Why Costa Rica Is Winning Central America

Costa Rica has become a HUGE success story for Central American countries. It has a stable, long lasting democracy, a thriving tourism industry, a growing middle class, and better infrastructure than most other countries in the world. But Costa Rica's situation is markedly different from its northern neighbors who have experienced decades of authoritarian rule, revolutions and rebellions, and foreign interference. So why has Costa Rica been so successful, and why haven't its neighbors been able to replicate it success?

In this video, we'll cover the unique Central American geography that binds these four countries together, how each was colonized, settled and exploited by Spain, and why Costa Rica managed to carve a different path than the other three countries endured during the mid 1900s.

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[Charlotte-wxjz]

I went to Costa Rica in January 2017. I absolutely loved it there. If I spoke Spanish and didn’t have a ton of medical issues, I’d move there tomorrow. Such a beautiful place and lovely people.

[HenryThree]

I don't think it's fair to say that Costa Rica didn't take sides in the Cold War. They were firmly within the US sphere of influence, and the only reason they have been able to exist without a national military is because they have the backing of the US military, such as when the Calderonistas attempted to invade but were scared off by the Americans.

[ras_kili]

As a Costa Rican, I understand not putting Belize and Panama, but Guatemala is part of the 5 Central American siblings. Weird not being included.

[freibylogos]

In addition Costa Rica had recovered their forest cover from 80s, thereby having it the double at today than 80s. Moreover, Costa Rica produces +95% of their energy from renewable sources.

[roneon]

As a Costa Rican, it is necessary to add an important element that many groups, news outlets and organizations forget to report or in some cases is not known. When Costa Rica abolished the army, one of the decisions that was taken in addition to this was to prohibit communist parties in the country from the end of the 40s to the beginning of the 80s, so during this time of revolutions in Latin America, Costa Rica was inoculated from this problem.

[WillMellquist]

Never been to Costa Rica before but I heard it's supposed to be a gorgeous place! I'd love to visit someday.

[tombeegeeeye]

Panama is also a success if you call Costa Rica a success.

[I_am_somebody_]

As a Costa Rican, Im very happy to see my country being mentioned in a video :D

[cesarivanhenriquez]

Como salvadoreño mucho éxito para Costa Rica aunque puedo opinar lo q pienso sobre Costa Rica le deseo q sigan creciendo más de lo q an logrado también nosotros lo aremos bendiciones al pueblo de Costa Rica 🇨🇷🇸🇻

[johnkingsley]

Born 88 years ago in Hollywood during the glamour years— look at it now—moved to Costa Rica and Playa Coco 25 years ago a small fishing town with one local market— look at it now. Everything in life changes nothing stays the same as I just noticed swinging here in my hammock in front of my home on the beach that the ropes are starting to fray — “That’s Life Live With It”. Pura Vida🌴😎🌴

[klaymatic]

Iran - contra was mentioned here, which can't be over stated how much death it lead to. In Guatemala, look up the banana wars. American cooperations owned like 90% of the land. When locals fought back over there repression America again funded nationals leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths.

It's just necessary to understand the usa's history in this region of the world to understand why it is the way it today. We still have sanctions that harm locals. Locals have no idea why they are being targeted at this point.

[oozcroom]

Went to La Fortuna last year and it was amazing. Gorgeous place and everyone is very nice. Although there's a lot of expats doing airbnbs there which makes me fear for its future in terms of wealth disparity

[MMAnimalSanctuary_Rhonda]

Loving the expat life in Costa Rica. I came here to live smaller, not larger. Pensionado, very happy on my little finca with great Tico neighbors. Been here a few years now, never want to leave.

[AiluroFelinus]

You CANNOT say El Salvador failed
It has no civil war currently or for a long time, and it is one of the safest countries now with the new president
It used to be terrible but now it's great

[robertdouglas]

American ex-pats (Quakers who left America during the Korean War for a country with no standing army) in Monteverde planted the seed of eco-tourism in Costa Rica that has spread to other countries around the world. Costa Rica's President was quick to open other parks when he observed the influx of tourists to Monteverde.

[RayBrown-mj]

As a Black Salvi, I can say that El Salvador is becoming more wealthy and richer day by day. Our new president Nayib Bukele has help our country to a great extent.

[bombietours]

Iv been living in Costa Rica 🇨🇷 for almost 30 years now and wouldn't live anywhere else. As a surfer it has everything we are looking for. The hydro electric system is the best in the region and the people are the happiest on the planet no matter where you are. Let me know if you come down and would like to see it up close 🎉 PURA VIDA 🌴

[australianhuntanstuff]

You cant believe this??? El Salvador is the safest country right now in north and south American.

[nothattherguy]

Ah American interference in Central America. We really can't mind our own business huh?

[davidcastro]

At this moment, EL SALVADOR is the safest country in South and North America