Regions Americas Central America Costa Rica

Costa Rica — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

StockpilesGun Numbers
Civilian GunsBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. 
                    Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.
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Number of Privately Owned FirearmsChartThe estimated total number of guns (both licit and illicit) held by civilians in Costa Rica is 

271,3361 2
493,0003
263,6441 2 4
258,9301 2 5
247,192
400,0006 7 8 1
227,5831 2 7
216,7011 2
209,188
198,3251 2 9 8 10
182,1801 2
172,074
430,0001 2 11
156,4401 2
150,662
143,531
135,894
127,326
120,418
114,2941 2 7
108,6481 2
102,931
95,912
89,541
80,750
74,454
70,517
66,916
128,042
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Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 PopulationChartThe estimated rate of private gun ownership (both licit and illicit) per 100 people in Costa Rica is 

5.442
10
5.41
5.38
6.88
5.27
8.63
4.97
4.8
4.7
4.51
4.21
4.03
3.88
3.77
3.69
3.57
3.43
3.28
Compare
Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World RankingIn a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 206 countries, Costa Rica ranked at No. 8412
Compare
Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World RankingIn a comparison of the rate of privately owned guns in 206 countries, Costa Rica ranked at No.7412
Compare
Number of Licensed Firearm OwnersChartThe number of licensed gun owners in Costa Rica is reported to be 

230,8315
152,92313
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Rate of Licensed Firearm Owners per 100 PopulationChartThe rate of licensed firearm owners per 100 people in Costa Rica is 

4.7914
4.02
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Number of Registered FirearmsChartThe number of registered guns in Costa Rica is reported to be 

217,000{926}
246,6692
244,4552 3
239,6762 4
235,3912 5
230,0862
224,720
216,378
206,8942 7
197,0012
190,171
180,2952 9 8 10
165,6182
156,431
148,3982 11
142,2182
136,965
130,483
123,540
115,751
109,471
103,9042 7
98,7712
93,574
87,193
81,401
73,409
67,685
64,106
60,833
58,201
Compare
Rate of Registered Firearms per 100 PopulationChartThe rate of registered guns per 100 people in Costa Rica is 

4.212: 
4.95
4.96
4.92
4.89
4.84
4.79
4.67
4.52
4.36
4.27
4.1
3.82
3.66
3.53
3.43
3.35
3.25
3.12
2.98
4.0214
Compare
Estimated Number of Unregistered and Illicit FirearmsChartUnregistered and unlawfully held guns cannot be counted,15 but in Costa Rica there are estimated to be 

24,6671 2
257,3693
23,9681 24
23,5391 25
97,0008
22,472
21,638
20,6891 27
19,7001 2
19,017
18,0301 29810
16,5621 2
15,643
280,57711 2
14,2221 2
13,697
13,048
12,354
11,575
10,947
10,3901 2 7
98,771 2
9,357
8,719
8,140
7,341
6,769
6,411
6,083
11,640
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Estimated Rate of Unregistered and Illicit Firearms per 100 PopulationUnregistered and unlawfully held guns cannot be counted,15 but in Costa Rica the rate of such firearms per 100 people is estimated to be 2.2714
Government GunsBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. 
                    Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.
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Number of Military FirearmsThe defence forces of Costa Rica are reported to have 016 7 17 firearms
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Number of Law Enforcement FirearmsPolice in Costa Rica are reported to have 17,00018 firearms

ImpactsDeath and InjuryCompare
Total Number of Gun DeathsBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. 
                    Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.ChartIn Costa Rica, annual deaths resulting from firearms total 

43919
439
433
410
361
315
29320
345
390
331
325
226
285
252
234
224
18721 22
210
210 
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Rate of All Gun Deaths per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of all gun deaths per 100,000 population is 

8.8019
9.01
8.99
8.62
7.69
6.79
6.40
7.64
8.75
7.53
7.50
5.29
6.77
6.08
5.73
5.57
4.65
5.31
5.41
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Total Number of Male Gun DeathsChartIn Costa Rica, annual male deaths resulting from firearms total 

41119
404
402
388
332
292
267
311
367
309
293
211
263
223
209
206
193
186
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Rate of Male Gun Death per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of male gun death per 100,000 population is 

16.4419
16.53
16.64
16.26
14.08
12.54
11.61
13.71
16.39
13.99
13.45
9.82
12.42
10.68
10.17
10.17
9.69
9.51
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Total Number of Female Gun DeathsChartIn Costa Rica, annual female deaths resulting from firearms total 

2819
35
31
22
2
23
26
34
23
22
32
15
22
29
25
18
17
24
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Rate of Female Gun Death per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of female gun death per 100,000 population is 

