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Costa Rica Information at a Glance

Population: 5,181,000 (July 2022 estimated) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) $64.40 billion (expected to reach by end of 2022) GDP Per Capita: $12,408 (end of 2021) Currency: Costa Rican Colón Exchange Rate Versus U.S. (March 02, 2025) Dollar Sell: 494.00 - Buy: 508.00 Colones (CRC) per US Dollar Euro Sell: 535.48 - Buy: 545.50 Colones (CRC) per EURO Language: Spanish (official), English is growing fast among younger Ticos. Population in the Capital City: 1,809,000 - San José Time Zone : UTC/GMT -6 hours Seasons : dry season (November to April); rainy season (May to October); cooler in highlands. International Dialing Country Code: 506 - Electricity: 120 V, 60 Hz President Rodrigo Chaves (since 8 May 2022), former World Bank Director. Property Tax: 0.0025% of appraised value (slightly more if it is a luxury property). Capital Gains Tax: Capital gains are exempted unless the gains are derived from the habitual activity of the seller or the assets sold, are tangible and can be depreciated. Inheritance Tax: Inheritance and gifts are not specifically taxed in Costa Rica. Real Property Tax: 1.5% transfer tax and 0.25% municipal tax on real property applies. Sales Tax: 13% - Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Property: None except for the Maritime Terrestrial area. Local Chamber of Commerce: http://www.camara-comercio.com/ American Chamber of Commerce: http://www.amcham.co.cr/ Primary Exports: bananas, pineapples, coffee, melons, ornamental plants, sugar, beef, seafood, electronic components, and medical equipment are the main exports. Visa Requirements: Generally, citizens of the United States, Canada and the European Union countries do not require a visa to enter Costa Rica. Those citizens can enter Costa Rica with a valid passport and remain in the country for up to a maximum of 180 days and the foreign driver´s license is also valid for 180 days. A vehicle can only remain for 90 days. System of Government: Democratic Republic Name and Background of Current Leader: