Economy
Tourism, agriculture, and electronics exports sustain the Costa Rican economy. Political stability and high education levels continue to attract foreign investment, while tourism is still the source of most foreign exchange. Over the last 15 years, the country has experienced a significant reduction in poverty, and has developed a sound social safety net. Although Costa Rica is not rich as the name "Rich Coast" suggests, it is not as poor as its neighbors. There is a large middle class, and all its social classes benefit from the most evenly dispersed wealth in Central America. In comparison with Latin American standards, the Costa Rican living conditions are considerably high.
Costa Rica actively participates in international trade. Its chief exports are coffee, bananas, sugar, pineapples, textiles, electronic components, and medical equipment, while its key imports are raw materials, consumer goods, capital equipment, and petroleum. The United States, European Union, Central America, and Mexico are Costa Rica's major trade partners. Unfortunately, the traditional Costa Rican export sectors have fallen behind. Due to a decline in coffee prices and an overabundance of bananas, the agricultural sector suffers.
The government struggles against a large deficit and immense internal debt. It also faces a need to improve and modernize the stated owned electricity and telecommunications sectors.
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