Studies of the Costa Rican Model I: Peace, Health and Development in Costa Rica

Abstract

Costa Ricans have cultivated peace and democracy for decades. They have also achieved outstanding levels of health. Their economic well-being is not so good, however. The 1949 constitution abolished the armed forces in this small Central American country. By 1990, life expectancy at birth was over 75 years - a figure similar to those of Germany or the USA. In contrast, per capita gross national product (GNP) was about a tenth that in the USA or Japan and slightly below the Latin American average. This paper explores the connections between peace, development and health achievements in Costa Rica.