89,178 tourists) over the same period last year, according to estimates by the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR). Read
July 15, 2008
Dollar Value Increases Again in Costa Rica
(Costa Rica Pages) The dollar keeps going up and it is not looking as if this phenomenon is going to stop too soon. The banks had to adjust their selling and buying rates again. Read
July 15, 2008
Homeopaths, Naturopaths Win Right to Permits Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) The nation's Constitutional Court (Sala IV) ordered the Health Ministry to grant permits to homeopaths and naturopaths to operate as doctors. Read
July 13, 2008
New Mortgage Option for Foreigners in Costa Rica
(Costa Rica Pages) Real Estate is blowing up all over Costa Rica from everything to luxury beach front vacation homes in Jaco Beach to pent house suites in a metropolitan park tower. Costa Rica is building it all… and fast. Read
July 12, 2008
Heading South: More entrepreneurs discover Latin America
(Business Week) Jon Morris, chief executive officer of Rise Interactive, a 15-person Internet advertising company in Chicago, shifted his outsourced design and Web development staff from India to Costa Rica in 2005. Read
July 12, 2008
Anti-Poverty Minister Steps Down Temporarily
(The Tico Times) Fernando Zumbado, Housing Minister and rector of the government's social programs, announced he is "temporarily" stepping down from his position while he is investigated for hiring allegedly questionable consulting services for a program aimed at improving living conditions in shantytowns. Read
July 12, 2008
U.S. Citizen Arrested
(The Tico Times) David Albanese, a U.S. citizen wanted by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation on charges of kidnapping, was arrested in San José yesterday following a joint operation by the International Police (Interpol) and the Costa Rican Department of Intelligence and Security (DIS), according to Interpol. Read
July 12, 2008
Costa Rican Beauty...
...at Miss Universe Read
July 12, 2008
Strong Economic Adjustment Coming
(Inside Costa Rica) The head of the Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR) - Central Bank - Francisco Gutierrez warned that the nation will have to make a strong economic adjustment in the face of the tough international situation. Read
July 12, 2008
Exchange Rate Moves ¢6 Colones Overnight, Hitting A Record Sell Rate High of ¢528
(Inside Costa Rica) The exchange rate took a sharp increase of ¢6 on the sell rate overnight after going up and down by a few tenths of a colon during the past month or so. Read
July 12, 2008
Cellular Customers Have To Wait Until Next Year For New Lines
(Inside Costa Rica) The promise by the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) for additional GSM lines by the end of this year seems to have vanished. Some 134.000 people are currently on the waiting list to get connected. Read
July 12, 2008
President Arias Announces The Elimination of Toll Booths
(Inside Costa Rica) Costa Rican president, announced following a cabinet meeting held in Pacayas, Cartago, the elimination of toll booths on the autopistas General Cañas, Próspero Fernández, Florencio del Castillo, adn the carretera a Limón. The move is eliminated the congestion at the toll booths in an effort to save on gasoline consumption. Read
July 12, 2008
Fewer Traffic Accidents in San José Attributed to the Vehicular Restrictions
(Inside Costa Rica) The expanded vehicular restrictions of San José us being attributed for the reduction of traffic accidents during the first 15 days after going into affect, according to the Policía de Tránsito (traffic police), who are very pleased with the results. Read
July 05, 2008
On Rio Niño, Fish Gone Wild for Colorful Flower Ties
UPALA, Costa Rica (The New York Times) — The trees on the banks of the Rio Niño, with names like roble de sabana, corteza and mimosa, flower with many yellow and pink blooms. When the wind blows, the blossoms drift into the river, where machaca, a type of tenacious and sharp-toothed fish, seize upon the nectar-rich flowers. Read
July 03, 2008
Costa Rica Cenbank Says Sold $600 Million in Reserves
San Jose, Costa Rica (Reuters) --- Costa Rica's Central Bank sold $600 million in international reserves between April and mid-June to boost the colon currency, the bank said on Wednesday. Read
July 02, 2008
Costa Rican Congress Approves Ending Its 84-year-old Insurance Monopoly
(The Associated Press) SAN JOSE, Costa Rica: Costa Rica is saying goodbye to its 84-year-old insurance monopoly as it opens the industry to national and international competition. Read
July 01, 2008
Canadians Have Their Party Today!
(Inside Costa Rica) As many Americans get ready to celebrate their 4th of July on Tuesday, they know little of the Canadian anniversary celebration that is today, July 1. And like Thanksgiving, Canadians again beat the Americans to the punch. Read
July 01, 2008
Real Estate Growth in Costa Rica
(WeLoveCostaRica.com)
According to the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica in 2007 Costa Rica saw 8,500,000 square meters of new construction which employed about 152,000 people. Read
July 01, 2008
Costa Rica Real Estate Investing - In the Path of Progress
(WeLoveCostaRica.com) Where to invest? How much to invest? For how long? What's the risk? How easy is it to sell? Who will guide me along the way? Read
June 30, 2008
A Comprehensive Hotel List for Costa Rica Now Available Online
San Jose, Costa Rica (PRWEB) June 28, 2008 -- Costa Rican Hotels (http://www.costarican-hotels.com) recently launched its informative website at which users may have access to a complete list of accommodations as well as daily information about Costa Rica. Read
June 30, 2008
Costa Rica’s ‘Treasure Island’ Among New 7 Wonders of Nature Favorites
(Infocom) — The subject of maritime tales, legends of treasures buried by pirates and even the inspiration for Hollywood films such as Jurassic Park, Costa Rica’s Isla del Coco (Cocos Island) is inching closer to becoming part of modern history as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Read
June 28, 2008
Real Estate Investing in the Path of Progress. First buildings completed in Forum II
(WeLoveCostaRica.com) The new Forum II is on 6.5 hectares of land less than a kilometer away from Forum I. Construction is going ahead based on the needs of foreign companies doing business in Costa Rica and the success of Forum I. Read
June 27, 2008
Contacts with Cuba
(La Nacion) The months of tension between the governments of Oscar Arias and Raul Castro seem to have come to an end. Read
June 27, 2008
Food Concerns
(La Nacion) The Government of Costa Rica is resorting to the Central America Economic Integration Bank for the funds needed to finance a program to stimulate the growing of basic grains. Read
June 27, 2008
Coffee to Czech Republic
(La Nacion) The Foreign Trade Promoter disclosed that a Czech-Costa Rican company, NAVCAFE, will market coffee in the European nation. Read
June 27, 2008
Drop in Remittances
(La Nacion) Costa Rica’s income from remittances dropped to almost $108 million this year’s first quarter, the smallest quarterly amount recorded since early 2006. Read
June 25, 2008
Global Warming Moves Costa Rica Coffee Land Higher
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (Reuters) - Costa Rican coffee farmers are facing threats from climate change but the rising temperatures are also expanding high-altitude regions where the country's most prized beans are grown. Read
June 25, 2008
Costa Rica Minimum Wage Up to $346.40 per Month
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica's National Salary Council on Monday green-lighted a 6.58 percent increase on minimum wages in the private sector for July 1, which the Labor Ministry says should help "recuperate the purchasing power" of the nation's lowest earners in the face of a rising living costs. Read
June 23, 2008
Costa Rica Bank Offers Account in Euros
(The Tico Times) Banco Nacional launched a new product that caters to the euro-toting crowd, combining the functions of a savings account with that of an interest-bearing investment tool. Read
June 23, 2008
Central America: New Distribution System
(Latin Business Chronicle) Producers looking for competitive advantages need to study carefully the Central American market dynamics. Read
June 23, 2008
Costa Rican Tourism Forges Ahead
