Republic of Costa Rica
Brazil and Costa Rica have maintained diplomatic relations since 1906. Due to its long democratic tradition and its active role in the international arena, Costa Rica represents a factor of stability and balance in the Central American isthmus and an important partner for Brazil.
Understandings between the two countries concerning candidacies to international organizations and the coordination in hemispheric themes have resulted in a positive bilateral agenda.
Brazil and Costa Rica are dedicated to resuming bilateral technical cooperation and hold talks on initiatives in several areas including health, the environment, agriculture, among others.
In 2019, the bilateral trade reached $ 337.3 million. Brazilian exports totaled $ 287.7 million while imports amounted to $49.6 million. Bilateral trade balance was favorable to Brazil with a surplus of $ 238,1 million. In September 2020, MERCOSUR submitted to Costa Rica a proposal for a free trade agreement.
The Brazilian community in Costa Rica is estimated at 1,300 people, the majority of which live in the San Jose Metropolitan Area. Many Brazilian surfers are seasonally based in coastal cities, especially in the Pacific area. The main destinations for Brazilian tourists are San Jose, Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago. In 2019, more than 26 thousand Brazilians entered the country.
Chronology of Bilateral Relations
2020 – Foreign minister Rodolfo Solano meets with Minister Ernesto Araújo, on the sidelines of the Lima Group ministerial meeting, in Ottawa, on February 20.
2019 – Brazil’s Resettlement Program for Refugees in the North of Central America is launched, within the framework of the Protection Transfer Agreement between UNHCR and Costa Rica
2018 – Foreign Ministers Aloysio Nunes and Manuel González Sanz meet on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, in São Paulo
2015 - President Dilma Rousseff visits San José, on the occasion of the 3rd Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) (January 28 and 29) [Documents approved]
2014 - President Luis Guillermo Solís visits Brazil, on the occasion of the Presidential Meeting between Brazil, China, the Quartet of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Mexico, and South America
2010 – The Government of Costa Rica officially adopts the Japanese-Brazilian Digital TV system (ISDB-T)
2009 - President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visits Costa Rica
2008 - President Oscar Arias visits Brazil
2000 - President Fernando Henrique Cardoso makes the first visit of a Brazilian representative to Costa Rica
1953 – The diplomatic representation in São José is elevated to Embassy status.
1906 - President Afonso Pena signs a decree creating the Brazilian Legations in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama