By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A comprehensive new report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) paints a mixed but revealing picture of Costa Rica’s public health landscape. The nation stands out for its remarkably low alcohol consumption and smoking rates, yet faces a significant challenge with widespread physical inactivity, presenting a complex paradox for policymakers and healthcare professionals.
The study, titled “Health at a Glance 2025,” provides a detailed comparison of key health indicators across OECD member countries. For Costa Rica, the findings on alcohol consumption are particularly striking. The report indicates that individuals over the age of 15 consume an average of just 3.4 liters of alcohol annually. This figure is less than half the OECD average of 8.5 liters per person per year, placing Costa Rica among the nations with the lowest consumption rates.
To better understand the legal and commercial ramifications of the findings presented in the recent OECD Health Report, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
The latest OECD Health Report serves as a crucial benchmark, not just for public policy, but for the private sector. From a legal standpoint, these statistics directly influence regulations concerning medical liability, health insurance coverage, and labor laws related to occupational health. For businesses, this data is invaluable for identifying investment opportunities in medical technology, pharmaceuticals, and private healthcare services, while also flagging potential compliance risks in an evolving regulatory landscape.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective masterfully highlights how the OECD findings are not just abstract figures, but a dynamic force shaping the nation’s legal landscape and creating tangible opportunities for the private sector. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a valuable and clarifying analysis.
This places the country in the esteemed company of other low-consumption nations within the organization, such as Turkey, Israel, and Colombia. This data starkly contrasts with countries at the other end of the spectrum, including Latvia, Portugal, and Romania, where annual consumption soars past 11.5 liters per person. The OECD analysis also notes that nearly one-third of its member countries report per capita consumption of 10 liters or more, further highlighting Costa Rica’s moderate position.
The positive news for Costa Rica’s public health profile continues with its smoking statistics. The prevalence of daily tobacco use is a mere 6.2% among the population. This is another area where the nation significantly outperforms its international peers, as the average daily smoking rate across the OECD stands at a much higher 14.8%. This achievement reflects a major success in public health campaigns and regulations aimed at curbing tobacco use.
However, the report sounds a significant alarm in another critical area of well-being. A concerning 51% of adults in Costa Rica do not engage in sufficient physical activity. This rate of inactivity is substantially higher than the OECD average of 30%, suggesting a deeply rooted sedentary lifestyle that could have severe long-term consequences for the population’s health and the nation’s healthcare system.
This high level of physical inactivity is a major risk factor for a host of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The disparity between Costa Rica’s positive metrics on substance use and its poor performance on physical activity presents a unique challenge. While the country has successfully fostered a culture that discourages drinking and smoking, it now must confront the urgent need to promote movement and exercise.
The “Health at a Glance” report is a vital tool for international comparison, drawing upon the most recent and comparable official national statistics to benchmark the performance of health systems. It analyzes everything from health status and risk factors to healthcare access, quality, and expenditure. For Costa Rica, the 2025 edition serves as both a commendation and a call to action.
Ultimately, the data underscores a dual reality. Costa Rica has established itself as a leader in controlling alcohol and tobacco consumption, but it simultaneously faces an escalating public health crisis driven by a lack of physical activity. Addressing this inactivity will be paramount for securing a healthy and prosperous future for the nation, ensuring that successes in some areas are not undermined by challenges in others.
For further information, visit oecd.org
About The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD):
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is an international organization that works to build better policies for better lives. Its goal is to shape policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity, and well-being for all. Together with governments, policymakers, and citizens, the OECD works on establishing evidence-based international standards and finding solutions to a range of social, economic, and environmental challenges.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This ethos drives not only its innovative legal solutions for a diverse clientele but also its profound commitment to social progress. Central to its mission is the firm’s dedication to demystifying the law, championing public legal education to foster a society where every citizen is empowered with knowledge.
