Panama and Costa Rica lead Central American prosperity index

Central American prosperity index transnational crime cooperation US-Guatemala security alliance economic development Central America judicial cooperation

Panama and Costa Rica have emerged as the leaders of prosperity in Central America according to the HelloSafe 2026 Prosperity Index. Unlike traditional GDP-only metrics, this index incorporates human development, income distribution, and poverty levels. Panama ranked first in the region and third in Latin America, driven by its high GDP per capita and the Panama Canal, though it faces challenges regarding wealth distribution.

In security matters, the United States Department of Justice has concluded a high-level mission to Guatemala to strengthen judicial cooperation. This alliance aims to dismantle transnational criminal organizations and cartel networks through integrated legal frameworks and improved extradition treaties.

In Costa Rican culture, two films have been selected for major international recognition: Kim Torres’s ‘Si no ardemos, cómo iluminar la noche’ for the Oscars, and Valentina Maurel’s ‘Siempre soy tu animal materno’ for the Goya Awards.