Costa Rica: The
Switzerland
of
Central America
Costa Rica is often referred
to as the Switzerland of Central America for its reputation of peace, political
stability,
and prosperity. This website seeks to demonstrate Costa Rican exceptionalism in Latin America
among its Central American neighbors. The relative peace, domination on the
soccer field, resolve to shut the gate of drug trafficking, flow of immigrants
into the country, reforms in the healthcare system, and ability to compete in
the global market shows that Costa Rica sets the bar for Central America. A
large number of credible studies, sources, and perspectives were compiled to
support each facet of this argument. However, despite their exceptionalism
in Central America, a personal perspective from local Costa Ricans illuminates
the truth that Costa Rica
is still a nation developing and working towards being the symbol that it is
often viewed as. Nevertheless, a nation marked by progress in the midst of a
struggling region allows Costa Rica
to shine bright as the Switzerland
of Central America.
Violence: The Eye of the
Hurricane
Popular Culture: Soccer
War on Drugs: Shutting the Drug
Gate in Costa Rica
Immigration: The Nicaraguan
Wave
Reform
Globalization: Adapting to
the Big World
La Suiza
Real: The Validity of Costa Rica’s Claim
Bibliography
A Note From
the Author
Author: David Noyd
Duke University Class
of 2009
Last Updated:
December 13, 2006