Pray for Costa Rica

It takes less than an hour to fly across the small Central American country of Costa Rica, bordered by the Caribbean Sea, the Pacific Ocean, Nicaragua, and Panama. Costa Rica is only one-tenth the size of France but is home to over five million people, “Ticos,” who enjoy beautiful rain forests and hot springs heated by volcanic activity underground. The natural beauty and political stability of Costa Rica draw flocks of tourists each year. This beauty and optimism are reflected in the common Tico saying, “pura vida,” meaning pure life.

Even with its thriving economy, Costa Rica faces significant economic inequality and a high cost of living. There are notable disparities between urban and rural communities. Although it is one of Central America’s most stable democracies, the country has also experienced a rise in organized crime and violence. Increasing homicide rates are widely believed to be linked to drug trafficking activity. Costa Rica’s location between North and South America and its access to two bodies of water has made it a transit hub for cocaine. Along the Caribbean coast, Black communities maintain distinct languages, foods, and traditions rooted in West Indian heritage. These unique communities are unfortunately neglected, leaving them with fewer resources and higher poverty rates than the rest of the nation. Nicaraguan refugees, too, experience open discrimination.

Catholicism has long been a part of Costa Rican culture. However, church attendance is declining, and a large portion of the population is Christian in name only. A small minority practices spiritism and indigenous beliefs, which are blended with Christianity. Evangelical Protestants make up a growing portion of the population, but these churches typically lack resources and discipleship. Many churches and organizations are actively involved in aiding Nicaraguan asylum seekers.