From Coffee to Computers: High-Tech FDI in Costa Rica

Abstract

As the so-called Switzerland of Latin America Costa Rica has long held a special position among Latin American countries, as it successfully combined economic growth and social advancement. Unlike the other Central American countries with their history of high inequality and dictatorships, Costa Rica built a more social—democratic society in the twentieth century, providing broad access to health care and education.¹ Yet, like its neighbors, Costa Rica has traditionally depended on the exports of bananas and coffee, and later clothing, as the main force behind economic growth.