Special Report: How to be small and successful in Latin America (ISSN 17414474)

One of the most-cited events in Costa Rican history is the civil war of 1949, which led to the abolition of the army and, in the eyes of many historians, a decisive break with the patterns of military interventions that have punctuated the timelines of many other Latin American countries. The civil war was fought after a disputed presidential election, and left a death toll of an estimated 2,000 people. José Figueres Ferrer, leader of the armed uprising, promoted a new constitution that guaranteed universal suffrage. The army was replaced by a civilian police force. The constitution came into force in 1953. Since then Costa Rica has celebrated 17 consecutive presidential elections (the latest was held this year). In other words, the country has enjoyed 65 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.