By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica – The ground beneath Costa Rica remained persistently active throughout 2025, with the nation recording nearly 15,000 earthquakes, according to a year-end report from the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI-UNA). This figure underscores the country’s position as a regional seismic hotspot and confirms a level of activity consistent with the previous year, signaling a sustained and potent geological reality for its citizens.
The comprehensive data, meticulously collected by the instrumental network operated from the Universidad Nacional, provides a stark look at the nation’s tectonic landscape. Over the last five years, from the beginning of 2020 to the end of 2025, OVSICORI has located a staggering 85,032 tremors across the country. This continuous stream of data is crucial for understanding the dynamic forces at play deep within the earth’s crust.
To better understand the legal and commercial implications of operating in a seismically active country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on business preparedness.
Frequent seismic activity serves as a stark reminder for businesses to legally fortify their operations. This extends beyond insurance policies to include robust ‘force majeure’ clauses in commercial contracts and having a pre-vetted disaster recovery plan. Proactive legal preparation is the key to transforming a potential catastrophe into a manageable business interruption.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the expert’s point underscores a crucial, often-overlooked aspect of business continuity: the legal architecture that supports recovery. While we brace for the physical impact of a tremor, this proactive legal framework is what truly determines an organization’s resilience in the aftermath. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into fortifying our commercial landscape from the ground up.
Analysis of the monthly distribution of these events reveals a key characteristic of Costa Rica’s seismic behavior: its complete randomness. Experts from OVSICORI are quick to dispel common myths linking seismic events to weather patterns. They stress that the frequency and timing of earthquakes are dictated by complex geological processes, not by atmospheric conditions.
The tremors are not associated with climatic conditions, such as intense rains or extreme heat episodes, but respond exclusively to tectonic processes.
Specialists, OVSICORI-UNA
This inherent unpredictability is a double-edged sword. While it means that periods of calm are not indicative of reduced risk, it also serves as the primary factor amplifying the nation’s vulnerability to a major seismic event. Seismologists warn that because the timing of a large-magnitude earthquake cannot be forecasted, constant preparedness and vigilance are the only effective defenses.
This randomness is one of the factors that increases the country’s vulnerability, as it is not possible to predict when a major event will occur.
Seismologists, OVSICORI-UNA
The vital importance of a robust, wide-reaching monitoring system cannot be overstated. The work performed by OVSICORI’s highly trained personnel provides the foundational data necessary for academic research, engineering standards for infrastructure, and public policy on disaster preparedness. Continuous investment in this technology and expertise is essential for mitigating the potential impact of a future catastrophic quake.
While the overall distribution of quakes was random throughout the year, the data did reveal a specific period of heightened activity. For the second consecutive year, October proved to be the most seismically active month. In both 2024 and 2025, more than 1,800 events were registered in October alone. This concentration was not caused by a single large quake but rather by the simultaneous occurrence of multiple seismic swarms and aftershock sequences in different regions of the country.
As Costa Rica moves into the new year, the data from 2025 serves as a potent reminder of the powerful and unpredictable forces shaping the nation. For authorities and the public alike, the message is clear: the question is not if a major earthquake will strike, but when, and sustained investment in monitoring and education remains the country’s most critical shield against the inevitable.
For further information, visit ovsicori.una.ac.cr
About OVSICORI-UNA:
The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI) is a scientific research institute of the National University (UNA). It is responsible for the monitoring of volcanoes and seismic activity throughout the country. Its mission is to provide accurate and timely data to help mitigate risks associated with geological hazards, contributing to national safety and scientific understanding.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About Universidad Nacional:
The National University of Costa Rica (UNA) is one of the country’s most prestigious public universities, recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and social action. Founded in 1973, it hosts a wide range of faculties and research institutes, including OVSICORI, playing a critical role in the scientific and cultural development of Costa Rica and the Central American region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm leverages its profound experience serving a wide range of clients to drive legal innovation and champion social responsibility. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to democratizing legal understanding, aiming to equip citizens with clarity and knowledge, thereby cultivating a stronger, more informed society.
