1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21943Updated June 5, 2006Costa Rica: Background and U.S. RelationsColleen W. Cook and Connie VeilletteForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionSummaryCosta Rica is considered the
2、most politically stable and economically developednation in Central America with a tradition of political moderation and civiliangovernment. Former President Oscar Arias (1986-1990) of the National LiberationParty (PLN) was once more inaugurated as President on May 8, 2006. Fiscal reformlegislation
3、and ratification of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United StatesFree Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) will likely be the major focus of the first sixmonths of President Ariass administration. Every country but Costa Rica has nowapproved the agreement. Relations with the United States have traditio
4、nally been good,although some friction arose during CAFTA negotiations. For additional information,see CRS Report RL32322, Central America and the Dominican Republic in the Contextof the Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) with the United States, by K. Larry Storrs,CRS Report RL31870, The Dominican Repu