Population in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has a total population of around 4,200,000, with two-thirds of those individuals living in or around the Costa Rica Central Valley area, and the capital city of San Jose. A large percentage (93%) of the population is considered to be white or mestizo which includes people that are primarily of Spanish ancestry, but also large numbers of people that originated from Poland, Italy, and Germany. The remaining 7% of Costa Rica’s inhabitants are comprised of 3% blacks of African descent, and small numbers of indigenous Amerindians, as well as Chinese.
Costa Rica also has a large number of refugees, primarily from Nicaragua, that cross the border in search of work. Most of these migrant workers will return home after they have finished the seasonal low-paying jobs that are abundant during the dry season. The Costa Rican authorities are becoming more and more concerned with these type of undocumented workers, as there has been a recent escalation in the amount of crimes they are committing.
The fastest growing segment of the Costa Rican population has to be the ex-patriate community, which is comprised mainly of North Americans, but includes people from Germany, Britain, The Netherlands, and other countries. The low cost of living, stable political environment, and moderate year-round temperatures are proving to be important factors for retirees and adventurous young people when choosing to relocate to Costa Rica.
Tags: costa rica, people, population
January 17th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
I’m curious as to what portion of the population are seasonal residents?
January 20th, 2008 at 10:11 am
We are concerned about the level of medical care, doctors, dentists, hospitals, medical centers. Can someone give us detailed information?
January 21st, 2008 at 11:04 am
There are many people, especially from the North that winter in Costa Rica. I believe there are well over 100,000 North Americans here now concentrated around Escazu,Atenas, and all up and down the Pacific Coast. There are also many Americans in the Arenal area. Most people I come in contact with often spend several months here, typically from Dec-Aug, and then the holidays back in the states. There are more and more full-timers though.
In regard to medical care here, it is very good.(especially when you consider the costs) The areas around San Jose, like Escazu have private pay clinics that are equal to anything the states has to offer. The governmental system is adequate, but definitely bare boned. The dental care is impeccable, and the costs are much less.
January 21st, 2008 at 8:48 pm
I had a little mishap while I was vacationing in San Jose and had to go to the ER. I was pleasantly surprised by the care I received. The doctors were professional and the bill was tolerable. It’s wise though to contact your insurance before you go overseas. They can usually give you some guidance on hospitals & copays.