1 mission of Costa Rica in South Africa: Consulate of Costa Rica in Johannesburg, South Africa. Addresses, phones and contacts.
Head of mission: Claude Charbonnel, Honorary Consul (as of 2015)
Costa Rica is an appealing destination for South African visitors due to its rich biodiversity, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. The country's diverse tourism offerings cater to various interests, from adventure to relaxation, making it attractive to a segment of South Africa's 60 million population.
Costa Rica is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, including those from South Africa. According to the Global Peace Index, Costa Rica ranks 56th out of 160 countries, significantly safer than South Africa, which ranks 125th. In terms of crime statistics, the murder rate in Costa Rica is 11.4 per 100,000 people, compared to South Africa's high rate of 41.9. Female murder rates also reflect this trend, with Costa Rica at 2.2 and South Africa at 9.5. The Global Organized Crime Index further illustrates the differences, with Costa Rica scoring better in several categories, such as state crime (1.5 for Costa Rica versus 7.5 for South Africa) and heroin trade (1.0 for Costa Rica versus 7.5 for South Africa). While both countries face challenges with organized crime, Costa Rica generally presents a safer environment for tourists.