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Costa Rica

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Costa Rica. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

San José

Head of State

President Rodrigo Chaves Robles

Head of Government

President Rodrigo Chaves Robles

Chinese container ship Cosco Shipping Rose docks at the Panama Canal’s Cocoli locks in Panama City. The White House has accused nine Latin American economies of helping Beijing illegally evade US tariffs by rerouting trade through countries with lower US import duties. Photo: AP

China-Latin America relations

US accuses 9 Latin American countries of helping China avoid Trump’s tariffs

More than 40 countries targeted for helping Beijing illegally avoid tariffs by rerouting trade via nations with lower American import duties.

14 Aug 2026 - 7:34AMvideocam

US-China relations

Selection for next UN chief gets under way with Grynspan early front runner

1 Aug 2026 - 3:19AMvideocam

United Nations

UN leader candidates pitch visions to save world body in crisis

24 Jul 2026 - 2:35PM

Americas and the Caribbean

Nicaragua will no longer hold elections, president says

Central American nation’s long-time leader vows US-backed parties will ‘never again’ take power.

21 Jul 2026 - 3:47PM

Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega waving next to wife and co-President Rosario Murillo. Photo: EL 19 DIGITAL via AFP

Americas and the Caribbean

New ghost shark species may have been found in Costa Rica

Scientists say the latest discovery has a ‘shorter’ snout, a ‘darker coloration pattern’ and a ‘much longer spine on its dorsal fin’.

4 Jul 2026 - 10:30AM

Natural disasters

‘Truly a miracle’: man rescued from Venezuela rubble 8 days after twin quakes

Multinational teams tunnel through collapsed building to extract security guard as the death toll continues to rise.

3 Jul 2026 - 4:15PMvideocam

Venezuela

Venezuela earthquakes draw aid from governments that cut ties with Caracas

Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and other governments that suspended relations with the country offer rescue teams and humanitarian aid.

26 Jun 2026 - 8:52PMvideocam

Neighbours carry a man from the rubble of a collapsed building in La Guaira, Venezuela. Photo: AP

China-India relations

Exclusive | US assures India over AI ‘kill switch’ as ‘Pax Silica’ expands to counter China

New Delhi says Washington pledged AI access would continue after Anthropic restrictions as the US-led initiative adds new members.

26 Jun 2026 - 4:20AMvideocam

US-ally trade wars

Opinion | Many countries are ‘quiet quitting’ the US and China on trade

While the US and Chinese markets are essential, other countries are making deals with each other in search of more diversified trade.

18 Jun 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

Ukraine war

36 nations approve tribunal creation to prosecute Russia over Ukraine

The move came on the same day the WHO said Ukraine’s mental health crisis is growing, with ‘work to do until the end of the century’.

15 May 2026 - 9:44PMvideocam

A neighbour hugs a crying woman at the site of a fatal Russian missile attack on a residential building in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Thursday. Photo: AP

Americas and the Caribbean

Peru set to choose from a bewildering array of 35 presidential hopefuls

Right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori holds first place ⁠in the polls ⁠one week before Peru’s presidential election.

8 Apr 2026 - 5:00PM

Peruvian presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori. Photo: Reuters

Wellness

World’s ‘happiest’ places revealed as social media weighs on us

Heavy social media use is undermining youth well-being in many countries, according to a UN-sponsored report.

19 Mar 2026 - 2:11PMvideocam

Americas and the Caribbean

Costa Rica elects tough-talking right-winger for president

Laura Fernandez, a protege and former chief of staff of the outgoing president, has pledged to continue his tough security policies.

2 Feb 2026 - 3:06PM

US-China relations

China says US visa threats to Central America show ‘lack of basic respect’

Washington has threatened entry curbs on officials and others from the region seen as ‘acting on behalf’ of the Communist Party of China.

21 Oct 2025 - 10:17PMvideocam

The Panama Canal has been central to the contest for influence between the United States and China. Photo: AFP

Climate change

Macroscope | Why force of law is world’s best hope for beating climate change

We need radical solutions reinforced by legal statutes to bolster the fight against climate change and make polluters pay.

2 Aug 2025 - 4:30PMvideocam

Cars make their way east out of Los Angeles during the evening rush hour on January 25, 2024. The US Environmental Protection Agency on July 29 issued a proposal to rescind a foundational scientific finding that underpins the federal government’s authority to limit greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles and, more broadly, address climate change. Photo: AFP

United States

‘No vital signs’: doctor recounts bid to save Malcolm-Jamal Warner

The doctor tried to save the ‘Cosby Show’ actor from ‘rough’ waters on Costa Rica’s Playa Grande, a beach known for its rip currents and lack of lifeguards.

