Costa Rica demographic shifts and aging population

Costa Rica is undergoing significant demographic changes characterized by a shrinking youth population and a rapidly aging citizenry. According to the OECD “Education at a Glance 2026” report, the population of children aged 5 to 14 is projected to decrease by 28% by 2033, a decline much steeper than the 9% average projected for OECD member nations. Additionally, the population of children aged four or younger is expected to drop by 16% between 2024 and 2033.

Concurrently, data from the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC) indicates an aging trend, with the population aged 65 and older projected to double over the next twenty years. In 2022, those aged 65 or older accounted for 10.1% of the population, up from 5.6% in 2000, while the proportion of children under 15 fell from 31.9% to 20.8% during that same timeframe.

These shifts present various societal implications. The reduction in students may impact educational infrastructure, though the OECD notes that declining enrollment does not automatically require a proportional reduction in teaching staff. Meanwhile, the aging population necessitates a reevaluation of public and private infrastructure to support the autonomy and safety of older citizens.