Costa Rica development has been strong since the early 1980's. With a solid educational system and low unemployment rate (estimated at 4.6% in 2007), Costa Rica provides a stable and trained work force for development.

Over the last 15 years, Costa Rica has grown leaps and bounds in the technology sector. Global businesses such as Intel and Conair have invested in manufacturing plants in Costa Rica. Many telecommunications based businesses have set up here as well. Most do so, to take advantage of the low prices that ICE (ICE is Costa Rica's only telecommunications provider) provides.

Costa Rica Development Indicators:

GDP (2007):
$26.23 billion.
Inflation (2007):
10.81%.
True growth rate (2007):
7.3%.
Per capita income (2006):
$5,100.
Unemployment rate (2007):
4.6%.
Costa Rica Currency:
Costa Rica Colon (CRC).
Industry (28.9% of GDP): 
Types--electronic components, food processing, textiles and apparel, construction materials, fertilizer, medical equipment.
Commerce, tourism, and services (62.4% of GDP):
Hotels, restaurants, tourist services, banks, and insurance.
Trade (2006 est.):
Exports--$8.198 billion: integrated circuits, medical equipment, bananas, pineapples, coffee, melons, ornamental plants, sugar, textiles, electronic components, medical equipment. 
Primary markets:--U.S. 38.6%, China 6.8%, Hong Kong 6.4%, Netherlands 6.1%, Guatemala 4.0%. 
Imports--$11.576 billion: raw materials, consumer goods, capital equipment, petroleum. 
Major suppliers--U.S. 39.3%, Japan 5.1%, Venezuela 5.0%, Mexico 5.2%, China 4.8%, Ireland 4.5%, Brazil 3.4%.