Our Country

Costa Rica is a Paradise for Nearshore Outsourcing.

Costa Rica, a country located in Central America, is ranked as one of the most visited international destinations. It is a democratic and peaceful nation, without an army since the year 1949. Costa Rica extends from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, and its distance is about 200 miles. Its land occupies only 20 thousand square miles. As one of most highly valued tourist destinations worldwide, you’ll marvel at its landscape, natural environment and people.

Although the country is small and it covers only 0.03 % of the surface of the globe, it shelters a 6% of the existing biodiversity in the entire world. 25.58 % of the country is composed of conservation and natural protected territory. Costa Rica is also an attractive country for investment and it offers great potential for international companies. This is a result of highly educated and productive workforce, a renowned history of political, social and economic stability, international standard of business infrastructure and high quality of life.

Costa Rica Government and Economy

The Costa Rican government is ruled by a series of constitutional controls. The executive responsibilities rest on the President, supported by two Vice-presidents and a 57 Congressmen cabinet; all of them are elected every 4 years.
The country has a strong legal system that manages the ‘Judicial Power’, which ensures law compliance and covers nationals, as well as foreigners within the country’s territory.
The 2008 World Bank Study for Global Governance Indicators ranks Costa Rica in the first place within Latin America for political stability.
One of the pillars of the Costa Rican economic development has been trade liberalization, which has allowed exports to surpass its 30% ratio of GDP in 1980 to a current 50% rate (includes exports of goods and services).
This trade liberalization has been followed by a series of structural changes resulting in productivity growth, diversification of the economy and a higher level of investment.
The real GDP has been increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.3% since 1991.
All these changes have translated into important social achievements. In the last 20 years poverty was reduced from 40% to less than 20%.

Quality of Life

According to the Quality of Life Index (Liveability Survey) 2009 made by The Economist Intelligence Unit, San José is ranked as the 4th city in Latin America with the best quality of life.
San José’s global score is 75.2%, which is above the Latin American average of 69.3%, and also Asia and Australia’s average of 69.7%.
Costa Rica ranks among the top 5 countries in environmental performance worldwide.

Facts that prove Costa Rica’s competitiveness

Costa Rica is the 4th high-tech exporter in the world (World Development Indicators 2008, World Bank).
One of the most competitive destinations in Latin America for service operations (A.T. Kearney, Destination Latin America: A Near-Shore Alternative 2009).
FDI per capita = $448. Costa Rica is one of the most competitive locations, above Latin America’s largest economies like Brazil, Mexico and Chile.
The total FDI inflows have grown an average 22% every year since 2000.

Why Costa Rica?

Workforce

Costa Rica has one of the highest literacy rates in the American Continent (95.8%).
After the abolishment of the armed forces in 1948, resources have been invested in education and health services for the population.
Education is mandatory until the 9th grade and makes strong emphasis on computers and English skills since the early grades.
Costa Rica has a population of 4.5 million people, 43% are between the ages of 15 and 40 years old.
The labor force is 2.05 million people with an unemployment rate of 6% (estimated to December 2008).
The National Training Institute (INA) offers free technical training in many fields. A total of 95 technical schools and 60 universities prepare professionals with the highest international standards. These institutions offer training in several areas such as: electronic, electric, mechanical, and processing engineering.

Strategic Location

Central Standard Time Zone.
2-3 days delivery time by major express services.
Daily world-wide air cargo through 14 daily flights.
Over 24 world cargo shipping lines with regular departures on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Costa Rica has an abundant water supply, reliable hydroelectric power, and an advanced telecommunications system.
An extensive highway system, two major international airports and three seaports.
All major U.S., European, and Latin American passenger and cargo carriers provide service at very competitive rates.

Infrastructure

Redundant fiber optic submarine cables (Maya & Arcos; Pacific Global Crossing).
Satellite and terrestrial microwave network in place to meet the demand of land lines, mobile and Internet services.
New multinational suppliers are entering the market, providing private networks, Internet and mobile phone services.
93% of electricity is generated from renewable sources (hydroelectric, geothermal and wind).
Competitive electricity rates (US$ / KW). The industrial cost of electricity ranges from $0.07 to $0.10 per Kwh.

Stability

The 2008 World Bank Survey for Global Governance Indicators, ranks Costa Rica in the first place within Latin America for political stability.
The country has no limitations on capital funds transfers associated with an investment, regardless of the currency.
No restrictions are imposed on re-investments or on repatriation of earnings, royalties or capital.
There is no requirement to register investments with any of the government authorities.
Costa Rica has achieved international standards for IPR protection.
Army abolished in 1948.
Ranked among the highest in Political Stability and Absence of Violence index in Latin America (World Bank, 2008).
More than 100 years of democracy.

Read and see more about Costa Rica

Videos

Costa Rica Promotional Video:
http://www.youtube.com/Costa Rica [offical promo ITC]
CNBC Costa Rica 5-4-06:
http://www.youtube.com/CNBC Costa Rica
Costa Rica on LEGO:
http://www.youtube.com/Costa Rica LEGO