Costa Rica’s Economy!
Costa Rica’s economy has grown since 2017 with the growth in exports such as bananas, coffee and sugar. These exports are, globally, benefiting nations across the world. Bananas, coffee and sugar are some of the most exported products of Costa Rica but in a growing age of technology that are now also a lead in electronic exports. Products such as cars, medical instruments, computers, and broadcasting equipment are shipped worldwide to countries such as: United States, China and Netherlands. Not only does Costa Rica produce massive amounts of exports but they also, within the country, offer a rich biodiverse land which upholds a major ecotourism destination for many. Ecotourism is a major part that upholds the economy of Costa Rica and allows for it to continue prospering.Ecotourism has helped expand agriculture, and other electronic industries. According to Ricardo Valverde Sanchez of the University of Costa Rica, the assistance that ecotourism has helped the country is astonishing. He states, “Tourism directly accounted for 5.4% of Costa Rica’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2015.” Such policies contribute both positively and negatively to the growth economically. However, a country that prioritizes such policies have ultimately showed how important the environment is rather than capitalism.
Geographically the significance of rainfall has allowed for such fertile soil that the continuation of agricultural growth. Almost one fourth of the country is preserved for natural preservation with sites ranging from beaches to rainforests and has become also a hotspot for retirees around the world, another economic sustainability that allows for Costa Rica’s economy to grow. While Costa Rica was for many years and some may even say continues to be a very socialist nation the growth within the country has changed gears for Costa Rica in a more capitalistic nation. A country that is very prideful of their “No Army” slogan and in 2018 ranked first in Latin America and 12th in the World Happiness Index it could seem that Costa Ricans got it down pat economically. In addition, the rich environment captures attention of many ecological friendly policies such as their 2015 pledge to be a carbon neutral country by 2021.
My own relevant experiences have also been nothing but positive in Costa Rica. Growing up in there, I was accustomed to free health care, free public education and abundance more thanks to the economic growth of the country. What Costa Rica is offering for its citizens, incoming immigrants, tourists and everyone who visits, is an experience that I hope to learn from. From a country very different from the United States economically the growth of Costa Rica may gear towards a more capitalistic United States. Of course, someone who may have a more capitalist approve economically could say how Costa Rica is still a developing country and cannot be compared to such a large nation much like the United States. Ultimately, the fact that Costa Rica is growing and becoming recognized worldwide for its work environmentally, and socially must be an achieved goal or a goal set by other countries in similar positions.
Toes in the Water, Tica in the Sand 