Violence in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica starts 2024 with similar homicide numbers than last year; as of March 31, 2024, the country’s homicide rate stands at 2.34 per day or 16.2 homicides per every 100,000 inhabitants.
Costa Rica’s Homicide Rate in 2023 was 2.47 per day or 17.2 murders per 100,000 inhabitants. Last Year, Costa Rican authorities registered 903 murders, 242 more than the 661 reported in the previous year (2022).
Last year, the country known for safety and security reached record highs in homicides; the Rodrigo Chaves government is struggling to address the mounting security problems.
| Month | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023-2024 Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 49 | 49 | 60 | 77 | 69 | -8 (-10.39%) |
| February | 46 | 48 | 51 | 70 | 79 | 9 (12.86%) |
| March | 48 | 56 | 46 | 66 | 65 | -1 (-1.52%) |
| April | 36 | 48 | 48 | 84 | – | |
| May | 48 | 47 | 54 | 77 | – | |
| June | 43 | 45 | 52 | 72 | – | |
| July | 49 | 38 | 53 | 70 | – | |
| August | 41 | 55 | 58 | 88 | – | |
| September | 50 | 37 | 45 | 77 | – | |
| October | 58 | 58 | 68 | 73 | – | |
| November | 57 | 58 | 62 | 83 | – | |
| December | 45 | 50 | 64 | 66 | – | |
| Total | 570 | 589 | 661 | 903 | 313 | -690 (-76.41%) |
| Per Day | 1.56 | 1.61 | 1.81 | 2.47 | 2.34 | |
| Per 100,000 inhabitants | 11.1 | 11.4 | 12.8 | 17.2 | 16.2 |
Costa Rica has long been recognized for its reputation as a safe and stable country with a strong emphasis on environmental conservation, a robust education system, and a booming tourism industry.
However, in 2023, the country witnessed an alarming rise in homicides, which could potentially tarnish its image as a Pura Vida destination.
SEE ALSO: Central America Homicide Rate
Thus far in 2024, the San Jose province has reported the highest number of homicides, totaling 58, three more than during the same period in 2023. Limon follows with 44 homicides, eight fewer compared to the same 2023 period.
The Heredia province is at the bottom; it has registered only nine homicides thus far this year, six less than the ten reported in the same 2023 period.
| Province | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023-2024 Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose | 162 | 130 | 120 | 216 | 58 | -158 (-73.15%) |
| Limon | 127 | 152 | 170 | 213 | 44 | -169 (-79.34%) |
| Puntarenas | 85 | 105 | 111 | 149 | 38 | -111 (-74.50%) |
| Alajuela | 77 | 70 | 107 | 104 | 23 | -81 (-77.88%) |
| Cartago | 38 | 41 | 43 | 73 | 24 | -49 (-67.12%) |
| Guanacaste | 33 | 36 | 61 | 100 | 17 | -83 (-83.00%) |
| Heredia | 48 | 55 | 49 | 48 | 9 | -39 (-81.25%) |
SEE ALSO: Homicide Rate in El Salvador
Three provinces have experienced a raise in homicides compared to the same 2023 period.
Cartago has reported 24 homicides this year, reflecting a rise of 84.62% compared to the corresponding period in 2023. Puntares has documented 38 murders this year, marking an increase of 22.58% compared to the same period last year. Lastly, San Jose recorded 58 murders, a 5.45% increase from 2023.
| province | 2023 | 2024 | 2023-2024 Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cartago | 13 | 24 | 11 (84.62%) |
| Puntarenas | 31 | 38 | 7 (22.58%) |
| San Jose | 55 | 58 | 3 (5.45%) |
| Alajuela | 24 | 23 | -1 (-4.17%) |
| Limon | 52 | 44 | -8 (-15.38%) |
| Guanacaste | 23 | 17 | -6 (-26.09%) |
| Heredia | 15 | 9 | -6 (-40.00%) |
Costa Rican authorities have taken a variety of measures to stem the recent increase in drug trafficking and homicides. However, the homicides seem to be increasing.
Drug trafficking and organized crime have driven the spike in homicides to a country known for safety. These criminal groups fight over control of territories for drug selling and distribution.
Costa Rica is not a producer of narcotic substances; however, its location makes it one of the largest export platforms of narcotics to many nations.
The increase in homicides not only increases the feeling of citizen insecurity but also damages the image of a country that, until a few years ago, enjoyed the lowest figures of violence in Central America.
