Costa Rica vs Germany
Costa Rica has a population of 5.3M, compared to Germany's 83.5M. Germany is 15.7 times more populous than Costa Rica. Economically, Germany ($4.69T) has a GDP 49.1 times larger than Costa Rica's ($95.4B). Germany covers 357,114 km², 7.0 times larger than Costa Rica's 51,100 km². Life expectancy in Costa Rica stands at 80.8 years, 0.3 years higher than Germany's 80.5 years.
Costa RicaGermany| Population | -93.6%5.3M | +1472.5%83.5M |
| Area | -85.7%51,100 km² | +598.9%357,114 km² |
| GDP | -98.0%$95.4B | +4814.1%$4.69T |
| GDP Per Capita | -66.9%$18,587.153 | +201.8%$56,103.732 |
| Life Expectancy | +0.3%80.8 yrs | -0.3%80.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +196.8%9.2 | -66.3%3.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +84.4%6.8% | -45.8%3.7% |
| Capital | San José | Berlin |
| Region | Americas | Europe |
| Languages | Spanish | German |
| Currencies | CRC (₡) | EUR (€) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Germany is 15.7 times more populous than Costa Rica, with 83.5M residents compared to 5.3M. Costa Rica is a nation of 5.3M people, while Germany is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Costa Rica averages 104 people per km² (moderate), while Germany averages 234 people per km² (dense). Germany has grown at 0.32% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Costa Rica.
Economy Comparison
Costa Rica is classified as a high-income economy, while Germany is classified as a high-income economy. The Germany economy ($4.69T) is 49.1 times larger than Costa Rica's ($95.4B). Costa Rica's GDP per capita of $18,587.153 is 38% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Germany's GDP per capita of $56,103.732 is 100% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Germany are on average 3.0 times wealthier than those in Costa Rica.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Costa Rica is 80.8 years, compared to 80.5 years in Germany, a gap of 0.3 years. Costa Rica (80.8 years) is 8.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Germany (80.5 years) is 8.5 years above the global average of 72 years. At 9.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Costa Rica's infant mortality is 197% higher than Germany's 3.1.
Geographic Comparison
Germany (357,114 km²) is 7.0 times larger by land area than Costa Rica (51,100 km²). Costa Rica shares borders with 2 countries, while Germany borders 9 countries. Costa Rica spans 1 timezone, compared to Germany's 1 timezone. Costa Rica lies in North America, while Germany is located in Europe. Costa Rica is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas Germany belongs to Europe (Western Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Costa Rica and Germany is in GDP: Costa Rica's $95.4B compared to Germany's $4.69T represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Costa Rica and Germany is in population: Costa Rica's 5.3M compared to Germany's 83.5M represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Costa Rica and Germany is in land area: Costa Rica's 51,100 km² compared to Germany's 357,114 km² represents a 86% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Costa Rica's high-income economy and Germany's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Germany has a GDP per capita of $56,103.732, which is 3.0x that of Costa Rica ($18,587.153). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Germany is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Germany is 2.3x more densely populated than Costa Rica (234 vs 104 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Costa Rica's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Costa Rica live an average of 0.3 years longer than those of Germany (80.8 vs 80.5 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Costa Rica's economy grew at 4.3% compared to Germany's -0.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Costa Rica has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Germany's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Costa Rica or Germany by population?
Germany is larger by population, with 83.5M residents compared to Costa Rica's 5.3M. Germany is 15.7 times more populous than Costa Rica.
Which country has a higher GDP, Costa Rica or Germany?
Germany has the higher GDP at $4.69T, compared to Costa Rica's $95.4B. Germany's economy is 49.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Costa Rica and Germany?
Costa Rica has a higher life expectancy at 80.8 years, compared to Germany's 80.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.3 years. Costa Rica's life expectancy is 8.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Germany's is 8.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Costa Rica or Germany?
Germany is larger by land area, covering 357,114 km² compared to Costa Rica's 51,100 km². Germany is 7.0 times larger than Costa Rica.
What languages are spoken in Costa Rica and Germany?
Costa Rica recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Germany recognizes: German. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Costa Rica or Germany?
Costa Rica has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to Germany's 2.3%. Costa Rica's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Germany's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.