26 Jul 2025 - 12:25AM

Obituaries

Cosby Show’s Malcolm-Jamal Warner dies by drowning at 54

Actor known for playing Theo Huxtable was caught in a rip current while swimming in the Caribbean.

22 Jul 2025 - 3:06PM

Americas and the Caribbean

Costa Rica’s Nobel-winning ex-president loses US visa

Two-time president Oscar Arias won the Nobel in 1987 for his efforts to end civil wars in Central America.

2 Apr 2025 - 11:11PM

Former Costa Rican president and Nobel Prize winner Oscar Arias has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s migrant deportation policies and tariff wars. Photo: Reuters

Fame and celebrity

Who is Brett Gardner’s wife, Jessica Clendenin, and what happened to their son?

The 41-year-old MLB outfielder and his wife Jessica are in shock after losing their 14-year-old son Miller Gardner while on holiday together in Costa Rica this weekend.

25 Mar 2025 - 7:00PM

Fame and celebrity

Meet Daniel Zovatto, who plays Rodney Alcala in Netflix’s Woman of the Hour

The 33-year-old’s chilling portrayal of real-life killer Rodney Alcala follows a starring role alongside Russell Crowe in 2023’s The Pope’s Exorcist – so why is he aiming for a Pixar film next?

21 Mar 2025 - 5:00AM

US-China relations

Eyeing China, Rubio makes Central America his first trip as top US diplomat

Countering Beijing and ‘deepening economic partnerships’ to boost regional prosperity said to be on agenda in tour that starts in Panama.

1 Feb 2025 - 5:36AMvideocam

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is a long-time China hawk who has a history of engaging leaders in Latin America. Photo: Reuters

Venezuela

Venezuela opposition leader Machado is in ‘hiding, fearing for my life’

In Wall Street Journal, Machado wrote: ‘I could be captured as I write these words.’ President Maduro has said she ‘should be behind bars’.

2 Aug 2024 - 7:29AM

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, left, and opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez address supporters during a protest against the official presidential election results declaring President Nicolas Maduro the winner in Caracas, Venezuela on Tuesday. Photo: AP

US-China relations

Blinken announces US initiative to produce semiconductors in Latin America

The effort, intended to counter China, will expand chip manufacturing in Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama, and possibly other countries in the future.

18 Jul 2024 - 6:21AM

Wellness

How ‘blue zones’ of health and longevity are spreading around the globe

He coined the term ‘blue zones’ for communities with healthy centenarians. Dan Buettner says there are no magic solutions to long life, but we can all follow the ‘Power 9’ lifestyle principles he learned.

26 Jun 2024 - 6:15PM

Brazil

Messi’s Argentina to defend Copa America in US as Uruguay, Brazil await

Everything you need to know as the oldest continental tournament in world football kicks off for its 48th edition, 108 years on from its debut campaign.

21 Jun 2024 - 1:31AM

Lionel Messi and Argentina are looking to defend the Copa America crown they won in 2021 against the hosts, Brazil. Photo: AP

Hong Kong economy

One-third of Hong Kong firms expect to hire more staff but bosses remain cautious

Human resources firm releases quarterly survey on city’s employment outlook,

18 Jun 2024 - 7:30PM

Jobseekers attend a summer recruitment fair in Hong Kong. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Asean

Opinion | Climate change threat is more than a storm in Vietnam’s coffee cup

From Brazil and Colombia to Indonesia and Vietnam, crops over the last decade have been hit by adverse weather and disease. Supply is increasingly unstable and shrinking, even as land suitable for cultivation disappears

29 May 2024 - 5:30AMvideocam

Asia travel

Hyatt’s ryokan brand Atona to take traditional Japanese inns mainstream

Hyatt is taking Japan’s traditional ryokan inns mainstream, introducing Western features including beds as well as futons; à la carte menu options; and private hot baths to go with communal ones.

28 May 2024 - 4:15PM

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Costa Rica

US accuses 9 Latin American countries of helping China avoid Trump’s tariffs

More than 40 countries targeted for helping Beijing illegally avoid tariffs by rerouting trade via nations with lower American import duties.

Selection for next UN chief gets under way with Grynspan early front runner

UN leader candidates pitch visions to save world body in crisis

Nicaragua will no longer hold elections, president says

Central American nation’s long-time leader vows US-backed parties will ‘never again’ take power.

New ghost shark species may have been found in Costa Rica

Scientists say the latest discovery has a ‘shorter’ snout, a ‘darker coloration pattern’ and a ‘much longer spine on its dorsal fin’.

