How is Costa Rica Different from the Other Countries in the Region?
Nicaragua, Belize, Honduras and Guatemala have lower living costs, but you get what you pay for. The quality of life and lack of infrastructure in those countries leave a lot to be desired. Safety is a concern, especially where paramilitary police have power or where police are corrupt, as in Mexico. Costa Rica is politically stable and is unique in having no army. Although theft occurs, violent crime is minimal. One expatriate said about Costa Rica. “Costa Rica has one of the most pacifist cultures in the world. Think of it: it has been almost 60 years since Costa Rica outlawed the army. This is the reason that I always return to Costa Rica its lack of an army. When I first arrived here in 1978, they used to boast that they had more teachers than policemen. I don’t know if that is still true but they still put more emphasis on education and health than any other Central American country, not to mention the States and many European countries. So to the person who is wondering about ret
