Costa Rica's business chambers and multinational investors have welcomed legislative approval of flexible 12-hour work schedules. The reform maintains overall weekly working-hour limits while seeking to attract foreign investment, improve manufacturing productivity and give employers greater scheduling flexibility.
Costa Rica's Central Bank Sees Steady Growth Supported by Tourism and Technology Exports
The Central Bank of Costa Rica expects economic growth to remain positive through the final quarter of 2026, supported by strong tourism revenues, continued investment in technology and stable inflation. The outlook points to sustained business confidence as the country benefits from foreign exchange inflows and international investment.
Costa Rica Steps Up Anti-Drug Operations as Homicide Figures Show Signs of Stabilizing
Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Agency is intensifying operations against organized crime following previously record-high homicide levels. Authorities are strengthening security along coastal areas and seeking additional funding to protect communities and maintain confidence in the country's major tourism destinations.
Costa Rica's Supreme Court Rejects Proposed Changes to Judicial Leadership Elections
Costa Rica's Supreme Court has dismissed a legislative proposal to change how judicial leaders are elected. The decision reinforces judicial independence and the separation of powers amid continuing national debate over governance and institutional reform.
Costa Rica and Panama Introduce Digital Customs Systems at Paso Canoas Border
Costa Rica and Panama have implemented new digital customs integration systems at the Paso Canoas border crossing to speed up commercial transport. The measures aim to reduce delays, improve supply chain efficiency and strengthen trade connections between the two Central American economies.
Costa Rica Secures Financing to Modernize Renewable Electricity Grid and Expand Geothermal Power
The Costa Rican Institute of Electricity has finalized international financing agreements to upgrade the national transmission network and expand geothermal generation. The investments are intended to meet growing industrial electricity demand while preserving the country's near-total reliance on renewable energy.
Costa Rica and United Nations Strengthen Cooperation on Pandemic Prevention
Costa Rica has endorsed a United Nations framework for preventing future pandemics, reaffirming its commitment to international public health cooperation. The initiative supports stronger domestic disease surveillance and preparedness measures to protect residents and the country's tourism-dependent economy.
Costa Rican Red Cross Warns Funding Crisis Could Disrupt Emergency Rescue Services
The Costa Rican Red Cross says severe financial pressures could force shorter operating hours and the suspension of specialized rescue services. The warning has raised concerns among municipalities and tourism businesses about emergency response capacity ahead of the peak international travel season.
Costa Rica Finalizes 2027 Public University Funding After Budget Negotiations
Costa Rica's government and public university leaders have reached an agreement on the 2027 Higher Education Special Fund. The settlement secures funding for academic research, technological development and university operations while addressing government budget constraints and institutional autonomy.
Costa Rica Resumes Route 32 Highway Expansion to Improve Caribbean Port Access
Construction crews have resumed accelerated work on Costa Rica's Route 32 expansion, a major highway linking the Central Valley with the Caribbean port of Moín. The project is intended to reduce freight costs, improve export transport and strengthen access for agricultural producers and logistics operators.
Costa Rica Advances Guanacaste Airport Expansion Amid Record Tourism Demand
Costa Rican aviation authorities and private concessionaires are advancing plans to modernize Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Guanacaste. The proposed upgrades would increase terminal capacity and improve airport infrastructure as passenger arrivals reach record levels and international airline connections expand.
Costa Rican Fintech and Climate Technology Startups Secure Record Venture Capital Funding
Technology companies based in San José have announced a series of international funding rounds, with investment focused on digital finance and climate technology. The record fundraising activity reflects growing international interest in Costa Rica's startup sector and its potential as a regional innovation hub.
Costa Rica Expands Advanced Mobile Network Deployment Across San José
Costa Rica's telecommunications regulator is accelerating the rollout of next-generation wireless infrastructure across San José and surrounding urban areas. The expansion is designed to strengthen digital connectivity, support remote working and attract international technology businesses.
Costa Rica Expands Cocos Island Marine Protection to Combat Illegal Fishing
Costa Rica's environmental authorities have announced an expansion of the protected area surrounding Cocos Island National Park alongside stronger maritime patrol measures. The initiative aims to curb illegal commercial fishing and safeguard marine biodiversity in the country's Pacific waters.
Costa Rica Strengthens Southern Border Processing as Regional Migration Pressures Continue
Costa Rica's migration authorities have deployed additional personnel and digital tracking systems along the country's southern border to manage increased cross-border migration. The measures are intended to improve processing capacity while balancing humanitarian responsibilities with national security concerns.
Costa Rican Officials Assess Illegal Mining Damage in Las Crucitas
Government officials have carried out field inspections in Las Crucitas to assess environmental damage caused by illegal gold mining. The evaluations form part of renewed efforts to restore affected areas, strengthen northern border security and tackle organized environmental crime.
Costa Rica's Limón Port Opens Cruise Season with Record Passenger Arrivals Forecast
The Caribbean port of Limón has welcomed its first major cruise ships of the 2026–2027 season, with tourism operators expecting record passenger numbers. Increased cruise activity is expected to bring additional visitor spending and foreign currency revenue to Costa Rica's Caribbean coastal economy.
Costa Rican Coffee Producers Gain Sustainability Certifications to Boost Premium Exports
Coffee cooperatives in Costa Rica have secured new carbon-neutral and biodiversity-focused certifications from European and North American trade organizations. The recognition is expected to help producers secure higher international prices and strengthen demand for sustainably produced Costa Rican coffee.
Costa Rica Launches European Tourism Campaign Targeting Sustainable and Wellness Travel
Costa Rica's tourism authorities have launched a marketing campaign across key European markets to attract visitors interested in sustainable tourism and premium wellness experiences. The campaign highlights the country's biodiversity and political stability as it seeks to expand its international visitor base.
Costa Rica Expands Dengue Prevention Campaigns as Rainfall Patterns Shift
Costa Rica's Health Ministry is intensifying fumigation and public awareness campaigns to limit the spread of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases. The measures respond to changing seasonal rainfall patterns and aim to reduce pressure on healthcare services while protecting communities and tourism operations.