No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeArchiveThe Economist: Costa Rica is a good place to be born in...

The Economist: Costa Rica is a good place to be born in 2013

Costa Rica is the second-best country in Latin America to be born in 2013, according to a study by the Intelligence Unit of The Economist.

The country ranked 30th worldwide with a score of 6.92, while Chile was first among Latin American nations in 23rd place.

The “Where to-be-born index, 2013” says the publication, “attempts to measure which country will provide the best opportunities for a healthy, safe and prosperous life in the years ahead.”

It takes 11 statistically significant factors into account. “They are a mixed bunch: some are fixed factors, such as geography; others change only very slowly over time (demography, many social and cultural characteristics); and some factors depend on policies and the state of the world economy,” the magazine said.

Costa Rican Communications Minister Francisco Chacón said the survey is the result of “many efforts of many people in many decades.”

El Salvador, in 62nd place, also made the 80 countries list, which ranks Switzerland, Australia, Norway, Sweden and Denmark at the top. Ukraine, Kenya and Nigeria ranked last.

The Economist Index

Courtesy of The Economist.

Trending Now

Costa Rican Journalists Face Rising Hate Speech, Study Warns of Hostile Shift

Journalists in Costa Rica face a tougher environment than in past years, with nearly half reporting derogatory or hateful speech aimed at them. A...

Winter Storm Triggers Flight Cancellations at Liberia Airport in Costa Rica

Flight disruptions hit Guanacaste Airport hard this week as a winter storm sweeps across the United States and Canada. Officials at Daniel Oduber Quirós...

Nicaragua convicts historic Sandinista commander of corruption

Nicaragua has convicted the historic Sandinista commander Bayardo Arce, a former economic adviser to President Daniel Ortega, on corruption charges and confiscated his assets,...

U.S. Treasury Sanctions Hit Costa Rican Drug Network Tied to Cocaine Trade

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has sanctioned a prominent Costa Rican drug trafficking and money laundering group, highlighting our nation's position as a...

Central Bank Phases Out Old Coins in Costa Rica

The Central Bank of Costa Rica has set a deadline for three older coin denominations to leave everyday use. Starting July 1, 2026, the...

Costa Rica Stays Central America’s Priciest Vacation Destination

Costa Rica holds its position as the most expensive destination in Central America for travelers, with average daily costs per person reaching $138. This...
L. Arias
L. Arias
Reporter | The Tico Times |
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica