Costa Rican seismologists are maintaining heightened surveillance and structural assessments following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in southern Panama. The quake caused widespread tremors, temporary tsunami alerts and disruptions to transport and logistics in southern Costa Rica.
Costa Rican Police Conduct More Than 80 Raids Targeting Organized Fuel Theft Network
Costa Rican security forces have carried out more than 80 coordinated raids across several provinces targeting an organized crime network involved in fuel theft, pipeline siphoning and illegal distribution. The operation is part of efforts to dismantle large-scale criminal activities affecting the country's fuel infrastructure.
Microsoft Reports 39% Rise in Ransomware Attacks Targeting Costa Rica
Microsoft's latest Digital Defense Report identifies Costa Rica as one of the countries facing significant cybersecurity threats, with ransomware attacks increasing 39% over the past year. The findings highlight growing pressure on businesses and government agencies to strengthen protection of critical digital infrastructure.
Costa Rica Allocates 1.5 Billion Colones in Emergency Funding to Support Red Cross Services
President Laura Fernández has directed Costa Rica's Finance Ministry to release 1.5 billion colones in emergency funding for the national Red Cross. The allocation is intended to prevent service reductions and maintain emergency medical response operations across the country.
Costa Rica's Public Hospitals Face Mounting Pressure From Patient Backlogs and Capacity Shortages
Public hospitals across Costa Rica, including Liberia Hospital, are struggling with limited capacity, lengthy patient waiting times and growing demand for emergency care. Healthcare administrators are working to address operational and administrative difficulties as pressure mounts on the national social security healthcare system.
Costa Rica Steps Up Drought Response to Protect Farmers and Livestock From El Niño Conditions
Costa Rica's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is expanding monitoring and technical assistance in farming areas affected by prolonged dry weather. The measures aim to safeguard staple crops and livestock water supplies as El Niño-related drought conditions threaten agricultural production.
Landslides Block Costa Rica's Route 32, Disrupting Key Transport Link to Caribbean Coast
Heavy landslides and falling rocks have temporarily blocked sections of Route 32, the major highway connecting San José with the Caribbean port city of Limón. Emergency maintenance crews and transport inspectors have been deployed to clear debris and restore traffic along the important commercial route.
Costa Rica's Free Trade Zones Continue to Attract Investment and Support Manufacturing Exports
Costa Rican trade officials say the country's free trade zones remain a major source of foreign direct investment and advanced manufacturing exports. The sector continues to support economic growth and technology-related industries despite concerns that a stronger colón is affecting export competitiveness.
Costa Rica's Central Bank Reports Stable Inflation Amid Concerns Over Strong Colón
Costa Rica's central bank says domestic inflation remains within its target range, while the appreciation of the colón against the US dollar continues to raise concerns among exporters. Policymakers are monitoring exchange-rate developments and their effects on the country's economic competitiveness.
Costa Rica Reports Unemployment Near Historic Lows as Skills Gaps Remain a Challenge
Costa Rican economic planning authorities say unemployment remains close to historically low levels, reflecting relatively steady labor market conditions. However, informal employment and mismatches between workers' skills and the needs of growing technology industries remain policy concerns.
Costa Rica Retains Above-Average Public Confidence in Democracy, Latinobarómetro Survey Finds
Costa Rica continues to record public support for democratic institutions well above regional averages, according to the latest Latinobarómetro findings. The results underscore the country's relatively strong institutional standing amid wider political dissatisfaction across Latin America.
Costa Rican Lawmakers Advance Data Privacy Reforms to Align With International Standards
Costa Rica's Legislative Assembly is reviewing proposed updates to data protection laws and commercial regulations. The reforms are intended to bring national legislation closer to international standards associated with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, particularly in digital privacy and cross-border data transfers.
Costa Rica Expands International Police Cooperation Against Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime
Costa Rican judicial authorities have confirmed continued intelligence sharing and joint operational coordination with international law enforcement agencies. The cooperation targets drug trafficking, money laundering and organized crime networks operating across Central America.
Costa Rica Advances Biodiversity Financing Plan Using Future National Park Revenues
Costa Rica's Ministry of Environment and Energy is developing financing arrangements that would allow future protected-area entrance fees to support conservation investment. The initiative aims to attract private funding for long-term biodiversity protection through the National System of Conservation Areas.
Costa Rica Maintains Stable Electricity Supply While Managing Seasonal Hydropower Constraints
The Costa Rican Electricity Institute says the national power grid remains stable as authorities balance hydroelectric, wind and geothermal generation. Seasonal changes in water availability are requiring adjustments to renewable energy production while the country seeks to maintain competitive electricity costs for industry.
Costa Rica Introduces Digital Safety Alerts for International Visitors at Major Airports
Costa Rican tourism and aviation authorities have launched digital safety measures at major airports serving San José and Guanacaste. The initiatives include QR codes directing international travelers to current safety advisories and emergency assistance resources.
Costa Rican Universities Expand AI and Semiconductor Research Partnerships With Technology Companies
Public and private universities in Costa Rica are expanding academic programs and research partnerships focused on artificial intelligence, software engineering and semiconductor design. The initiatives are designed to develop skilled workers for multinational technology companies operating in the country.
Costa Rica Reviews Public Education Policies to Address Falling Enrollment and Student Performance
Costa Rica's Ministry of Public Education is examining new measures to address long-term enrollment declines and improve academic outcomes. The review includes curriculum updates intended to prepare students for employment opportunities in technology and service industries.
Costa Rica's Coastal Municipalities Tighten Environmental Rules Amid Tourism Growth
Municipal authorities in Guanacaste and Puntarenas are introducing stricter waste management and urban planning requirements as tourism and coastal property development expand. The measures aim to reduce environmental pressures associated with increasing visitor numbers and construction activity.
Costa Rican Surfers' International Success Boosts Promotion of Coastal Tourism
Costa Rican tourism and sports organizations are highlighting international surfing achievements by athletes including Brisa Hennessy to promote the country's coastal destinations. The campaigns link competitive surfing success with growing interest in ecotourism, wellness travel and sustainable tourism.