How do you summarize 25 pages of research into a few paragraphs?
To begin with, Costa Rica's government has held peaceful transitions of power every 4 years since 1948. Essentially a 2 party system (conservative or liberal), over 90% of the population chooses to exercise their voting rights.
It is an extremely literate society with less than 7% of the population not being able to read or write. Their nature is to lend a helping hand, almost to a fault. (If you ask for directions and they don't know, they will probably tell you something so you won't feel bad.)
The healthcare system is every bit as good as that found in the US, but at about 1/3 the cost. One example was an American who went to a clinic for chronic headaches and within 5 hours had several blood tests, been seen by 1 doctor and 2 specialists, scheduled and received an MRI and walked out with a bill of $250.00.
It has the largest percentage of expatriates living there full-time. Mainly because the cost of living is about 1/3 of the US. Foreigners are allowed to own property with all of the rights of a native. Property taxes are calculated at 0.25% of the property value. It is possible to live very comfortably on $2500/month, and that would include a maid and gardener.
There is no capital gains tax and neither is there an income tax on income generated outside the country.
Unless you have an aversion to a warm climate, friendly people, low cost of living and a slower lifestyle, we high recommend taking a closer look at Costa Rica.