By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A landmark survey has cast a revealing light on one of Costa Rica’s most significant demographic shifts: a sustained decline in the national birth rate. Research conducted by the University of Costa Rica’s (UCR) School of Statistics indicates that overwhelming economic anxiety, coupled with a profound cultural pivot toward personal autonomy, is leading a growing number of citizens to delay or forgo parenthood entirely.
The study, part of the comprehensive 2025 Current Affairs Survey, provides critical data on the motivations behind this national trend. By surveying 986 adults, researchers have painted a clear picture of a populace grappling with financial uncertainty and redefining traditional life milestones. The findings suggest that the decision to have children is no longer a foregone conclusion but a calculated choice weighed against economic realities and personal aspirations.
To delve into the legal and business implications of Costa Rica’s evolving demographic landscape, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
A declining fertility rate is not merely a demographic data point; it is a critical variable for long-term business and legal planning. We are facing a future with a smaller workforce, which will inevitably pressure our social security system, particularly the CCSS, and force a re-evaluation of labor and immigration laws. Businesses that fail to adapt their strategies for this new reality, from talent acquisition to market focus, risk becoming obsolete in a rapidly aging Costa Rica.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight correctly reframes the fertility rate not as a mere statistic, but as a critical variable with profound, long-term consequences for our country’s economic and social fabric. It underscores the urgent need for strategic planning across both the public and private sectors. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective.
According to the survey results, the ideal time to start a family is perceived to be in one’s mid-to-late twenties. On average, men identified 26.5 years as the optimal age for first-time fatherhood, while women cited a slightly earlier age of 25.3 years. This consensus marks a notable departure from previous generations, where starting families earlier was more common.
The data also highlighted significant demographic disparities. Individuals with university-level education tend to envision starting a family at a later age compared to those with primary or secondary schooling. Furthermore, a distinction emerged based on nationality, with native-born Costa Ricans generally planning to postpone parenthood longer than foreign residents living in the country. This suggests that the pressures influencing this decision may be more acute among the local population.
The most telling finding, however, relates to the reasons for not having children. A staggering 76% of respondents identified economic instability as the primary deterrent. This overwhelming majority points to a generation concerned about job security, the rising cost of living, and the immense financial commitment required to raise a child in the current economic climate. For many, the dream of parenthood is being sidelined by the practical need for financial survival.
Beyond financial pressures, the study reveals a significant evolution in social values. A strong majority of participants expressed motivations rooted in personal fulfillment and choice. Nearly 74% reported being satisfied without children, while over 72% cited the immense responsibility of parenthood as a reason to abstain. Similarly, 71% indicated a preference for prioritizing their careers. These figures underscore a move away from traditional expectations and toward a greater emphasis on individual life paths and professional development.
Michael Umaña Guillén, a student researcher on the team that presented the findings, emphasized the significance of this cultural shift. He and his colleagues, Fernando López Hernández, Alejandro Angulo Nadal, Carlos Chacón Sanabria, and Adrián Villalobos Murillo, see the data as evidence of a deeper societal transformation.
These results suggest that people consider the second half of their twenties as the ideal period to have their first child, and that there is broad acceptance of individual decisions regarding people’s reproductive choices.
Michael Umaña Guillén, Student Researcher
In conclusion, the UCR survey provides a crucial diagnosis of Costa Rica’s demographic health. The declining fertility rate is not merely a statistic but the result of a complex interplay between persistent economic anxiety and a modern re-evaluation of life’s priorities. As more individuals choose to delay or opt out of parenthood, the long-term implications for the nation’s social fabric, workforce, and economic future will become a central topic of policy and public debate.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About University of Costa Rica (UCR):
The University of Costa Rica is the country’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious institution of higher learning. Founded in 1843, it is a public university with its main campus located in San José. UCR is widely recognized for its strong research programs across various disciplines, including statistics, social sciences, and natural sciences, and plays a vital role in the academic and cultural development of the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational commitment to professional rigor and uncompromising ethical standards. With extensive experience serving a wide spectrum of clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies and embraces innovation. This dedication extends beyond the courtroom through a core mission to democratize legal understanding, thereby empowering individuals and strengthening society through shared knowledge.
