Costa Rica’s national soccer team edged out Suriname 4-3 in a thrilling match on Sunday, part of Group A in the Gold Cup, held at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. Under the guidance of Mexican coach Miguel “El Piojo” Herrera, Costa Rica scored through Alonso Martínez (14’), Manfred Ugalde (19’ penalty, 90+13’ penalty), and …
Read more “Costa Rica Beats Suriname 4-3 in Gold Cup Thriller”
Former Nicaraguan President Violeta Barrios de Chamorro, who died Saturday at the age of 95, was honored Monday in a funeral mass held in Costa Rica. Her family vowed to return her remains to Nicaragua once it becomes a “republic” again. The urn containing the remains of the woman who brought peace to Nicaragua—after defeating …
Read more “Costa Rica Bids Farewell to Former Nicaraguan President Violeta Barrios de Chamorro”
Costa Rica’s reputation as a prime destination for foreign investment is under threat, according to a new study from the University of Costa Rica (UCR). While the country still boasts a stable economy and tax-free zones, worsening social and environmental conditions are raising red flags for investors. The UCR study highlights declining education, healthcare, public …
Read more “Costa Rica’s Investment Appeal Fades Amid Social and Environmental Challenges”
The U.S. State Department is urging Americans to skip travel to Nicaragua due to increasing authoritarianism that puts tourists at risk. The Level 3 travel advisory, active since December 2024, points to arbitrary law enforcement, possible wrongful detentions, and limited healthcare, making the country a dangerous destination despite its budget-friendly appeal compared to Costa Rica. …
Read more “U.S. Warns Americans to Avoid Nicaragua Amid Authoritarian Risks”
Tourism Minister William Rodríguez López addressed growing concerns about crime and the strengthening colón’s impact on Costa Rica’s tourism industry, asserting that these issues are not scaring off international visitors. Speaking at a June 16, 2025, press conference, Rodríguez cited data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) to counter fears raised by business owners …
Read more “Costa Rica’s Tourism Minister Dismisses Crime and Currency Concerns”
Panamanian authorities arrested Francisco Smith, leader of the banana workers’ union SITRAIBANA, accusing him of orchestrating road blockades during a six-week strike against Chiquita Brands. The arrest, just days after a deal ended the labor dispute, has sparked outrage among workers and heightened tensions in Bocas del Toro, near the Costa Rica border. Smith faces …
Read more “Panama Arrests Banana Union Leader After Chiquita Strike Ends”
‘Tariffs’ is one of the buzzwords of 2025. Defined as taxes imposed by one country on goods imported from another country, tariffs are essentially trade barriers that raise prices and reduce available quantities of goods and services for businesses and consumers. They are also meant to create an economic burden on foreign exporters. This in …
Read more “The Hidden Costs of Living in Costa Rica: Tariffs, Monopolies, and More”
Police and protesters clashed in Panama on Saturday during an operation to clear a highway near the Costa Rican border, where teachers and Indigenous groups are protesting against a pension reform. President José Raúl Mulino’s government, which in previous weeks dealt with road closures led by banana workers, launched Operation “Omega” with the goal of …
Read more “Panama Police Clash with Protesters Over Pension Reform Near Costa Rica Border”
President Rodrigo Chaves has sparked controversy with his recent comments on oil exploration and the Escazú Agreement, defending his positions in an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI). While reaffirming Costa Rica’s commitment to environmental goals, including the High Seas Treaty, Chaves’ openness to studying hydrocarbon reserves and his rejection of the Escazú Agreement have …
Read more “Costa Rica’s President Stirs Debate with Oil Exploration Stance”
Violeta Barrios de Chamorro, Nicaragua’s first female president and a key figure in ending her country’s civil war, passed away peacefully this morning in San José, Costa Rica, at the age of 95. Her family announced her death in a statement shared by her son, Carlos Fernando Chamorro, noting that she was surrounded by loved …
Read more “Former Nicaraguan President Violeta Chamorro Dies in San José at 95”