Costa Rica Overview Nations // Central America/Caribbean

OVERVIEW Costa Rica is one of the few nations in the world without an official military force; the military was banned constitutionally in 1949. The Costa Rican Public Force, which is similar to a national police force, is responsible for national defense. Costa Rica also maintains a small coast guard and an air surveillance service. A special operations unit has received training from the U.S. and several other nations. The special intervention unit is involved in hostage-rescue...