Costa Rica's National Emergency Commission activated coastal warnings and disaster monitoring systems after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck southern Panama. Authorities are assessing possible damage in southern Costa Rica while coordinating emergency information with neighbouring countries.
Costa Rican Police Arrest 31 Suspects in Nationwide Fuel Theft Crackdown
Costa Rican prosecutors and judicial investigators carried out coordinated raids at 80 locations, arresting 31 people suspected of involvement in a major fuel theft and money laundering network. The operation marks a significant effort to dismantle organised crime operations across the country.
Costa Rica Investigates Political Links of Suspect Wanted by US Drug Enforcement Agency
Judicial investigators in Costa Rica have opened an inquiry into the political connections and financial activities of a prominent criminal suspect wanted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. The investigation raises concerns about the possible influence of drug trafficking networks within the country's political institutions.
Pan American Health Organization Warns Costa Rica of Growing Measles Risk
The Pan American Health Organization has warned Costa Rica and other countries across the Americas of a heightened risk of measles transmission. Health authorities are being urged to accelerate vaccination efforts ahead of major international gatherings and religious events that could increase the spread of infections.
Costa Rica Central Bank Warns Strong Colón Is Putting Export Jobs at Risk
Costa Rica's central bank has warned that the sustained appreciation of the colón against the US dollar is squeezing exporters, particularly coffee producers. Rising financial pressure is prompting some agricultural businesses to replace manual labour with machinery to remain competitive in international markets.
Panama Removed From EU Tax Blacklist, Increasing Regional Investment Competition
The European Union has removed Panama from its list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, strengthening the country's position as an international financial centre. The decision could increase competition for foreign investment across Central America, including Costa Rica.
Costa Rican Economy Forecast to Grow 3.3% Despite High Public Debt
Regional economic assessments project Costa Rica's economy will expand by 3.3% in the coming year, supported by technology services, tourism and foreign investment. However, government debt exceeding 60% of gross domestic product continues to limit spending on major infrastructure projects.
United States Flags Costa Rica Over Failures to Combat Illegal Fishing
US environmental and trade authorities have again identified shortcomings in Costa Rica's efforts to monitor and penalise illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The designation raises concerns about the country's marine conservation reputation and the possibility of future restrictions affecting maritime trade.
Bukele and Petro Expected at Opening of New Maximum-Security Prison in Costa Rica
Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele and Colombian President Gustavo Petro are expected to attend the inauguration of a new maximum-security prison in Costa Rica. Their planned participation highlights regional interest in tougher prison security policies, as Costa Rica debates its approach to organised crime.
Costa Rica Spreads Drought-Related Electricity Costs Over Three Years
Costa Rican energy regulators have introduced a mechanism to distribute additional electricity generation costs over 36 months following severe drought conditions linked to El Niño. The measure is intended to protect households and businesses from sudden increases in power bills.
Costa Rica's Leading Technology Startups Secure More Than $119 Million in Funding
Costa Rica's leading technology companies, including digital health platform HuliHealth and telecommunications software provider Calix, have collectively attracted more than $119 million in investment. The funding reinforces the country's growing reputation as a technology and innovation centre in Central America.
Belgian Business Delegation Visits Costa Rica to Explore Technology and Manufacturing Investment
Representatives from 13 Belgian companies have begun discussions with Costa Rican government agencies and business groups to explore new investment opportunities. The commercial mission is focused on expanding bilateral trade, particularly in digital services and sustainable manufacturing.
Costa Rica's Pacific Water Infrastructure Project Reaches Just 25% Completion After Seven Years
A major water infrastructure programme serving the tourism destinations of Jacó, Quepos and Manuel Antonio remains only 25% complete after seven years. The delays are raising concerns about whether local water systems can support continued growth in tourism and property development.
Costa Rica Tightens Access to Civil Registry Records to Protect Personal Data
Costa Rica's Supreme Electoral Court has introduced new digital verification requirements for accessing national civil registry information. Individuals and businesses must now use verified accounts, a measure intended to reduce unauthorised data collection and strengthen privacy protections.
Costa Rican Supreme Court Strikes Down Municipal Employment Benefits in Paraíso
Costa Rica's Constitutional Chamber has invalidated certain financial benefits included in the Municipality of Paraíso's collective bargaining agreement. The ruling reinforces judicial scrutiny of public-sector compensation and efforts to control spending by local governments.
Costa Rica Study Finds Native Wildlife Recovering in Reforested Areas
An international ecological assessment has documented the return of native biodiversity to previously degraded landscapes in Costa Rica. The findings highlight the role of forest protection laws and payments to landowners for environmental services in supporting ecosystem recovery and nature-based tourism.
Costa Rican Prosecutors Investigate Alleged Environmental Damage Near Cartago Hot Springs
Environmental prosecutors in Costa Rica have opened a criminal investigation into suspected damage to a protected thermal wetland and natural hot spring area near Cartago. The inquiry centres on concerns about industrial activity affecting sensitive wildlife habitats and local water systems.
Costa Rican Communities Seek Restoration of Damaged Mangroves in Playa Sámara
Residents and conservation organisations in Playa Sámara have petitioned environmental authorities to restore the Río Lagarto mangrove ecosystem. The campaign highlights growing concern over damage associated with coastal development and the need to protect natural habitats that support sustainable tourism.
Costa Rica Ranks Fourth Worldwide for Retirement Visa Attractiveness
An international retirement relocation ranking has placed Costa Rica's Pensionado visa programme fourth globally, citing its minimum monthly income requirement of $1,000 and favourable tax treatment. The programme continues to attract foreign retirees and investment into housing and local businesses.
Costa Rica Advances Plans for International Airport Serving Private Jets and Luxury Tourism
Costa Rican aviation authorities and infrastructure developers are progressing plans for a specialised international airport serving executive jets and charter flights, with operations targeted for 2026. The project aims to accommodate growing demand for premium tourism while reducing pressure on major passenger terminals in San José.