Costa Rica Costa Rica And Nicaragua

Two issues continue to strain Costa Rican-Nicaraguan relations: conflicts over use of the San Juan River and illegal immigration from Nicaragua. Dating back to 1858, the Cañas-Juarez Treaty holds that the San Juan River constitutes the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua but belongs to Nicaragua, though Costa Rica was granted perpetual free commercial access to its waters. Negotiations continue as both countries try to reach a consensus about what constitutes “commercial use.” The borders of both countries are paying the price for this tension, as the political conflict impedes investment and development.

The issue of migration between these two countries also remains an urgent one. Because Costa Rica is prosperous and economically stable, it has drawn massive numbers of illegal immigrants from Nicaragua. Many come to work because of better job opportunities, and a signifcant portion of the Costa Rican population is made up of Nicaraguans. Both the Costa Rican and the Nicaraguan government have made attempts to resolve the disputes, but their isolation and political pride have made resolution an elusive concept. In the midst of this tension, ticos tend to look down upon their Nicaraguan neighbors, commonly known as nicas . Immigrant nicas are accused of stealing jobs, bringing violent crime, and using up many of the country’s social resources.

More Cultural Essentials in Costa Rica

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