#Sustainability #San Jose #Costa Rica #RepCore

Costa Rica Tops Latin America in Reputation

Costa Rica has recently been recognized as the Latin American country with the strongest reputation, according to the latest findings from the RepCore Nations 2025 study conducted by Reputation Lab. This influential report evaluates public perceptions of various nations and positions Costa Rica at the forefront of Latin America, notably outperforming its regional peers.

The analysis incorporated data from not just Latin America but also the G7 countries, which include the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Canada. Costa Rica was rated higher than most countries in the region, capturing the essence of a nation committed to sustainability and ethical governance. Following Costa Rica, Peru and Puerto Rico secured the second and third positions respectively, underscoring the broad assessment of national reputations within the region.

Significance of ESG Factors

One of the critical aspects emphasized in the report is the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors. The reputation of countries, particularly in the eyes of the G7 audience, is significantly shaped by their ethical standards and environmental initiatives. Notably, Costa Rica has excelled in these dimensions, achieving the highest overall score in terms of national reputation.

The study delved deeper into the regional context, assessing how the six largest economies in Latin America—Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, and Peru—view each other. In this context, Costa Rica ranked third, just behind Uruguay and Brazil, showcasing its broad appeal even among neighboring countries.

Adriana Acosta, the Director of the essential COSTA RICA Nation Brand, highlighted the implications of these findings, stating, “The results of RepCore Nations 2025 reaffirm something we know well in Costa Rica: when a country prioritizes sustainability, ethics, and the well-being of its people, it builds trust.” This trust, as reflected in their international reputation, stems from collaborative efforts among public institutions, the private sector, and the citizens of Costa Rica.

Economic Impact of National Reputation

A significant takeaway from the report is that countries with strong reputations tend to benefit economically in various ways. As indicated, better reputations can attract more tourists, increase foreign direct investments, and enhance export performance. Historical analysis comparing four years of data from UN Tourism and UN Trade and Development alongside RepCore Nations' RepScore indicates that every one-point increase in RepScore correlates with an approximate 7.2% growth in the economic value of tourist arrivals and a 1% rise in foreign direct investment.

These statistics underline the economic benefits of maintaining a positive national reputation, illustrating how soft power can translate into real-world economic advantages.

Methodology and Conclusions

The comprehensive analysis employed in the RepCore Nations 2025 study was based on over 61,000 surveys conducted across 38 countries, ensuring a representative and robust view of Costa Rica's national reputation. The emphasis on leadership in sustainability, a strong institutional framework, and a high quality of life further reinforce Costa Rica’s position as a trusted and admired nation globally.

These attributes not only strengthen Costa Rica’s international profile but also support the strategic initiatives of the essential COSTA RICA Nation Brand, driving the nation towards a sustainable and prosperous future. As global awareness shifts toward sustainability and ethical practices, Costa Rica stands as a beacon of what can be achieved through a collective commitment to these fundamental values.