L. Arias

A spike in violent crimes and robberies in Costa Rica’s Northern Zone prompted Public Security Minister Gustavo Mata Vega on Friday to promise local residents an increased police presence in the area.

The measure aims to attract more cruise ships to the area and boost income for the tourism industry in Costa Rica's central Pacific area.

“Hang in there Gerardo,” “Stop Macho Violence,” and “Thank you Gerardo!” are some of the messages posted on a wall outside Calderón Guardia Hospital in support of Gerardo Cruz Barquero. The 22-year-old Cruz was brutally stabbed Wednesday night just days after a video of him confronting another man trying to take video up a female pedestrian's skirt went viral.

Four legislators are challenging the IVF decree, arguing that it violates the right to life guaranteed by Costa Rica's constitution.

Costa Rica's palliative care program is the second best in Latin America, behind Chile.

Agriculture Ministry officials this week began a nationwide survey on the population's consumption of vegetables, fish and seafood.

A total of 294 people died in road accidents, up from the 253 traffic deaths recorded during the same period of 2014, according to the Traffic Police.

The U.S. State Department opened its diversity visa program, or lottery, on Oct. 1, promising 50,000 permanent resident visas for next year. Costa Ricans are eligible to apply.

Miller, a solo artist and guitarist for Sting and many others, will perform in Costa Rica on Oct. 14 at the Jazz Café Escazú, southwest of the capital.

Burger King Corporation U.S. ordered the immediate closure of all 29 restaurants in Costa Rica as of today, Oct. 5. The closures mean 434 employees will lose their jobs, the owner of the local franchise BK Costa Rica said in a news release. The decision reportedly stems from a dispute between BK US and BK Costa Rica.