Costa Rica Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by Year (1961–2023)

Costa Rica's GDP growth illustrates its transition from an agricultural economy to a leader in eco-tourism and technology. In 1961, GDP was just $490 million, doubling by 1980 to $4.8 billion, fueled by exports of coffee and bananas. The 1980s debt crisis caused GDP to contract sharply, but reforms and diversification spurred recovery in the 1990s, with GDP reaching $15 billion in 2000.

The 2000s saw consistent growth, driven by tourism and foreign direct investment in tech industries, reaching $64.4 billion in 2019. Despite the pandemic's impact, Costa Rica’s GDP rebounded to $86.5 billion in 2023, underpinned by green energy initiatives and a strong services sector.