Why Costa Rica
We didn't end up in Costa Rica by accident. We chose it — for the engineers, the culture, the time zone, and a business environment that makes long-term partnerships work. Here's what makes it the right place to build software for North American companies.
Cultural Excellence & Pura Vida Work Ethic
Costa Rica fosters a culture of accountability and invests heavily in STEM education. As a result, Costa Rica is a nearshore software development hub. Living by the national motto of “Pura Vida” or “pure life,” Costa Ricans exude passion. They also possess a deep appreciation for family, friends, their culture, and the environment.
Famous for being one of the happiest countries in the world, the people of Costa Rica are friendly, generous, loyal, and proud. They demonstrate these traits at work, and the results are evident.
Geopolitics & International Trade
A long history of free and fair elections and openness to foreign investment has produced decades of steady growth and a regional hub for software development.
The US is its largest trading partner, and Costa Rica holds membership in the UN, IMF, World Bank, and WTO, backed by modern technical infrastructure and fiscal security.
Amazon, Coca-Cola, and HP operate out of Costa Rica, drawn by the same stability, talent, and infrastructure that nearshore software teams rely on.
Over 25% of the country's territory is protected, safeguarding biodiversity and anchoring its reputation as a top global tourist destination.
World-Class STEM Education
After disbanding its military in 1948, Costa Rica redirected those funds into free, mandatory education taught in both Spanish and English.
Nearly 50% of university students choose private institutions for international programs and accelerated coursework across the central valley.
Computer science and engineering graduates are overwhelmingly fluent in English, with computer and industrial engineering showing the strongest female participation.
An Amazing Place For Clients to Visit
Boasting a strong eco-tourism industry, more than 1.3 million U.S. citizens alone visit Costa Rica annually. Americans represent nearly 65% of all tourists. With pristine shorelines and world class surfing, Costa Rica is a beach lover's paradise. Sport fishing is a major attraction. Anglers can enjoy fishing off of both coasts: the Pacific to the West and the Caribbean to the East. Rainforests, volcanoes, hot springs, white water rafting, and countless outdoor adventures lure tourists back time and again.
At roughly the same size as West Virginia, or three times larger than New Jersey, Costa Rica is easy to explore. There is no excuse for not visiting a coffee farm or waterfall on your next visit to the First Factory offices. We’d love to show you around.
