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Best Countries for Business |
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Best Countries for Business #68 Costa Rica 03.18.09, 06:00 PM EST
| | | | Rank | vs. 2008 | | 48 |  | | 103 | | | 44 | | | 37 | | | 55 |  | | 114 | | | 111 | | | 38 | | | 1 | | | 106 | | | NA | | | Costa Rica's basically stable economy depends on tourism, agriculture, and electronics exports. Exports have become more diversified in the past 10 years due to the growth of the high-tech manufacturing sector, which is dominated by the microprocessor industry. Tourism continues to bring in foreign exchange, as Costa Rica's impressive biodiversity makes it a key destination for ecotourism. Foreign investors remain attracted by the country's political stability and high education levels, as well as the fiscal incentives offered in the free-trade zones. Costa Rica has attracted the second largest amount of foreign direct investment in Latin America. Poverty has remained around 20% for nearly 20 years, and the strong social safety net that had been put into place by the government has eroded due to increased financial constraints on government expenditures. Immigration from Nicaragua has increasingly become a concern for the government. The estimated 300,000-500,000 Nicaraguans estimated to be in Costa Rica legally and illegally are an important source of - mostly unskilled - labor, but also place heavy demands on the social welfare system. The government continues to grapple with its large internal and external deficits and sizable internal debt. Reducing inflation remains a difficult problem because of rising import prices, labor market rigidities, and fiscal deficits, though lower oil prices will decrease upward pressures. The Central Bank is moving towards a more flexible exchange rate system to focus on inflation targeting by 2010. The US-Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) will enter into force in January 2009, after significant delays within the Costa Rican legislature. Nevertheless, economic growth will slow in 2009 as the global slowdown reduces export demand and invesment inflows. |
We are proud to represent the pinnacle in luxury oceanfront living. Set amidst dreamscaped gardens, these Spanish Colonial Haciendas are an articulation of opulence and splendor never before seen in Costa Rica.
The most discerning buyer will enjoy an architectural interpretation par none that embraces the natural surrounds of famed Old Flamingo and incorporates the elements of azure sea, white sand, infinite ocean and mountain views.
With approximately 5,000 square feet under roof, each home ensures harmony between the desire to escape to a secluded living zone, with the pleasure of entertaining in the grandest style. No detail has been overlooked in ensuring the finest quality appointments throughout, promising to dazzle the most jaded of aficionado.
Unapologetic grandeur combined with uncompromising location yield a unique result, the Haciendas Flamingo. ... Read more...
