Government of Costa Rica

The government of Costa Rica is very similar to that of the United States as there are three branches of government: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. Costa Rica celebrated its 100th anniversary of democracy in 1989 and has been twelve times nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

A democratic republic, all citizens are guaranteed equality before the law in addition to freedom of speech, petition, and assembly. The constitution also extends its guarantee of freedoms to all foreigners living in Costa Rica (with the exception of voting privileges.)

In addition to the three branches of government, there is also a Supreme Tribunal of Elections which holds the responsibility and authority to organize and supervise national elections. This is evidence of the value Costa Rica places upon voting rights and free and fair elections.

The blue, white, and red Costa Rican flag has great meaning to the Costa Rican people. The red represents the warmth of the people, their love of life, the blood shed for freedom, and generosity. The white stand for clear thinking, happiness, wisdom, and peace. The blue represents the sky, opportunity, perseverance, and spiritual ideals.