Costa Rica: A Nation Without a Military Since 1948

Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948 after a brief civil war, redirecting military spending to education, healthcare, and environmental protection. It has not fought a war since. The country relies on police forces for internal security and is a party to the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance for hemispheric defense. Its demilitarized status is a point of national pride and a model for peace.