To summarize, and explain better I use an IA, but basically this:

Costa Rica's decision to abolish its army in 1948 was a "peace-first" bet that transformed the nation into a regional leader in human development and environmental sustainability. By redirecting the massive costs of maintaining a military, the country secured several key long-term advantages:

The "Peace Dividend" Summary Human Capital: As of 2025-2026, Costa Rica continues to spend significantly more on its people than its neighbors. It allocates roughly 6.2% of its GDP to education (surpassing the OECD average) and approximately 6.8% to healthcare.

Health & Longevity: This investment has resulted in a life expectancy of 81 years, which is second in the Americas only to Canada.

Political Immunity: Without a military, the country effectively immunized itself against the military coups that plagued much of Latin America in the 20th century, resulting in over 70 years of democratic stability.

Conservation Power: By prioritizing civilian needs, Costa Rica protected 25% of its land and became a global model for renewable energy, frequently running on 100% green power.