Costa Rica

With the oldest and most stable democratic government in the region, Costa Rica is considered a Central American success story. The country has a GDP of over $45 billion and a population of 4.5 million. Economic growth is estimated at 6.5% in 2007. The country’s total trade with the world exceeds $21 billion annually, with exports of over $9 billion and imports of almost $12 billion.

Costa Rica, with its relatively high standard of living, is expanding its economy to include strong technology and tourism sectors. The country’s manufacturing sector is growing with factories producing microprocessors, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, food and plastic products. 

Its political stability, as well as the country’s high education levels, is attracting many foreign investors.  The United States is the leading investor in Costa Rica with holdings of $1.6 billion. Large American companies like Intel and Procter & Gamble, and an increasing number of franchising and service companies, have opened shops there. The key market sectors that are benefiting from CAFTA include: paper products, information and communication technology, auto parts, medical equipment, and construction equipment.

For more information about Costa Rica visit any of the following links.  

Doing Business in Costa Rica, U.S. Department of Commerce

The World Factbook, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency

Background Note: Costa Rica, U.S. Department of State

Country profile: Costa Rica, the BBC

The World Bank Group. Doing Business: Costa Rica

Florida-Origin Exports to Costa Rica
Florida's Merchandise Trade with Costa Rica