Costa Rica is still an exception, but it is closer to the Central American average than ever before
Costa Rica articles on Democracy Chronicles
News about the struggle for better democracy in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a functioning democracy. According to Freedom House however, "every president since 1990 has been accused of corruption after leaving office, with the exception of Óscar Arias". A long history of local and national elections have ensured relative prosperity. Also check out our section on World Democracy.
How Pink Floyd influenced Costa Rica’s president-elect
Carlos Alvarado Quesada counts Ernest Hemingway and Pink Floyd among his guiding lights
Costa Rica Outsider Candidate Wins Presidency
Decades of two-party monopoly broken by remarkable victory of Costa Rica outsider candidate
Costa Rica’s Democracy a Role Model for Central America
Civil elections show Costa Rica’s democracy is beacon of stability for Central America and beyond
Innovative Project Incentivizes Costa Rica Felon Voting
While US prohibits it, Costa Rica felon voting is incentivized, even with cigarettes for convicts
Costa Rica Presidential Vote is 14th Uninterrupted Since 1953
Healthy competition Costa Rica Presidential vote display strength of democracy in peaceful nation
Costa Rica Heads Towards Close Election
Peaceful Costa Rica heads to very competitive election with diverse range of candidates running
Analysis of Costa Rica’s Election System
Stable and prosperous Central American nation has set a shining example for world of a functioning democracy as reflected in Costa Rica’s election system
65 Years Without an Army? Welcome to Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s people were right to celebrate yesterday’s commemoration of sixty-five years since entire military was abolished in Latin American democracy leader
Diversity of Political Parties in Costa Rica
Political parties in Costa Rica include third party registration that reflects a strong democracy