5,174,790 people
Source: Tyranny Tracker
HRF classifies Costa Rica as democratic.
Costa Rica’s democratic trajectory was shaped by the 1948 civil war, a 44-day conflict sparked by disputed presidential election results and widespread allegations of fraud. The war ended with the victory of José Figueres Ferrer’s National Liberation Army over government forces loyal to President Teodoro Picado and former strongman Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia. In its aftermath, Figueres presided over a Founding Junta that abolished the military, extended women’s suffrage, and laid the groundwork for the 1949 Constitution, which enshrined civil liberties, separation of powers, and robust electoral guarantees. The abolition of the army became a defining feature of Costa Rica’s political identity, channeling resources into education and social welfare and preventing the recurrence of military interventions in politics. Since then, Costa Rica has enjoyed one of the longest periods of uninterrupted democratic governance in Latin America, marked by competitive elections and peaceful transfers of power. Its party system was initially dominated by the National Liberation Party (PLN), and later characterized by a stable two-party system between the PLN and the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC) until its fragmentation in the 2000s. Today, Costa Rica is regarded as one of Latin America’s most stable democracies, with strong electoral institutions and a tradition of peaceful transfers of power. Yet its political landscape has become more fragmented in recent decades, with corruption scandals, rising crime, and disillusionment with traditional parties fueling the rise of outsider figures like current president Rodrigo Chaves.
National elections in Costa Rica are largely free and fair. Presidential reelection is prohibited under the constitution, and Costa Rica has experienced peaceful transfers of power through democratic elections every four years for over seven decades. Party fragmentation in the 2000s opened space for other parties to compete alongside the National Liberation Party (PLN) and the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC), including the center-left Citizen Action Party (PAC) and the Social Democratic Progress Party (PPSD) of current president Rodrigo Chaves. Despite this increasing pluralism, politics in Costa Rica remains shaped by electoral volatility and shifting party loyalties, rather than by stable ideological cleavages. The 2022 general elections reflected this fragmentation, featuring a record of 25 presidential candidates. Today, six different parties are represented in the 57-seat unicameral Legislative Assembly.
Independent media, political leaders, civil society organizations, and members of the public are largely free to criticize or challenge the government in Costa Rica. A pluralistic media environment allows for regular scrutiny of political elites. While tensions have occasionally flared, with President Rodrigo Chaves known for hostile rhetoric toward journalists and oversight bodies, these confrontations have not resulted in systematic repression or censorship. Legal safeguards for NGOs and civic groups remain strong, and demonstrations are a regular feature of political life. Overall, dissent is tolerated, and Costa Rica continues to rank among the most open environments for free expression in Latin America.
Institutions in Costa Rica are independent and largely serve as effective checks on the government. The judiciary, Constitutional Chamber, and the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) are widely respected for their autonomy, while oversight bodies such as the Comptroller General play a central role in monitoring government conduct. In September 2025, the Legislative Assembly held a historic vote on whether to strip President Chaves of his presidential immunity so he can stand trial for two open investigations; the motion fell just four votes short of the required two-thirds majority, marking the first time such a procedure has been attempted in Costa Rica’s democratic history.
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