Costa Rica
Country statistics · 1990–present
Costa Rica at a Glance
Costa Rica is home to 5.1 million people as of 2024, with a population that is growing steadily. At a GDP per capita of $23,322, it is an upper-middle-income economy — reflecting a developed economy with strong living standards. Life expectancy at birth stands at 81.0 years, above the global average.
Population Trends
The total resident population stood at 5.1 million as of 2024. With a birth rate of 10.0 and a death rate of 5.6 per 1,000 people (2024), the natural growth rate stands at 4.4 per 1,000 — equivalent to roughly 23,000 additional residents each year from natural change alone.
Economy & Development
Costa Rica is a smaller economy, with a total GDP that is projected at $130 billion (2029 IMF projection). At $23,322 per person, it is classified as an upper-middle-income economy — reflecting a developed economy with strong living standards. Real GDP growth is projected at 3.5% in 2029, representing solid growth. The unemployment rate is projected at 8.0% (2029 IMF projection), indicating elevated unemployment.
Health & Society
Life expectancy at birth is 81.0 years (2024), above the global average. Current health expenditure per person is $1,163 (2023), representing limited per-capita healthcare spending. The adult literacy rate stands at 97.4% (2011), reflecting high literacy rates. 87.2% of the population use the internet (2024), indicating strong digital connectivity. Access to safe drinking water reaches 80.5% of the population (2024), representing broad access to safe drinking water.