Costa Rica Population 2026
As of 2025, Costa Rica's population stands at 5,129,910, reflecting a steady but slowing growth trajectory. The country ranks 126th globally in population size, placing it among medium-sized nations in the Latin America and Caribbean region. With a high-income economy, Costa Rica exhibits demographic patterns typical of more developed countries.
Population Trend (Costa Rica)
Population by Decade
Population milestones
How Costa Rica's population changed across key years (World Bank estimates).
Overview
Costa Rica, located in Central America, is classified as a high-income country within the Latin America and Caribbean region. Its population in 2025 is 5,129,910, with a one-year growth rate of 0.48%, indicating a slower pace of increase compared to many of its regional neighbors. Over the past decade, the average annual growth rate has been 0.74%, suggesting a gradual demographic transition toward lower fertility and mortality rates, consistent with its economic status.
The country's population rank of #126 globally underscores its moderate size relative to other nations. In the Latin American context, Costa Rica stands out for its relatively high standard of living, which influences demographic trends such as urbanization and an aging population. The declining growth rate reflects factors like increased access to education, healthcare, and family planning services, which have contributed to lower birth rates over time.
Regional comparisons highlight that Costa Rica's growth rate is below the Latin America and Caribbean average, likely due to its advanced development stage. The 0.48% annual increase suggests a population that is still growing, but at a significantly slower pace than in earlier decades. This trend positions Costa Rica as a case study in demographic stabilization within the region.
Overall, the data point to a population that is transitioning toward a more mature demographic profile. As the country continues to develop, further declines in growth rates may occur, potentially leading to population stabilization or gradual decline in the longer term.
Key Facts
- Costa Rica's population in 2025 is exactly 5,129,910.
- The 1-year growth rate from 2024 to 2025 is 0.48%.
- Over the last 10 years, the average annual population growth rate has been 0.74%.
- Costa Rica holds a global population rank of 126th among all countries.
- The nation is classified as a high-income economy in the Latin America & Caribbean region.
- The current growth rate of 0.48% is less than the 10-year average of 0.74%, indicating a slowing trend.