(©The Moodie Report) COSTA RICA. Foreign arrivals to Costa Rica in the five months to the end of May 2008 increased +16% from the same period in 2007, according to the Ministry of Tourism in San José. Read
June 20, 2008
Costa Rica Tourism Increases Despite U.S. Economic Woes
(Costa Rica Pages)
When the U.S. economy began showing signs of weakness, many speculated as to whether American tourism to Costa Rica would also begin to decline. However, in news that reassures as much as it delights all that are involved in Costa Rican tourism, statistics show that not only have visits to the country not decreased, but they have actually increased in the past year. Read
June 20, 2008
Tourism Boom Threatens Costa Rica Eco-Paradise
TAMARINDO, Costa Rica (Reuters) - Pungent brown sewage spews into the Pacific ocean. In the background, cranes put up hotels and beachfront apartments. Read
June 20, 2008
Trade Opening
(La Nacion) Costa Rica is the second country in Latin America that meets the best conditions for trade and business, according to the World Economic Forum, which ranked 118 countries. Read
June 19, 2008
Gas Pains Push Costa Rica Government Plans
(The Tico Times) Government officials warned Costa Ricans yesterday that the nation's oil bill by year's end could be double that seen in 2007, and they forecast more measures to stanch consumption. Read
June 18, 2008
A Third of Costa Rica Employers Plan to Hire Next Quarter
(The Tico Times) Most Costa Rican employers do not intend to expand their workforce within the next quarter, according to a nationwide survey released last week by Manpower. Read
June 17, 2008
Costa Rica Capital Could Be 1st Digital City in Central America
(CostaRicaPages.com) From small coffee shops to upscale restaurants, San Jose’s store owners know just how important it is to provide their increasing number of mobile customers with the digital services that they love so much. Indeed, many local San José businesses already proudly display the ubiquitous “WiFi Hotspot” stickers on their front doors. According to many area companies, non-profit organizations, and public institutions, Costa Rica’s capital city is well on its way to becoming Central America’s first “digital city.” Read
June 17, 2008
Spanish Companies to Invest $1 Billion in Costa Rica
Three of Spain’s biggest hotel chains have announced plans to expand in Costa Rica promising to bring more than $1 billion dollars in development. Read
June 16, 2008
Men Nabbed with $372K Say They Just Wanted Bananas
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — Two men caught with $372,000 in cash near the Costa Rica-Panama border told police that they just wanted to buy some bananas. Read
June 14, 2008
Economist Intelligence Unit Country Report
The report provides a full overview of the current political and economic situation in Costa Rica and gives the reader an up to date summary of the latest developments within the country. Read
June 13, 2008
Trade Balance Deficit
(La Nacion) The gap between imports and exports of goods and services –the trade balance deficit– has widened in 2008. Read
June 13, 2008
Services and Production
(La Nacion) The growth in the service sector helps the continued growth of the production of Costa Rica, which has slowed down in the last two years. Read
June 13, 2008
Climate Change
(La Nacion) Great Britain will donate $2.3 million to fund a study of the economic impact of climate change in Central America, the British ambassador to Costa Rica Thomas John Kennedy disclosed. Read
June 13, 2008
Avalanche
(La Nacion) Ashes, lava, and gases made up the materials of an avalanche on the slopes of Arenal Volcano, which in the coming weeks reaches 40 years of continuous activity. Read
June 13, 2008
Donation for Victims
(La Nacion) The Inter American Development Bank donated $200,000 to the National Emergency Commission (NEC) to ease at least part of the suffering of the victims of tropical storm Alma. Read
June 13, 2008
Pan American Highway
(La Nacion) Even though the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation re-opened traffic on the southern Pan American Highway, the number of vehicles was much smaller than on any regular day, authorities report. Read
June 13, 2008
Costa Rica's San José Airport Called "Special"
(Inside Costa Rica)
Costa Rica's Juan Santamaría (San José) airport is a "special" airport, special not for being "of a distinct or particular kind or character", but rather for it being one of the more dangerous airports in the region. Read
June 13, 2008
Costa Rica Cost of Living in Escazu & Santa Ana
(WeLoveCostaRica.com) What's the cost of living like in Costa Rica? Read
June 10, 2008
Upward Growth in Store for Costa Rica’s Capital
(Costa Rica Pages) Despite being considered the most cosmopolitan city in Central America, Costa Rica’s capital city of San Jose is all but void of skyscrapers and modern building facades. Read
June 10, 2008
Costa Rica Hosts Meeting of UN’s International Task Force on Sustainable Tourism Development
NewswireToday - San Jose, Costa Rica, 06/09/2008 - Members of the Marrakech Process meet to discuss regional and national initiatives to accelerate the shift towards sustainable consumption and production. Read
June 10, 2008
Fresh Tourism Initiatives in Costa Rica Presented at Expotur 2008
NewswireToday - San José, Costa Rica, 06/10/2008 - EXPOTUR 2008, Costa Rica Travel Mart and Central America's prominent travel trade show, closed on a positive note in San José with the participation of hundreds of national and international buyers and sellers. Read
June 09, 2008
Fresh Del Monte Buys Costa Rican Firms
(The Miami Herald) Coral Gables-based Fresh Del Monte Produce has purchased Desarollo Agroindustrial de Frutales, a producer of bananas in Costa Rica; Frutas de Exportacion, a provider of gold pineapples in Costa Rica; and an affiliated sales and marketing company, Caribana. Read
June 06, 2008
First Tropical Storm
(La Nacion) Alma became the first tropical storm of the hurricane season and the first ever to form on the Costa Rican Pacific Ocean. Read
June 06, 2008
Chinatown in San Jose
(La Nacion) According to a plan promoted by the Municipality of San Jose and the Chinese-Costa Rican Chamber of Industry and Commerce, part of the southern area of the capital city of Costa Rica will be dedicated to Chinese business, food, and culture; in other words, a Chinatown in all senses. Read
June 06, 2008
Mega-Marina in Limon
(La Nacion) SolerPazos Group, a Costa Rican firm, plans to develop Isla Moin, a project that would harbor 600 condominiums, 100 villas, and over 100 houses, as well as a marina with 100 berths for yachts and mega-yachts and a de-luxe hotel. Read
June 04, 2008
Relief Reaches 80% of Alma's Worst Victims in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) Relief workers persevered yesterday, making headway to reach residents of some of Costa Rica's hardest hit communities after Tropical Storm Alma drenched the region last week killing at least four people. Read
June 04, 2008
Costa Rica Looks to Go Smoke Free
(The Tico Times) The country is one step closer to passing a smoking ban in public places, including bars. Read
June 04, 2008
Western Union to Double Its Size
(The Tico Times) Western Union deepened its hold in the country yesterday when it announced an expansion of its service sector, effectively doubling the size of its workforce on Costa Rican soil. Read
June 02, 2008
Living in Costa Rica’s Santa Ana, a San Jose Suburb
(Costa Rica Pages) The best thing that has happened to me in Costa Rica was to start living in Santa Ana. I did not know it so well then, but I had some friends living there and always really liked the place, if only for its warmer and drier climate. Read
May 31, 2008
Ticos Survive TACA Airline Crash
(Inside Costa Rica)
Airline officials confirm that 24 Costa Ricans were among the survivors of the TACA airplane that crashed in Honduras on Friday. Read
May 30, 2008
Only 500 Wardens
(La Nacion) Twenty-six percent of the territory of Costa Rica is protected, but there are only 500 wardens for the prevention of deforestation, poaching –particularly of endangered species–, and the misuse of wilderness areas. Read
May 30, 2008
Bio-Fuels
(La Nacion) As part of the efforts to be less dependent on oil, starting next October, only gasoline with ethanol and diesel with bio-diesel will be available at Costa Rican gas stations. Read
May 30, 2008
Costa Rica Living in the Central Valley: Santa Ana Is Home for Me.
(WeLoveCostaRica.com) This is the second in a series of three articles on desirable towns west of San Jose. When I was still living in Florida, preparing to make Costa Rica my home, I decided I wanted to live in Santa Ana. My online research and a two-week visit to the Central Valley clinched the decision for me. Read
May 30, 2008
Dole Standard Fruit Company of Costa Rica Honored with Prestigious Industry Excellence Award
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dole Food Company announced today that for the second time in its history, Dole Standard Fruit Company de Costa Rica S.A. has been presented the “2007 Overall Excellence Award” bestowed by the Costa Rican Industry Association. This is the most prestigious honor that a company can obtain in Costa Rica. Standard Fruit also won the award in 2000. Read
May 30, 2008
Costa Rica May Soon See a Mega-Marina in Limon
(Costa Rica Pages) SolerPazos Group has announced that it will go ahead with plans to build a marina in Moin, Limon on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Isla Moin, as it will be called, will become the first mega marina in Costa Rica and will include a luxury hotel, 600 condominiums, 100 homes and 100 ocean view villas amid its 113 hectares and 2.5 kilometers of beach front land. The marina itself will have 500 spaces for the yachts and “mega-yachts”. Read
May 30, 2008
900 Trapped In Cerro de la Muerte Rescued
(Inside Costa Rica)
Some 900 people had to endure the cold, rain and mud for almost 40 hours after being trapped since Thursday in the area known as Cerro de la Muerte, on the Intermaricana Sur highway between San José and Perez Zeledon, due to some 15 mudslides that blocked and closed off some 10 kilometres of the highway. Read
May 29, 2008
Tropical Storm Alma Lashes Central America
MANAGUA, Nicaragua (AP) — Tropical Storm Alma lashed the coast of Central America with heavy rains and high winds on Thursday after becoming the first such storm of the eastern Pacific season. Read
May 29, 2008
Tropical Storm Alma Dumping Down on Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) The National Emergency Commission (CNE) has issued a red alert, its highest alert, for Guanacaste and the Central Pacific as the unrelenting rains from tropical storm Alma flood the coast. Read
May 28, 2008
Real Intercontinental to Invest $40M in Costa Rica Tower
(Costa Rica Pages) In the Escazú Guachipelín neighborhood, you’ll find beautiful homes, intimate neighborhoods, friendly neighbors and now, one more addition: the Hotel Real Intercontinental has begun construction of a tower worth $40 million. Read
May 27, 2008
Embattled President of Costa Rica's Olympic Committee Agrees to Leave Post
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (Associated Press) The embattled president of Costa Rica's Olympic Committee has finally agreed to step down. Read
May 23, 2008
Record Birthrate of Leatherback Turtles in Costa Rica: WWF
SAN JOSE (AFP) — Nearly 900 endangered leatherback turtles were born at the Junquillal beach on Costa Rica's Pacific coastline in recent months thanks to community workers that scare off poachers and protect the eggs, the World Wildlife Fund for Nature said Thursday. Read
May 23, 2008
Costa Rica Cenbank Intervenes as Currency Slides
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, May 23 (Reuters) - The end of the tourism season and a seasonal drop in trade has caused a shortage of dollars in Costa Rican markets and sent the local colon currency plummeting to a new life low this week. Read
May 22, 2008
Doctors Tell Costa Rican Leader to Rest Voice
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — Doctors have ordered Costa Rican President Oscar Arias not to talk for a month due to a cyst on his vocal cords, his office said Wednesday. Read
May 19, 2008
Britney Spears relaxes on the beach in Costa Rica
(NOW) Britney Spears has been snapped enjoying the sun in Costa Rica. Read
May 19, 2008
Costa Rica Demands Fairer Trade Deal with EU
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica lobbied European authorities for greater access to the EU market this weekend at a summit in Peru for heads of state from Latin America, Europe and the Caribbean. Read
May 17, 2008
Brit in Costa Rica
(X17online.com) Britney hits the beach in Costa Rica during her vacation with Mel Gibson! Read
May 16, 2008
Report: Britney Spears, Mel Gibson Depart Together for Costa Rica Vacation
LOS ANGELES (FOX News) — Britney Spears and Mel Gibson, along with the pop princess's father Jamie, left together Tuesday morning for a mini-vacation in Costa Rica, "Entertainment Tonight" reported. Read
May 16, 2008
More Cost of Living Increases for Costa Rica
(Costa Rica Pages) Costa Rica’s Water and Sewer Institute (AyA) has asked the Public Services Regulating Authority (Aresep) to approve a 19% increase in the price of water for its customers. In Costa Rica, that could mean an increase of $2 per month for the average family that consumes about 22 cubic meters of water, totaling about $13/month for water. Read
May 16, 2008
Costa Rica Congress Approves Telecoms Opening
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, May 15 (Reuters) - Costa Rica's Congress has approved the opening of the Central American country's telecommunications sector to private investment in cellular phones and Internet services. Read
May 16, 2008
Relief for the Poor
(La Nacion) Women who are heads of family and who are living in extreme poverty will benefit from a relief program which was announced by President Oscar Arias. Read
May 16, 2008
A Map for Tourists
(La Nacion) Through a satellite map of Costa Rica, tourists will be able to access the most accurate information of the places they visit, as well as the ways to reach them. Read
May 15, 2008
Costa Rica Banks Raise Interest Rates
(The Tico Times) In response to Costa Ricans' voracious appetite for credit in recent months, state banks hiked interest rates by an average 1 to 1.5 percent for loans in colones and 0.5 percent for those in dollars. Read
May 13, 2008
Costa Rica Plants More Trees to Become Carbon Neutral
SAN JOSE (AFP) — Costa Rica will plant seven million trees in 2008 to soak up as many greenhouse gas emissions as it produces, in a bid to become the world's first carbon neutral nation, a top official said Monday. Read
May 08, 2008
China to Give Costa Rica 200 Patrol Cars, US$10 million
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica: A Costa Rican official says China has promised to donate 200 patrol cars and US$10 million (€6.4 million) to the Central American country. Read
May 07, 2008
Chinese vice premier in Costa Rica to boost ties
SAN JOSE (AFP) — Costa Rica and China inked deals worth 50 million dollars Tuesday during a three-day visit here by Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu aimed at broadening relations with San Jose. Read
May 05, 2008
Chinese Vice Premier Due in Costa Rica
SAN JOSE (AFP) — Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu is scheduled to arrive in Costa Rica Tuesday for a three-day visit that includes a meeting with President Oscar Arias, who broke ties with Taiwan to recognize China last year, Arias' office said. Read
May 03, 2008
President Arias More Popular in Costa Rica
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Comparing to last year, more people in Costa Rica are satisfied with the government of Óscar Arias, according to a poll by Demoscopia published in Al Día. 44 per cent of respondents think the president has done a good or very good job in leading the country, up 5.4 points since July 2007. Read
May 01, 2008
Costa Rica to Stimulate Local Food Production
(The Tico Times) Acknowledging that Costa Rica's dependence on imports is partly to blame for rising prices here, Agricultural Minister Javier Flores said the government would substantially increase local production of rice, beans and white corn by offering credit, insurance and technical assistance to Tico farmers. Read
April 30, 2008
Costa Rica Bill Proposes to Remove Energy Caps
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica's Legislative Assembly is sitting on a bill that would eliminate caps on electricity production by regional producers, a move President Oscar Arias' administration hopes will help the country's power supply keep pace with growing demand. Read
April 30, 2008
New Costa Rica Police Force to Hit Inner-City Beat
(The Tico Times)
San José is slated to see its own police force next week after Costa Rica's public security minister, Janina del Vecchio, announced the creation of the Metropolitan Police. Read
April 30, 2008
Banco Elca Chief Alvarado Is Convicted of Fraud
(AM COSTA RICA) A three-judge judicial panel found the former chief of Banco Elca guilty on four counts and sentenced him to a total of 23 years in prison Wednesday. Read
April 29, 2008
Mainer Confirmed As Ambassador to Costa Rica
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) The U.S. Senate has confirmed President Bush's nomination of businessman Peter Cianchette of South Portland as ambassador to Costa Rica. Read
April 28, 2008
U.S. detention of top Costa Rica Prosecutor Ruffles Diplomatic Feathers
(The Tico Times)
Costa Rica suspended legal cooperation with the United States and sent a protest note to the U.S. Embassy after Chief Prosecutor Francisco Dall'Anese was held at Miami International Airport on Wednesday in what U.S. authorities called a “routine security check.” Read
April 28, 2008
Costa Rica Gets Its First Lutheran Bishop
Costa Rica's first Lutheran Bishop, Melvin Jiménez, was consecrated at a ceremony at the Lutheran Church of Costa Rica in San José yesterday morning.
