CultureShock! Costa Rica by Clarie Wallerstein is a refreshingly informative analysis of the history, customs, and culture of Costa Rica. While it covers much of the basic history that is repeated by relocation guides, it connects historical events to its social implications. The approach reveals in detail the “idiosincrasia” that is uniquely Costa Rican. For […]
Archives for January 15, 2014
Costa Ricans Consider Their Unique Form of Socialism
Americans who look at the 2014 presidential elections in Costa Rica are often tempted to make comparisons to the political system in the United States. However, as you learn more it’s clear that Costa Ricas are in a very different place, politically speaking. For example, the candidates that have captured most of the attention in […]
Public ministry brings tax evasion case against Grupo Nación
Prosecutors have filed charges of tax evasion against the owners of the Grupo Nación media firm, which publishes the popular newspaper La Nacion. The charges are pending before the Criminal Court of the Second Judicial Circuit, and involve a 2004 deal where an offshore company in Belize realized a $3 million capital gain for the […]
Marriage equality and in vitro fertilization are debts of the State
According to a UN group on policy development, in vitro fertilization and same sex marriage are areas will Costa Rica will need new legislation. At present, legislators are confronted by a ruling from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights that requires Costa Rica to open the way for in vitro fertilization. The issue of same […]
World Bank improves outlook for economic growth in Costa Rica
Experts from the World Bank are forecasting economic growth for Costa Rica, to be between 4.3 and 4.1 percent for 2015. The rate is higher than the average expectation for Latin America. The report also said that expectations depend on volatile global interest rates and capital flows as the Federal Reserve Bank of the United […]
Economic growth in 2013 was prompted by external factors
According to a report issued by Aldesa Valores, 2013 was a difficult year for industries that serve the domestic market in Costa Rica. However, at the same time the manufacturing sector in free trade zones reported a record 22 percent growth through October of the year. Demand decreased by 6.3 percent in November and December […]