‘Truly a miracle’: man rescued from Venezuela rubble 8 days after twin quakes

Multinational teams tunnel through collapsed building to extract security guard as the death toll continues to rise.

Venezuela earthquakes draw aid from governments that cut ties with Caracas

Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and other governments that suspended relations with the country offer rescue teams and humanitarian aid.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | US assures India over AI ‘kill switch’ as ‘Pax Silica’ expands to counter China

New Delhi says Washington pledged AI access would continue after Anthropic restrictions as the US-led initiative adds new members.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Many countries are ‘quiet quitting’ the US and China on trade

While the US and Chinese markets are essential, other countries are making deals with each other in search of more diversified trade.

36 nations approve tribunal creation to prosecute Russia over Ukraine

The move came on the same day the WHO said Ukraine’s mental health crisis is growing, with ‘work to do until the end of the century’.

Peru set to choose from a bewildering array of 35 presidential hopefuls

Right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori holds first place ⁠in the polls ⁠one week before Peru’s presidential election.

World’s ‘happiest’ places revealed as social media weighs on us

Heavy social media use is undermining youth well-being in many countries, according to a UN-sponsored report.

Costa Rica elects tough-talking right-winger for president

Laura Fernandez, a protege and former chief of staff of the outgoing president, has pledged to continue his tough security policies.

China says US visa threats to Central America show ‘lack of basic respect’

Washington has threatened entry curbs on officials and others from the region seen as ‘acting on behalf’ of the Communist Party of China.

Macroscope | Why force of law is world’s best hope for beating climate change

We need radical solutions reinforced by legal statutes to bolster the fight against climate change and make polluters pay.

‘No vital signs’: doctor recounts bid to save Malcolm-Jamal Warner

The doctor tried to save the ‘Cosby Show’ actor from ‘rough’ waters on Costa Rica’s Playa Grande, a beach known for its rip currents and lack of lifeguards.

Cosby Show’s Malcolm-Jamal Warner dies by drowning at 54

Actor known for playing Theo Huxtable was caught in a rip current while swimming in the Caribbean.

Costa Rica’s Nobel-winning ex-president loses US visa

Two-time president Oscar Arias won the Nobel in 1987 for his efforts to end civil wars in Central America.

Who is Brett Gardner’s wife, Jessica Clendenin, and what happened to their son?

The 41-year-old MLB outfielder and his wife Jessica are in shock after losing their 14-year-old son Miller Gardner while on holiday together in Costa Rica this weekend.

Meet Daniel Zovatto, who plays Rodney Alcala in Netflix’s Woman of the Hour

The 33-year-old’s chilling portrayal of real-life killer Rodney Alcala follows a starring role alongside Russell Crowe in 2023’s The Pope’s Exorcist – so why is he aiming for a Pixar film next?

Eyeing China, Rubio makes Central America his first trip as top US diplomat

Countering Beijing and ‘deepening economic partnerships’ to boost regional prosperity said to be on agenda in tour that starts in Panama.

Venezuela opposition leader Machado is in ‘hiding, fearing for my life’

In Wall Street Journal, Machado wrote: ‘I could be captured as I write these words.’ President Maduro has said she ‘should be behind bars’.

Blinken announces US initiative to produce semiconductors in Latin America

The effort, intended to counter China, will expand chip manufacturing in Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama, and possibly other countries in the future.

How ‘blue zones’ of health and longevity are spreading around the globe

He coined the term ‘blue zones’ for communities with healthy centenarians. Dan Buettner says there are no magic solutions to long life, but we can all follow the ‘Power 9’ lifestyle principles he learned.

Messi’s Argentina to defend Copa America in US as Uruguay, Brazil await

Everything you need to know as the oldest continental tournament in world football kicks off for its 48th edition, 108 years on from its debut campaign.

One-third of Hong Kong firms expect to hire more staff but bosses remain cautious

Human resources firm releases quarterly survey on city’s employment outlook,

Opinion | Climate change threat is more than a storm in Vietnam’s coffee cup

From Brazil and Colombia to Indonesia and Vietnam, crops over the last decade have been hit by adverse weather and disease. Supply is increasingly unstable and shrinking, even as land suitable for cultivation disappears

Hyatt’s ryokan brand Atona to take traditional Japanese inns mainstream

Hyatt is taking Japan’s traditional ryokan inns mainstream, introducing Western features including beds as well as futons; à la carte menu options; and private hot baths to go with communal ones.

Exclusive | US assures India over AI ‘kill switch’ as ‘Pax Silica’ expands to counter China

Opinion | Many countries are ‘quiet quitting’ the US and China on trade