Read
April 28, 2008
Costa Rican Gov't: No Rice Shortage Here
Amid soaring world prices on basic food, Costa Rica's government moved to allay fears that a food crisis could hurt families here, releasing information that suggests grains such as rice are plentiful. Read
April 28, 2008
Costa Rica Property: The Medical Tourism Factor
Costa Rica has been named as one of the top destinations for health tourism, a growing industry of people travelling abroad to have cosmetic surgery that is too costly back home. Other countries in the top 5 were Malaysia, Panama, India and Brazil. Read
April 27, 2008
The Wonders of Costa Rica
(Minneapolis Star Tribune) ARENAL NATIONAL PARK, Costa Rica—A crown of streaming clouds flowed off the cone of Costa Rica's Arenal volcano. A sound like thunder shook the air. Read
April 26, 2008
Falling Dollar Will Likely Stop Its Tumble in Costa Rica
(Costa Rica Pages) It’s good news for some, disappointing news for others: Paula Gutiérrez, President of Costa Rica’s Central Bank, believes that the U.S. dollar will not continue to lose value against the Costa Rican colón. Read
April 24, 2008
Contentious CAFTA - A Turning Point for Costa Rica?
(Council on Hemispheric Affairs) Five of the six countries, including Costa Rica, which signed the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) with the United States, have now ratified it. Oscar Arias, Costa Rica’s Nobel Laureate president, signed the agreement in November 2007, after the pro-CAFTA forces in his country won a hard fought election by a margin of approximately 3 percent. Read
April 22, 2008
Dole Food Company, Inc. Announces Earth Day Agreement to Offset Carbon Emissions from Transport of Bananas and Pineapples in Costa Rica
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dole Food Company, Inc. announced today that its operating division in Costa Rica, Standard Fruit Company de Costa Rica S.A., will purchase carbon offsets from the Costa Rican Government’s program in amounts equal to the carbon dioxide emissions generated by the inland transport of Dole produced bananas and pineapples. Read
April 21, 2008
If Only the Dollar Were Stronger
(The New York Times) THE dream of retiring to a Tuscan villa or a beachfront home in Costa Rica almost always hinges on how to pay for it, but rarely do graying expatriates plan well for another pocketbook issue: the value of the American dollar. Read
April 18, 2008
Google Denies Plans for Costa Rica Office
(The Tico Times) Following a media frenzy over its alleged intent to open an office in Costa Rica, the Internet giant Google yesterday denied having such plans. Read
April 18, 2008
Chinchilla is Arias’s Pick for 2010 Costa Rica Elections
(Costa Rica Pages) Costa Rica’s Vice-President and Minister of Justice, Laura Chinchilla, is being groomed to take Arias’s place in 2010, when his presidential term ends. Though his endorsement is not [yet] official, Arias’s numerous flattering comments, and Chinchilla’s presence at many public activities has the political circle abuzz about the possibility of her running to become Costa Rica’s first female president. Read
April 18, 2008
Costa Rica Offers Tax Breaks for Energy-Efficient Cars
(Costa Rica Pages) The Costa Rican government plans to reduce the taxes paid by energy-efficient and low-emission cars. This tax break will cover hybrids, electrics, and those that are powered by biofuels such as ethanol. Automobiles in Costa Rica currently pay between 35% to 53% worth of consumption tax. The tax rate varies based on the car type, engine size and model. Read
April 18, 2008
Costa Rica Lightly Optimistic
(La Nacion) According to the most recent UNIMER survey for the daily La Nación, 36 percent of the respondents believe that their family’s economy will improve in 2009, while 26 percent believe that it will worsen. Read
April 18, 2008
Slower Growth
(La Nacion) The International Monetary Fund slightly reduced the estimate for the Costa Rican Gross Domestic Product in 2008 to 4.1 percent. In 2009, economy is expected to grow 4 percent. Read
April 18, 2008
Casino Restrictions
(La Nacion) The Government ruled that casinos will operate only eight hours a day from now on and that players not be served free drinks. Read
April 18, 2008
Bill Gates Here
(La Nacion) Microsoft cofounder and one of the world’s richest men, Bill Gates, 53, came with his family for vacation in Costa Rica. Read
April 17, 2008
Google Clicks on Costa Rica for Regional Office
(The Tico Times)
Google Inc. is to open an office in Costa Rica, according to a government press statement yesterday, making this country a springboard for the internet giant's big plans for Latin America. Read
April 16, 2008
Brazil, Costa Rica and Jamaica Announce Miss Universe Representatives
VietNamNet Bridge – The three countries that have won high prizes at international beauty contests have just announced their representatives for Miss Universe 2008 to be held in Vietnam this July. Read
April 15, 2008
Costa Rican and Regional Leaders Meet to Discuss Economics
(Costa Rica Pages) More than 500 business, academic and political leaders from 46 countries and 7 Latin American presidents are meeting today, April 15, and tomorrow, April 16, 2008, at an economic forum in Cancún, Mexico. The III World Economic Forum in Latin America (a regional version of the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland) aims to establish strategies that will counteract the impact of the U.S. recession on regional economies and maintain regional growth. This year the forum is looking at the Chinese and European markets as potential allies for Latin America. Read
April 14, 2008
Long-Lived Costa Ricans Offer Secrets to Reaching 100
(National Geographic) At the age of 101, Abuela Panchita is still a social butterfly. The centenarian, who lives on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, has a solid support network of friends and family, which includes a son in his eighties who visits her every morning on his bicycle. Read
April 14, 2008
Cleveland, Costa Rica Strike Import Deal
(The Houston Chronicle) CLEVELAND — The city and Costa Rica have struck a deal to use Cleveland's Lake Erie port as an entry point for coffee, tea, pineapples and other imports from the central American nation. Read
April 14, 2008
Personal Journey: Learning about life revered in Costa Rica
(The Philadelphia Inquirer) When we agreed to join friends for a 12-day tour of Costa Rica, we knew so little about the country that we had to locate it on a map. The natural Wonders of Costa Rica sounded like a mellow adventure, especially since we were sharing it with others who were "60-plus." Read
April 11, 2008
Offshore Banking in Costa Rica Sees Record Growth
(Costa Rica Pages) The presence of offshore banks in Costa Rica has grown exponentially in recent years. Read
April 11, 2008
This Weekend: Rice, Beans and Everything Between
(The Tico Times) There's no shortage of things to do this weekend in the Central Valley, with arts festivals, national hero celebrations and outdoor food frenzies taking over the streets. Read
April 10, 2008
Costa Rica: Prices Are Luring Canadians
(The Toronto Star) When Tara Parsons, the site manager at the Shipyards Development in Collingwood agreed to check out real estate opportunities in Costa Rica for two of her Ontario clients, she had no intention of buying a home there herself. Read
April 10, 2008
Chinese Influence Grows in Costa Rica
(Costa Rica Pages) In current news, we hear of heated Free-Tibet protests in London and other major cities around the world, condemning China’s infringement on human rights. Once again, China is on everyone’s mind and a favorite topic of discussion. For better and for worse, China’s role in the world’s economy and society is prevalent, and its impact on a local level can also be felt. Read
April 09, 2008
Costa Rica Most Technological Country in Central America
(Costa Rica Pages) According to a recent report by the Foro Económico Mundial (World Economic Forum), Costa Rica is the most technologically developed country in all of Central America. Read
April 09, 2008
Salvadoran Prez Visits Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) President Oscar Arias and El Salvador's Antonio Saca signed an accord yesterday promising to cooperate on tourism, technology, trade and regional integration. Read
April 07, 2008
Costa Rica Sees Unseasonable Downpours
(The Tico Times)
Throughout much of central and Pacific Costa Rica, the weekend could be described in a word: wet. Read
April 07, 2008
Historic Battle Saves Costa Rican Freedom
(World Coin News) Juan Sanatamaria Day is a holiday in Costa Rica. It occurs April 11. It is a date that could be celebrated by other Central American countries. Historically speaking, the countries of Central America do not have many joint celebrations. Even though they share a common history in some respects and are part of a small region where the idea of national borders has not always been well-enforced or widely respected, the nations are very different in certain ways. Read
April 07, 2008
Costa Rica and Europe Increase Trade
(Costa Rica Pages) Costa Rican entrepreneurs and their Dutch counterparts met this past week at the hotel Ramada Plaza Herradura in San Antonio de Belén, Heredia Province. Read
April 06, 2008
Costa Rica Jams World's Worth of Spectacles into Small Space
(Minneapolis Star Tribune) ARENAL NATIONAL PARK, Costa Rica -- A crown of streaming clouds flowed off the cone of Costa Rica's Arenal volcano. Read
April 05, 2008
Costa Rica Bans Burger King Commercials For Violent Content
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (FOX News) — The Burger King is safe, at least in Costa Rica. Read
April 05, 2008
Costa Rica’s Cost of Living is on the Rise
(Costa Rica Travel News) Though Costa Rica is not the incredibly inexpensive country that many wish and believe it to be, most retirees and area residents find it to be affordable: expats in Costa Rica can easily live with $10/month cell phones, rents below $500 monthly, affordable and fresh food from the Costa Rica ferias (farmers’ markets), and utilities that cost a fraction of what they did “back home.” Read
April 04, 2008
Security Minister Resigns
(La Nacion) After a surprising agreement with President Oscar Arias, Public Security Minister Fernando Berrocal left his post vacant. Read
April 04, 2008
US Passports
(La Nacion) An average four U.S. passports are stolen in Costa Rica every day, according to a report from the American Embassy in San José. Read
April 04, 2008
Space Cargo
(La Nacion) Alliant Techsystems (ATK), world leader in the launching of cargo to space and in chemically fuelled rockets –whose systems are used in the launching of space shuttles–, entered an agreement with the local AdAstra Rocket, led by Costa Rican-born former NASA astronaut Franklin Chang, to carry the latter’s plasma engine to space. Read
April 04, 2008
Forest Fires
(La Nacion) During the last two weeks, over 600 hectares (1,482 acres) of the Guanacaste National Park in the Costa Rican northwestern Pacific have fallen victim to four fires, allegedly started by poachers. Read
April 04, 2008
More Turtles
(La Nacion) The Las Baulas Marine National Park in the Costa Rican northwestern Pacific saw a larger arrival of spawning turtles, from 58 in the preceding season to 78 in the most recent one. Read
April 04, 2008
Food Costs Skyrocket
(La Nacion) The prices of food increased 22.7 percent during the last year. Read
April 03, 2008
Costa Rica telecom market seen opening soon
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (Reuters) - Costa Rica, one of the few Latin America countries still with a state-run telephone sector, is expected soon to open to big foreign players as part of a trade deal with the United States. Read
April 02, 2008
Costa Rica's Arias wary of inflation
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (Reuters) - Costa Rican inflation in 2008 will likely exceed the central bank's 9 percent target because of international food and energy prices, President Oscar Arias told Reuters on Wednesday. Read
April 02, 2008
Costa Rica's March inflation slower, at 0.39%
(The Tico Times) Inflation eased during March, with consumer prices increasing 0.39%, down from last month's 1.11% price hikes. Read
March 31, 2008
Four U.S. passports stolen a day in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) Some 1,348 U.S. passports were stolen in Costa Rica during the 2006-2007 fiscal year – equal to almost four a day, the daily La Nación reported. Read
March 31, 2008
Costa Rica’s Electric Bill Could Go Up 75%
(Costa Rica News) The ARESEP - Costa Rica’s Public Services Regulating Authority - is reviewing increases of up to 75% in electricity rates. Read
March 31, 2008
Costa Rica’s Green Season Almost Here
(Costa Rica News) The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) has released reports that show that Costa Rica’s green season is just around the corner and that the country should be alert and aware of possible flash flooding that may come with the earlier than expected rains. Read
March 30, 2008
Costa Rican minister steps down over FARC comments
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (Reuters) - Costa Rican Security Minister Fernando Berrocal will step down on Monday after accusing unnamed politicians of having close links to Colombian rebels, the government said. Read
March 28, 2008
Record Popularity
Halfway his second term as President of Costa Rica, and in comparison to the preceding four administrations, doctor Oscar Arias enjoys record support from the people, since 50 percent rank his performance as “good” to “very good”, while only 14 percent say it is “bad”. Read
March 28, 2008
Confidence Index Peaks
The confidence index –0.0 to 3.0 range– for the Government increased from 2.36 in August 2007 to 2.55 in March 2008, the highest point since January 2003. Read
March 28, 2008
Public Debt Decreases
The public debt recorded a spectacular reduction over the last five years. Read
March 28, 2008
The Road to China
Decoration plants and coffee lead the trade that Costa Rica activated upon establishing diplomatic ties with China and the opening of a Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER in Spanish) office in the world’s most populated nation. Read
March 28, 2008
$2.1 Billion in Fuels
Costa Ricans are burning fuels at a $6-million daily rate, for an overall $2.1 billion at the end of the year, $600 million over the $1.5 billion forecast by the Costa Rican Oil Refinery (RECOPE in Spanish). Read
March 28, 2008
1,600 Pounds of Cocaine
The police confiscated 740 kilos (1,600 pounds) of cocaine a in van driven by a Costa Rican, 28, identified only by the family name Valverde. Read
March 27, 2008
Costa Rican Island Prison To Become Tourist Destination
(Costa Rica News) The island of San Lucas, 40 minutes away from the Port City of Puntarenas, in the Gulf of Nicoya, is soon to become a popular tourist destination. Read
March 26, 2008
Costa Rican President: Dalai Lama Asks for Help Initiating Dialogue with China
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (The Associated Press): Costa Rican President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oscar Arias said Tuesday that the Dalai Lama has asked him to help start talks with China over unrest in Tibet. Read
March 26, 2008
Costa Rican President's Popularity Reaches New High
(The Tico Times) President Oscar Arias is more popular now than at any other point during his term, according to the polling firm Unimer. Read
March 26, 2008
Foreign Drug 'Mules' Busted in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) The number of drug-trafficking “mules” being foiled at the country's airports has spiked in recent months. A mule is slang for a person who trafficks drugs on their person, often in their stomachs or rectums, as they cross borders. Read
March 26, 2008
Dengue Fever Reduced in Costa Rica
San Jose, Mar 26 (Prensa Latina) Costa Rica showed a reduction on the index of dengue fever affected people Wednesday, according to the last record by the Costa Rica Public Health Ministry. Read
March 25, 2008
‘U.S. Crisis Will Affect Growth, Exports, Tourism’
SAN JOSÉ(IPS) - The possibility of a recession in the United States is already causing repercussions in Costa Rica, where exports and the value of real estate in tourist areas are expected to contract, according to the president of the country’s Central Bank, Francisco de Paula. Read
March 25, 2008
Guide to Property Investment in Costa Rica
(homemove.co.uk) Costa Rica is one of those areas dream holidays are made of, but also represents a very promising place for property investment due to its strong market. Read
March 22, 2008
Over-the-top tropics
A crown of streaming clouds flowed off the cone of Costa Rica's Arenal volcano. A sound like thunder shook the air. Read
March 19, 2008
Costa Rica Phone Numbers Add 8th Digit Tomorrow
This year, Easter Week, or Semana Santa, is focusing on a rather non spiritual matter. Read
March 18, 2008
Costa Rica couple says they didn't know safe contained FARC money
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (Associated Press): A couple who agreed to store a safe in their home for a Colombian man in the late 1990s said Tuesday it belonged to senior rebel Rodrigo Granda, and that they also briefly hosted late guerrilla commander Raul Reyes in their home. Read
March 17, 2008
Semana Santa Has Begun in Costa Rica
‘Semana Santa’, Costa Rica’s version of Spring Break when just about the entire country comes to a standstill, began this past Monday. Read
March 17, 2008
President Arias Believes Costa Rica is Ready for a Female President
As President Arias helped celebrate International Women’s Day last week the Costa Rica president said that he would like to hand over his presidency to a female candidate when the next elections come around in 2010. Read
March 17, 2008
Renewable Energy Powers Chirripó Internet Access
Visitors of the Crestones shelter in the Chirripó National Park can now chat online as Internet Access is reaching Costa Rica’s most inhospitable areas. Read
March 17, 2008
Costa Rican politicians seek more info on guerrilla ties
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (Associated Press) — Costa Rican lawmakers on Monday demanded the government provide more information on allegations that Colombian guerrillas have ties to local politicians and have stashed hundreds of thousands of dollars in the Central American country. Read
March 16, 2008
Feds target 'sex tourists'
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. government is cracking down on Americans who allegedly travel abroad to engage in sex with children. Read
March 14, 2008
ATA Flight to Costa Rica Canceled Before it Began
(Costa Rica Pages) The newest direct route between Miami and San Jose, Costa Rica was discontinued before it ever began. Read
March 14, 2008
Steinberg Offers Costa Rican 4 Escudos
(World Coin News) Steinberg's, Inc. has released its Winter 2008 price list, "Gold Coins of the World." Read
March 14, 2008
Minority of Costa Ricans Speak Fluent English
(Costa Rica Pages) Of all the countries of Central America, Costa Rica is on top in regard to call centers and industrial parks. Read
March 14, 2008
Costa Rica Government Announces Better Security Plans
(Costa Rica News) Some have criticized the government here in Costa Rica for being to lax when it comes to petty thieving and minor offenses in the community, but now the government wants to crack down harder on these types of crime and more as they aim to pass a new bill through the Legislative Assembly. Read
March 14, 2008
Effects of the U.S. Recession on Costa Rica Real Estate
(Costa Rica Pages) For those who have been in the country long enough, it is maybe a relief to see how the crazy pace of development and investment seems to have slowed down since the housing market in the United States collapsed. Read
March 14, 2008
A Faster World on the Horizon for Costa Rica
(Costa Rica Pages) Costa Rica has always lagged behind the major technological heavyweight countries of the modern world such as the United States, Japan and the majority of Europe, but recently, it has taken major steps to minimize the gap and become a more technology savvy nation. Read
March 14, 2008
Growth without Equality
(Latin America Press) Gap between rich and poor grows in the "Switzerland of Central America." Read
March 14, 2008
Orchid Exposition in Costa Rica this Weekend
(Costa Rica Pages) Costa Rica is the reigning “Orchid Champion” of the world, with an amazing 1,600 species taking root within her borders. Read
March 14, 2008
U.S. Drug Smuggler Caught As Swallowed Capsules Burst
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (Reuters) - An American in Costa Rica was caught smuggling nearly a pound of cocaine (0.4 kg) in his stomach after he went into convulsions on a plane bound for Miami, police said on Friday. Read
March 14, 2008
Rare Leatherback Turtles Gain Protection in Costa Rica
(National Geographic News) As dawn breaks on Playa Grande, the light reveals shallow sand pits where leatherback sea turtles laid their eggs the night before. Read
March 14, 2008
Costa Rica-Nicaragua Commission Takes on Ecotourism
(The Tico Times) GRANADA, Nicaragua -- Costa Rican and Nicaraguan tourism and environment officials sat down behind closed doors yesterday to lay the groundwork for opening up the border for ecotourists traveling between the countries and protecting binational ecological corridors. Read
March 14, 2008
Costa Rica Gets Mixed Grades in U.S. Human Rights Report
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica got a host of high marks on a human rights report card published recently by the United States. Read
March 14, 2008
Costa Rica: The Safest Country in Latin America
(La Nacion) According to the Index of Latin American Security, by FTI Consulting Ibero-America for Latin Business Chronicle, based in Miami, Florida, Costa Rica is the safest place for multi-national business and firms. Read
March 14, 2008
Costa Rica: Second in Tourism
(La Nacion) Costa Rica is the second best tourist destination in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to a survey by the World Economic Forum (WEF), which evaluated 130 nations. Read
March 14, 2008
Arias Criticizes the European Union
(La Nacion) The President of Costa Rica Dr. Oscar Arias criticized what he defined as the hypocrisy of the European Union, because it talks of free trade while subsidizing its farmers. Read
March 14, 2008
Another Volcano Discovered in Costa Rica
(La Nacion) In the virgin tropical forest in the vicinity of San Carlos –northern Costa Rica– scientists found a dormant volcano. Read
March 14, 2008
8-Digit Phones
(La Nacion) As of this March 20th, all telephones in Costa Rica will have eight digits. Read
March 10, 2008
Costa Rica, United States Settle Online Gambling Dispute
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica and the United States have reached a settlement on a trade dispute caused after the U.S. enacted laws designed to target online gambling. Read
March 07, 2008
Cost of Food and Fuels Up
(La Nacion) In the last 12 months, the cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased 21 percent. Read
March 07, 2008
Earlier Rains
(La Nacion) The National Weather Bureau announced the transition from the dry season to the rainy one earlier this year, as a result of the influence of the phenomenon known as La Niña. Read
March 07, 2008
Hundreds of Ticos Deported
(La Nacion) The United States has deported more than 200 Costa Ricans in recent months, because they simulated migratory moves between the two countries. Read
March 07, 2008
Canadian Visa
(La Nacion) Bearers of a Canadian visa will be admitted to Costa Rica. Read
March 07, 2008
At the Roman Forum
(La Nacion) Costa Rican sculptor Jorge Jimenez-Deredia continues an outstanding career in Europe. Read
March 07, 2008
Costa Rica Guaro Gets a New Face and New Markets
Costa Rican guaro (the national liquor of Costa Rica) sold under the brand name Cacique will be distributed in record numbers this year thanks to a new pact between the liquor’s producer, the National Liquor Factory (Fanal) and Centenario International, S Read
March 05, 2008
Government Opposition Sinks New Casino Project in Costa Rica
Plans by Russia’s largest casino operator Storm International to open a new hotel and casino in Costa Rica in 2008 have been all but abandoned following a concerted political campaign in the central American country against the investment. Read
March 05, 2008
Costa Rica's Carbon Neutral Airline
(Smarter Travel) Leave it to tiny Costa Rica to up the eco-quotient ahead of the curve. Read
March 05, 2008
The Path (El camino)
(Variety) Two hapless Nicaraguan children set out on a journey to find their mother across the border in Costa Rica in "The Path," an impressively assembled feature debut for Chilean-Iraqi helmer Ishtar Yasin. Read
March 05, 2008
Indigenous Groups Oppose Dam in Costa Rica
- ICE is planning a new hydroelectric plant in Costa Rica
- The Arenal Dam is Costa Rica’s biggest hydroelectric energy source Read
March 05, 2008
Costa Rican Government Taking Action on Insurance Fraud
(Costa Rica News) The Costa Rican government look set to take on action on a host of high profile figures that work in Costa Rica, most notably former president Miguel Angel Rodriguez, in relation to allegedly accepting $2.1 million in payment from intern Read
March 05, 2008
Costa Rica's 'Green' Season to Clock in Early
(The Tico Times) After spurts of rain in February, meteorologists forecast this month will likely remain "dry" as the temporada seca, or dry season, dictates. Read
March 04, 2008
Costa Rica Urges Feuding Neighbors to Take a Deep Breath
(The Tico Times) Foreign Minister Bruno Stagno called for dialogue yesterday to cool tensions over a Colombian air strike in Ecuadorian territory that killed Raul Reyes, the No. 2 leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Read
February 29, 2008
More Funds for the Environment
(La Nacion) The National System of Conservation Areas increased its budget fro 2008 by 28 percent, in comparison to last year’s. Read
February 29, 2008
Ties with Israel
(La Nacion) The Israeli Ambassador Ehud Eitam, tried to soothe the likely deterioration of the relations between his country and Costa Rica, resulting from the establishment of relations between the Central American nation and the Palestinian Authority. Read
February 29, 2008
German Investment
(La Nacion)
A delegation of German businessmen visited Costa Rica aiming at eventual investment here. Read
February 29, 2008
$72.5 Million for Limon
(La Nacion) The World Bank pledged granting Costa Rica $72.5 million for the modernization of the Caribbean city port of Limon. Read
February 29, 2008
Plane Lost 65 Years Ago
(La Nacion) The debris of a Vultee BT-13 Valiant belonging to the Chilean Air Force and lost in 1943 were found in the Costa Rican Central Mountain Range. Read
February 29, 2008
A Sea of Black T-shirts
(La Nacion) Saprissa Stadium in San Jose hosted a concert by Iron Maiden. Read
February 29, 2008
Cell Phones in Costa Rica to Die
(Costa Rica News) From the start of this coming Sunday starting at 12.01am mobile phones in Costa Rica will be cut off from their service. Read
February 28, 2008
Costa Rica Says Finances Set to Resist US Downturn
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, Feb. 28 (Reuters) - Costa Rica expects to maintain healthy government finances despite a downturn in the economy of the United States, its main trading partner, Treasury Minister Guillermo Zuniga said on Thursday. Read
February 27, 2008
Costa Rica Dry Season to be Cut Short by La Niña
(Costa Rica News) Costa Rican meteorologists expect the rainy season, or the Costa Rican winter, to come early this year to the Central Valley and the Pacfic due to certain climate conditions including La Niña phenomenon. Read
February 27, 2008
Missing WWII Plane Found in Costa Rica
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — Farmers in the mountains of Costa Rica found a Chilean air force plane that disappeared during World War II while flying from Texas to Chile. Read
February 27, 2008
Implementation of CAFTA in Costa Rica delayed until Oct. 1
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (The Associated Press): Costa Rica has until Oct. 1 to implement the Central American Free Trade Agreement with the U.S., the president said Wednesday. Read
February 25, 2008
Will a Recession in the US hurt Costa Rica?
(Costa Rica News) With house prices plummeting in the US and the Credit Crunch only crunching even more, should Costa Rica be taking precautionary plans to diversify its tourism advertising and trade to other countries world-wide? Read
February 25, 2008
AJC Criticizes Costa Rica Recognition of Palestinian State
(American Jewish Committee) The American Jewish Committee is dismayed by the decision of Costa Rica to establish diplomatic relations with the “State of Palestine.” Read
February 25, 2008
Costa Rica's Youth Struggle with Age-Old Problems
(The Tico Times) Young people in Costa Rica have trouble finishing school and finding jobs. Many distrust politicians, and gender lines still divide them. Read
February 25, 2008
Costa Rican Electronics Retailer Buys Competitor
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica's largest electronics group has purchased one of its few remaining competitors. Read
February 24, 2008
Costa Rica's Jade Museum to Get New Home
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the National Insurance Institute (INS) have announced plans to create a new home for the Jade Museum, a popular San José tourist attraction. Read
February 22, 2008
$600-Million Investment
(La Nacion) Minister of Tourism Carlos Benavides announced that the Costa Rican Board of Tourism (ICT in Spanish) is handling applications for tourist developments, which overall mean a $600-million investment in the sector this year. If the ICT declares Read
February 22, 2008
Arrival of Tourists Up
(La Nacion) The number of tourists in January increased 13.7 percent as compared to the same month last year, according to early data from the ICT and the Costa Rican Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR). Read
February 22, 2008
Trade with the European Union
(La Nacion) The Central American nations aim at emplacing special protective mechanisms for key productive sectors in the Association Agreement with the European Union. Read
February 22, 2008
Procter & Gamble Center
(La Nacion) From a facility in Costa Rica, 250 people have the responsibility to advise Procter & Gamble branches throughout the continent for any deals they launch on finance, information, and distribution, so that they will be as efficient and dollar-ea Read
February 22, 2008
Central Bank Buys Fewer Dollars
(La Nacion) The Central Bank of Costa Rica has lowered the purchase of dollars so far this year. Read
February 22, 2008
Record Number of Text Messages
(La Nacion) On Valentine, Costa Rican cell-phone messages topped over a record 83.7 million, more than 30 million above the corresponding number for last New Year’s Eve. Read
February 20, 2008
Costa Rica on Castro
The news yesterday that Fidel Castro is stepping down as Head of State of Cuba has been a front-page story around the world. However, some governments, such as Costa Rica's, downplayed the significance of his departure. Read
February 18, 2008
Delta begins nonstop flights from New York-JFK to San Jose and Liberia, Costa Rica
NEW YORK, Feb 18, 2008 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) Today announced the beginning of nonstop flights between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and San Jose and Liberia, Costa Rica, starting today and tomorrow, respectively. Read
February 18, 2008
Voting 101 at U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica
(The Tico Times) As the U.S. presidential race heats up back home, many expats here are wondering how they can make their vote count in the Nov. 4 election. Next week some U.S. citizens abroad in Costa Rica will be better informed. Read
