Author: allthingspanama.net

Variety Magazine named our small piece of paradise a top filming destination in its latest featured article, “Ten Locations to Die For,” spotlighting our country’s famous landscapes and growing film industry. The recognition highlights Costa Rica’s appeal to filmmakers looking for varied settings, stable infrastructure, and eco-friendly production options, positioning it as a rising star …

Read more “Costa Rica Stars in Variety’s Top Ten Film Locations”

Recent studies claim that about one-third of adults in Costa Rica are considered obese and another third overweight. Which means about two-thirds of adults are carrying too many kilos. It is a serious enough problem that the Costa Rica Department of Health has declared obesity as a chronic disease. I am not sure what to …

Read more “Obesity in Costa Rica: A Growing Health Crisis After 35 Years of Change”

On Wednesday, President Rodrigo Chaves didn’t hold back. In his weekly press conference, he slammed the Supreme Court, calling it a “national disgrace” that’s “destroying the little credibility it has left.” His fiery words came just a day after the Court asked Congress to strip his immunity so he can face corruption charges. This clash …

Read more “Costa Rica’s Chaves Slams Supreme Court as “National Disgrace” in Corruption Case”

Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly has advanced a landmark bill targeting the regulation of virtual asset service providers (VASPs), aiming to bolster the nation’s defenses against money laundering, terrorist financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The bill, processed under file number 22.837 and first introduced by the administration of former President Carlos Alvarado …

Read more “Costa Rica Moves Forward with Crypto Regulation to Combat Financial Crime”

Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino on Tuesday defended the construction of a new reservoir for the interoceanic canal and criticized those who oppose the project, which aims to secure water supply for navigation. The Panama Canal Authority (ACP), the autonomous public entity that operates the canal, plans to build a 4,600-hectare reservoir in the Indio …

Read more “Protests Rise Over Panama Canal’s New Water Project”

Costa Rican authorities have extradited David Ochy, a former Panamanian presidential candidate, to Panama, where he faces charges of money laundering tied to the high-profile “New Business” case. Ochy, a businessman, was escorted by Interpol agents to Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela, for his transfer to Panama, marking the end of his seven-month detention …

Read more “Costa Rica Extradites David Ochy to Panama for Alleged Money Laundering”

Visitors to Costa Rica this month should be aware of an important change to the country’s currency. As of Tuesday, July 1, the old gold-colored ₡500 coin is no longer accepted as legal tender. This means it cannot be used in shops, restaurants, or any other commercial establishments. Although the coin has lost its validity …

Read more “Costa Rica Introduces New ₡500 Coin: Old One No Longer Valid”

US President Donald Trump toured a new Florida migrant detention center dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” on Tuesday, boasting about the harsh conditions and joking that the reptilian predators will serve as guards. The $450 million camp has been built on a disused airfield deep in the Florida Everglades and is surrounded by swamps that are home …

Read more “Alligator Alcatraz: Trump’s Everglades Migrant Camp Draws Protests and Criticism”

Costa Rica’s Supreme Court of Justice on Tuesday asked Congress — for the first time in the history of this country with a well-established democratic tradition — to lift the immunity of President Rodrigo Chaves, who is accused of corruption-related crimes. In the midst of a clash between branches of government, the Full Court voted …

Read more “Costa Rica Court Moves to Lift President Chaves’ Immunity”

Desperate to show progress under Mauricio Pochettino, the United States is looking to secure a return to the CONCACAF Gold Cup final on Wednesday against an inspired Guatemala side that isn’t content with just a historic run. The match at Energizer Park Stadium in St. Louis (Missouri), kicking off at 23:00 GMT, marks Guatemala’s first …

Read more “Guatemala Makes History as They Face USA in Gold Cup Semifinal Showdown”