A new U.S. study places us on the regional podium, surpassing global powers in key pillars like our “Economic Foundations.”

In news that validates the country’s development model, Costa Rica has ranked third in all of Latin America and the Caribbean in the prestigious 2025 Global Opportunity Index.

The report is published by the Milken Institute, an influential U.S.-based think tank that assesses the attractiveness for foreign investment in 116 economies worldwide.

On the regional podium, our country is ranked just behind Chile (40th globally) and Uruguay (44th). This position places us ahead of other large regional economies like Mexico (62nd) and Peru (64th). Globally, Costa Rica stands at 47th.

What Makes Us So Attractive?

The study analyzes five key categories, and it’s here that Costa Rica shows its most impressive strength.

Our highest rating, a true “jewel” in the report, is in the “Economic Foundations” category, where we achieved 18th place WORLDWIDE. This means international experts see solid macroeconomic strength, a specialized labor force, and a sustainable growth model in the country.

To put this in perspective, the report itself notes that in this specific category, Costa Rica outperforms advanced economies and world powers like Canada, Denmark, and Finland.

Beyond this pillar, the country also stands out in other fundamental areas that build confidence:

• Institutional Framework (40th Place): This reflects the international perception of our stability and transparency.
• International Standards and Policies (46th Place): This measures our high degree of integration with the global community and compliance with international standards.

### The Institute’s Verdict: Why Costa Rica

The Milken Institute’s report is clear in its praise. It highlights that “Costa Rica has benefited from strong post-pandemic growth.”

It also notes that the country enjoys a favorable environment for future growth, supported by two traditional “Tico” pillars: our vast natural resources and a relatively egalitarian society.

The report also underscores that our “public governance” ranks “significantly above the regional average.” This reinforces Costa Rica’s international reputation as a stable country with solid institutions, something investors highly value.

### The Challenges: Where Can We Improve?

An honest analysis must also look at areas of opportunity. The index gives us a clear roadmap of where we need to focus our efforts.

Our lowest score is in “Business Perception” (73rd Place), which measures the ease of doing business and resolving contracts. This points directly to the need to combat bureaucracy. Likewise, the “Financial Services” (60th Place) category indicates there is significant room to modernize and streamline this sector.

More Than a Ranking, an Opportunity for the People

These types of rankings aren’t just for economists or foreign investors. They have a direct impact on the “People of Costa Rica.”

More and better foreign investment translates directly into more quality jobs, better professional development opportunities for Costa Ricans, and a general boost to the economy that benefits everyone.

This third-place ranking is a validation of our country’s model—based on stability, sustainability, and equality—and, at the same time, a call to action to simplify processes and become even more competitive.