Costa Rica is continuing negotiations to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, despite legal challenges from opposition legislators seeking greater disclosure of the potential economic consequences. The dispute has intensified scrutiny of the country’s trade integration plans.
Costa Rica’s Prison Population Hits Record 21,000 as New Maximum-Security Facility Nears Opening
Costa Rica’s Justice Ministry has reported a record 21,000 adults in custody, adding urgency to preparations for a new maximum-security prison designed to accommodate 5,000 inmates. The facility is intended to ease chronic overcrowding and strengthen the response to organised crime.
Costa Rican Authorities Conduct 80 Raids Against Suspected Fuel Theft Network
Costa Rican security forces have carried out 80 simultaneous raids targeting an organised crime network accused of stealing more than 650,000 litres of fuel. The operation highlights efforts to protect national infrastructure from criminal activity.
Magnitude 6.5 Earthquake Strikes Near Costa Rica-Panama Border With Limited Damage Reported
A magnitude 6.5 earthquake near the Costa Rica-Panama border caused widespread shaking but little reported damage to critical infrastructure. Costa Rican emergency agencies have been assessing buildings and infrastructure following the powerful tremor.
Costa Rica’s Supreme Court Says Judicial Vacancies Are Delaying Political Immunity Cases
Costa Rica’s Supreme Court has informed lawmakers that vacancies on the bench are preventing it from proceeding with requests to lift immunity for senior political figures. The delays have raised concerns about the judiciary’s ability to handle politically sensitive accountability proceedings.
Costa Rica Allocates 1.5 Billion Colones to Keep Red Cross Emergency Services Running
Costa Rican President Laura Fernández has directed the Finance Ministry to release 1.5 billion colones in emergency funding to the national Red Cross. The transfer is intended to sustain essential response services as branches across the country struggle with serious financial shortfalls.
Costa Rican Foreign Affairs Vice Minister Resigns a Week After Cabinet Reshuffle
Costa Rica’s vice minister of foreign affairs has resigned unexpectedly, just one week after a wider cabinet reshuffle. The departure has prompted questions about leadership continuity and the direction of the country’s foreign policy.
Costa Rican Authorities Arrest Concert Promoters in Alleged $850,000 Money Laundering Case
Costa Rican investigators have detained several prominent concert producers over their suspected involvement in an $850,000 money laundering operation. The arrests form part of efforts to investigate illicit financial activity in the commercial entertainment industry.
Steris Expands Medical Device Testing Operations in Costa Rica’s Alajuela Province
International medical technology company Steris has announced an expansion of its testing capabilities in Alajuela, strengthening Costa Rica’s growing life sciences industry. The investment adds to the country’s position as a manufacturing and testing location for global medical device companies.
Costa Rica’s Electric Train Project Faces Obstacles From More Than 400 Buildings
Infrastructure planners have identified more than 400 buildings along the proposed route of the San José metropolitan electric train. The findings point to substantial construction and planning challenges for the project, which aims to modernise public transport in the capital region.
Costa Rican Developers Open Artificial Beach Lagoon Amid Guanacaste Drought Concerns
Private developers have opened Costa Rica’s first artificial beach lagoon in Guanacaste, using water drawn from independent wells. The project has sparked debate over water consumption and luxury tourism development as the region faces severe drought conditions.
Costa Rica Approves Higher Mandatory Vehicle Insurance Premiums for 2027
Costa Rican financial regulators have approved increases in mandatory vehicle insurance premiums for 2027, citing rising operating costs. The changes will raise transport-related expenses for vehicle owners across the country.
Costa Rica Investigates Suspected Illegal Land Clearing Near Montezuma Waterfall
Costa Rican environmental prosecutors have opened an investigation into suspected illegal logging and land clearing on protected land near the popular Montezuma waterfall. The inquiry concerns activities that could threaten sensitive natural areas and the surrounding tourism environment.
Costa Rican Scientists Release One Million Coral Embryos to Restore Marine Reefs
Researchers and conservation groups in Costa Rica have released one million laboratory-reared coral embryos into natural marine environments. The restoration effort marks a significant milestone in efforts to protect reef ecosystems and improve their resilience to climate change.
Direct Tampa-San José Flights Resume After Two-Decade Absence
A new twice-weekly direct service connecting Tampa, Florida, with Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport has begun operating after a 20-year absence. The route expands air connections with the United States and provides another option for visitors travelling to Costa Rica.
Wyndham Plans New Hotel in Costa Rica’s Central Valley Town of Grecia
International hospitality developers have announced plans for a Wyndham hotel in Grecia, a municipality in Costa Rica’s Central Valley. The project signals growing hotel investment beyond the country’s established coastal tourism destinations.
Pandora Shuts All Five Jewellery Stores in Costa Rica Without Public Explanation
Danish jewellery retailer Pandora has closed all five of its stores in Costa Rica without publicly explaining the decision. The closures leave questions about the company’s local retail operations and future presence in the market.
Costa Rica’s Retirement Visa Ranked Fourth Among Global Residency Programmes
Costa Rica’s Pensionado retirement visa has been ranked fourth worldwide in international mobility assessments. The recognition highlights the country’s appeal to foreign retirees and its efforts to attract international residents and investment.
Costa Rica Expands Electronic Waste Collection Network to Reduce Pollution
Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health has expanded its network of electronic waste collection centres, encouraging residents to dispose of outdated devices through designated facilities. The programme aims to reduce contamination from hazardous materials and improve the handling of discarded electronics.
University of Costa Rica Restarts Marine Fish Research to Support Sustainable Fisheries
Researchers at the University of Costa Rica have resumed studies of marine fish larvae to improve understanding of coastal ecosystems and support commercial fisheries management. The research aims to strengthen biodiversity protection while helping fishing communities maintain sustainable livelihoods.