February 18, 2008
Costa Rica’s Attorney General Weighs in on CAFTA Deadlines
(The Tico Times) Costa Rica can enter a free-trade agreement with the United States now, then spend up to three months passing laws that put the country in compliance with the treaty, the Government Attorney's Office said Friday. Read
February 18, 2008
Costa Rica Tourism Continues to Increase
(Costa Rica News) At the turn of the year the Costa Rican tourism board were worried that this year might be a slower growth year for tourists visiting Costa Rica with regards to the delicate conditions of the United States economy, however new figures in Read
February 18, 2008
Doubletree Adds Hotels in Costa Rica
(DallasNews.com) Doubletree Hotels & Resorts rang in the new year with new properties in Costa Rica – the first full-service Hilton family hotels in the country. Both properties have undergone extensive renovations. Read
February 18, 2008
Delta flies nonstop JFK to Costa Rica's San José, Liberia airports
(The Tico Times) Delta Air Lines announced the launch of nonstop flights between New York's JFK International Airport, and San José and Liberia international airports, in central and northwest Costa Rica, respectively. The flights are scheduled to begin t Read
February 18, 2008
Tourism in Costa Rica remains strong despite U.S. economic downturn
(The Tico Times) Tourism growth continued to be strong in January, despite fears that an economic slowdown in the United States might put a damper on this year. Read
February 16, 2008
Top World Banana Productivity
(La Nacion) Costa Rica produced an average 2,593 boxes of bananas per hectare in 2007, thus retaining its world leadership in banana productivity. Read
February 16, 2008
Telecommunications Sector Opening Up
(La Nacion) The opening of the telecommunications market –which hitherto has been state-controlled– is but one debate away, since the Legislative Assembly approved it in a first of two votes. Read
February 16, 2008
India Seeks Alliances in Costa Rica
(La Nacion)
The world’s information and communications leader, India, boasts of such a high demand of computer programs and technical support services that it is seeking alliances with Costa Rican firms in order to properly handle that demand. Read
February 16, 2008
$200 Million in Software Exports
(La Nacion) A survey by the Costa Rican Technology Chamber (CAMTIC) of the 500 technology firms in Costa Rica found that they are exporting $200 million worth of software a year. Read
February 16, 2008
A New U.S. Ambassador
(La Nacion) A banker from the Northeast was nominated by President George W. Bush as the next U.S. ambassador to Costa Rica. Peter E. Cianchette. Read
February 16, 2008
Flights to Bogota
(La Nacion) The Colombian airline Avianca will start operating four weekly non-stop flights between Costa Rica and Bogota starting this February 29. Read
February 16, 2008
Multinationals Set Eyes on Costa Rica Telecom Industry
(Costa Rica News) Despite the fact that the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly just approved the bill that sets the stage to open up the telecommunications industry earlier this week, a few multinationals have had their eyes set on the market for several ye Read
February 15, 2008
U.S. Low-Cost Carrier to Fly Costa Rican Skies
(The Tico Times/EFE) ATA Airlines will begin a direct Miami-San José route next month, the low-cost U.S. carrier said. Read
February 15, 2008
Costa Rican Business Owners Stay Optimistic
(Tico Times) Business owners are overwhelmingly positive about the economy here, according to the latest quarterly survey released by the Union of Private-Sector Chambers and Associations (UCCAEP). Read
February 15, 2008
Nicaraguan-Costa Rican Binational Commission to Meet
(Prensa Latina) The Binational Commission between Nicaragua and Costa Rica will meet in mid March in the Nicaraguan city of Granada, the Foreign Ministry said in a press release. Read
February 14, 2008
Let's Finish The San José Airport Now, La República Urges Government
InsideCostaRica.com: In a front page editorial Wednesday, the daily Spanish language newspaper La República urged the government to come to agreement with the manager of the Juan Santamaría (San José) international airport , Alterra Partners, and get the Read
February 14, 2008
Better Late Than Never, Legislature Approves Telecommunications Law
InsideCostaRica.com: The Costa Rican legislature yesterday approved its "general telecommunications law" in first round of debate. Second reading that is required to make the bill into law is expected in the coming weeks. Read
February 14, 2008
Third Daily Flight To San José From Miami Next Month Offered by ATA Airlines
InsideCostaRica.com: Next month visitors from the United States will have another alternative to fly directly to and from Costa Rica as another airline prepares for beginning of its regular service to San José from Miami. Read
February 14, 2008
Costa Rica Identified as 'Next Spain'
AboutProperty.co.uk: Costa Rica has been identified as an overseas property investment hotspot, with the potential to be as attractive as Spain. Read
February 09, 2008
War of the Supermarkets includes Costa Rican Chains
(Costa Rica News) Yesterday 16 regional supermarket chains, two of them Costa Rican, signed an agreement in El Salvador to unite forces and be more competitive against the retail giant Wal-Mart. The regional organization will be called Super Markets of Ce Read
February 09, 2008
First Chinese Film Festival in Costa Rica This Weekend
(Costa Rica News) The first ever Chinese Film Festival, which will take place this weekend from Feb. 8 to Feb. 10, will feature three full-length Chinese films, each with three separate viewing times. All will be shown at the Cinépolis Terramall movie the Read
February 06, 2008
U.S. ex-pats in Costa Rica make history in first global primary
U.S. ex-pats trickled into a hotel room on Parque Morazán yesterday to vote in a historic global primary to help decide the Democratic Party's 2008 nominee for U.S. president. Read
February 06, 2008
Costa Rica establishes diplomatic relations with Palestinian 'state'
Costa Rica took a bold step into the tumultuous Mideast politics yesterday, announcing it recognizes Palestinian statehood and announces a bilateral accord with the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to "strengthen" the governments' diplomatic relatio Read
February 06, 2008
International Texting from Costa Rica
The Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE), the state run monopoly for the telecommunications market, have now announced contracts with bigger mobile networks outside of Costa Rica that will mean that text messages can be sent to and from those countr Read
February 05, 2008
Colombia, Costa Rica 'top ten' for environment
Colombia and Costa Rica are among the top ten nations in a ranking of excellence in environmental performance. Read
February 05, 2008
Costa Rica’s Sex Tax eliminated
Posted by Paul Smith (CostaRicaNews)
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) has eliminated the 3% tax that they had been charging motels on top of the 16.39% hotels tax. Read
February 05, 2008
IHG Opens the First Crowne Plaza(R) in Costa Rica
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) (LSE:IHG) (NYSE:IHG) (ADRs), one of the world’s largest hotel groups by number of rooms, today announced the opening of the Crowne Plaza® Corobici San Jose Costa Rica. Read
February 04, 2008
Costa Rica joins in worldwide call for FARC's farewell to arms
Colombians are set to march today in San José as part of a worldwide protest, "One Million Voices Against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)," which is meant to call for the leftist rebel army to lay down its weapons and release its hosta Read
February 01, 2008
The Lowest Unemployment
LaNacion.com. The most recent report from the International Labor Organization (ILO) points out that Costa Rica has the lowest r