Costa Rica: Population, Economy & Travel Facts
Essential data for planning your trip to Costa Rica — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.
Population & Geography
Costa Rica has a population of 4,999,441 spread across 51,100 km², giving it an average density of 97.8 people per km².
Population Density Map
Most Populous Cities
Demographics
Population Trends
How a country's age structure is shifting tells you a lot about what to expect on the ground. A growing elderly population often means better healthcare and higher costs, while a young population signals energy and growth but potentially less developed infrastructure.
Economy & Cost of Living
Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Costa Rica is classified as a high income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 59% of US levels, meaning costs are moderate and most travellers will find it reasonably affordable.
Tourism
Tourism data reveals how popular a destination is and how much infrastructure exists to support visitors. Tourism accounts for 7.4% of Costa Rica's total exports, making it a significant contributor to the economy with solid visitor infrastructure.
Health & Safety Infrastructure
Healthcare quality matters when you're far from home. These indicators help gauge what level of medical care is available — Costa Rica has 2.69 physicians per 1,000 people, near the global average. Standard travel insurance should suffice.
Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure
Staying connected while travelling is essential for navigation, communication, and remote work. In Costa Rica, 85% of the population uses the internet — expect widely available WiFi in hotels, cafes, and public spaces. There are 146 mobile subscriptions per 100 people, and local SIM cards are easy to find.
Source: World Bank Open Data