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Costa Rica

Republic of Costa Rica

Civil lawUnitary presidential republicReviewed· 2026-08-02
Capital
San José
Population
5,100,000
Languages
Spanish
Currency
CRC

Costa Rica · Constitution

Political Constitution of the Republic of Costa Rica

Adopted 7 November 1949 after the 1948 civil war. Article 12 abolished the standing army, and the text entrenches free compulsory education and an unusually strong social-security guarantee. A 1989 amendment created the Sala Constitucional; a 2015 reform recognised the country as multi-ethnic and pluricultural.

The constitutional text

Adopted 7 November 1949 after the 1948 civil war. Article 12 abolished the standing army, and the text entrenches free compulsory education and an unusually strong social-security guarantee. A 1989 amendment created the Sala Constitucional; a 2015 reform recognised the country as multi-ethnic and pluricultural.

Separation of powers

Unitary, with seven provinces that have no legislative power. Municipalities have constitutionally guaranteed autonomy over local services and land use.

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