Costa Rica a Country without an Army

No dough you have meet people who are not passionate about the topic of politics because of all the dishonesty link with it. In fact, there is a popular point of view: "I do not like to talk about politics or religion." Why do so many feel motivate to think like that? For many it is disappointing to talk about those issues because politicians and religion have let us down too many times.

With that in mind when I asked, why Costa Rica does not have an army? My intention is not political or religious although these two are had active participation in the realization of this matter.


Rather I do it for historical reasons. If humanity would really learn from history, we will not repeat the same mistakes you see over and over again.

One important individual in Costa Rica’s history was Mr. José María Hipólito Figueres Ferrer, also known as "Don Pepe" work as one of the intellectuals’ minds to abolish the army in Costa Rica. He was a political thinker he was characterized as a humanist, he served as President of the Republic in three periods, 1948-1949, 1953-1958 and 1970-1974. Mr. Figueres Ferrer was the 36 president of Costa Rica. He also served as Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica from April to May 1948.


Many call him the victorious leader of Costa Rica, founder of the Second Republic. One of his main achievements was the abolition of the Costa Rican army, becoming the first country in the world at that time without an army, which received worldwide recognition, and consolidated Costa Rica as a country of peace and democracy.


Of course, this elimination of the army did not come without bloodshed. Why we say that? Costa Rica had a Civil War this is known as the War of the Revolution 48. It occurred between March and May 1948, lasted 44 days.

Some argue that CR has no army because there is nothing to defend, while others might think, it would be a huge investment to have an army in such a small country. That would mean a risky economy. Whatever the case, the reality is that the Costa Rican government made a very smart decision not to have an Army.

Think about it, by not having an army they could have the resources to encourage education. On the other hand, They could obtain the protection of the United Nations and the United States, and they could stimulate tourism, thus opening the doors to international investment. Not bad, right?


So in my humble opinion the idea of eliminating the military shows that the Costarican people are not stupid, in fact, this shows that although it is a very small county, it has the spirit of a giant.

What do you think?

Overview of the audience inside the Old Barracks Bella Vista at the time that Don Uladislao Gamez, Minister of Education of the Governing Board announced to the convention that Costa Rica's army was abolished by Don Pepe Figueres, and get the old barracks to make it serve the Costa Rican culture and art.