Costa Rica is facing elections marked by uncertainty and the rise of political personalism, putting one of Latin America’s most stable democracies to the test amid an unprecedented scenario of volatility.

In three decades, Costa Rica went from exporting raw materials to becoming a global leader in medical manufacturing, offering valuable lessons for Latin America.

The uses of “pura vida” are many, from greeting and saying goodbye to referring to one's mood. “Pura vida” has become part of Costa Rican DNA.

Every society and nation needs a dose of optimism to move forward. Positive values such as well-being and human development are associated with happiness...

The lack of support for the traditionally dominant parties in the municipal elections has opened multiple spaces for emerging groupings that take advantage of the opportunity and become competitive groupings at the local level.

The opinion polls continue to show former minister Rodrigo Chaves as the winner against former president José María Figueres, but the distance between them has reduced significantly, while groups have emerged openly calling for abstention or spoilt vote.