Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Danilo JIMENEZ; Chancery at Suite 211, 1825 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC 20009; telephone (202) 234-2945 through 2947; there are Costa Rican Consulates General at Albuquerque, Boston, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Tampa, and Consulates in Austin, Buffalo, Honolulu, and Raleigh; US—Ambassador (vacant); Embassy at Pavas Road, San Jose (mailing address is APO Miami 34020); telephone [506] 33-11-55
Flag: five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white, and blue with the coat of arms in a white disk on the hoist side of the red band
- Economy Overview: In 1988 the economy grew at a 3.8% rate, a drop from the 5.1% of the previous year. Gains in agricultural production (on the strength of good coffee and banana crops) and in construction, were partially offset by declines in the rates of growth for the industry and commerce sectors. In 1988 consumer prices rose by nearly 21% followed by a 10% rise in 1989. Unemployment is officially reported at about 6%, but much underemployment remains. External debt, on a per capita basis, is among the world's highest.
GDP: $4.7 billion, per capita $1,630; real growth rate 3.8% (1988)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10% (1989)
Unemployment rate: 5.5% (March 1989)
Budget: revenues $719 million; expenditures $808 million, including capital expenditures of $103 million (1988)
Exports: $1.3 billion (f.o.b., 1988); commodities—coffee, bananas, textiles, sugar; partners—US 75%, FRG, Guatemala, Netherlands, UK, Japan
Imports: $1.4 billion (c.i.f., 1988); commodities—petroleum, machinery, consumer durables, chemicals, fertilizer, foodstuffs; partners—US 35%, Japan, Guatemala, FRG
External debt: $4.5 billion (1989)