1.1319
1.44
1.29
0.93
1.24
1
1.14
1.51
1.04
1.01
1.49
0.71
1.05
1.41
1.23
0.90
0.87
1.25
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Homicides (any method)Blue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. 
                    Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.ChartIn Costa Rica, annual homicides by any means total 

58823
57024
563
585
603
578
557
477
411
407
474
527
525
512
369
351
335
280
300
258
257
249
24521
224
210
189
184 
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Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

11.523
11.1924
11.15
11.70
12.18
11.80
11.49
9.95
8.67
8.68
10.23
11.51
11.61
11.47
8.38
8.08
7.82
6.63
7.20
6.29
6.37
6.28
6.421
6.0
5.8
5.3
5.3
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Male Homicide Victims (any method)ChartIn Costa Rica, annual male homicides by any means total 

55825
573
531
524
477
375
357
410
466
366
345
242
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Rate of Male Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of male homicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

22.3225
23.18
21.73
21.69
19.99
15.91
15.33
17.84
20.54
16.35
15.62
11.11
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Female Homicide Victims (any method)ChartIn Costa Rica, annual female homicides by any means total 

7225
75
80
45
4919
36
50
64
61
43
47
26
Compare
Rate of Female Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of female homicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

2.8925
3.05
3.29
1.88
2.0719
1.54
2.17
2.81
2.71
1.94
2.15
1.21
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Gun HomicidesBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. 
                    Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.ChartIn Costa Rica, annual firearm homicides total 

40524
380
401
435
384
385
32724
278
261
300
349
271
275
179
21826 21 27
19621 27
150
147
131
134
12621
118
108
95
87 
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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is 

7.9524
7.53
8.02
8.79
7.84
7.94
6.82
5.86
5.57
6.48
7.70
6.08
6.26
4.13
5.1114 21 27 28
4.521 27 28
3.5
3.521 27
3.2
3.3
3.321
3.2
3.0
2.7
2.5
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Proportion of Homicides Committed With a GunChartIn Costa Rica, the percentage of homicides committed with a firearm is reported to be 

68%29
65%29 26 30
64%29 26
66%
64%26
68%
61%
62%
58.5%21
53.6%
49.0%
50.8%
52.1%
51.4%
52.7%
51.4%
50.3%
47.3%
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Male Gun Homicide VictimsChartIn Costa Rica, annual male firearm homicides total 

35819
373
347
349
283
238
216
258
304
253
249
169
199
163
141
141
131
110
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Rate of Male Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of male firearm homicide per 100,000 population is 

14.1719

15.09
14.20
14.45
11.86
10.10
9.28
11.22
13.40
11.30
11.27
7.76
9.26
7.70
6.76
6.86
6.57
5.62
Compare
Female Gun Homicide VictimsChartIn Costa Rica, annual female firearm homicides total 

2419
32
27
17
24
19
18
31
18
18
25
10
13
26
18
14
5
21
Compare
Rate of Female Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of female firearm homicide per 100,000 population is 

0.9519

1.30
1.11
0.71
1.01
0.81
0.78
1.36
0.80
0.81
1.14
0.46
0.61
1.24
0.87
0.69
0.25
1.09
Compare
Suicides (any method)Blue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. 
                    Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.ChartIn Costa Rica, annual suicides by any means total 

43319
308
379
345
311
362
355
361
353
331
302
310
407
328
389
380
246
261
305
21122 
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Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

8.5919
0
6.25
7.78
7.17
6.54
7.71
7.66
7.89
7.82
7.43
6.87
7.16
9.53
7.79
9.38
9.31
6.0
6.60
7.86
5.0622
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Male Suicide Victims (any method)ChartIn Costa Rica, annual male suicides by any means total 

37919
252
324
291
262
321
307
306
308
285
262
262
346
285
341
324
223
275
Compare
Rate of Male Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of male suicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

1519
10.19
13.26
12.05
10.98
13.62
13.19
13.31
13.57
12.73
11.86
12.03
16.11
13.46
16.34
15.76
11.19
14.06
Compare
Female Suicide Victims (any method)ChartIn Costa Rica, annual female suicides by any means total 

5419
56
55
54
49
41
48
55
45
46
40
48
61
43
48
56
38
30
Compare
Rate of Female Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of female suicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

2.1519
2.28
2.26
2.25
2.07
1.75
2.08
2.41
2
2.08
1.83
2.23
2.87
2.06
2.33
2.76
1.94
1.56
Compare
Gun SuicidesBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. 
                    Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.ChartIn Costa Rica, annual firearm suicides total 

4919
27
43
33
43
50
5320
45
42
51
41
40
57
54
62
63
5322
55
63 
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Rate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of firearm suicide per 100,000 population is 

0.9819

0.55
0.89
0.69
0.92
1.08
1.16
1
0.94
1.16
0.95
0.94
1.35
1.30
1.52
1.57
1.2722
1.39
1.62
Compare
Male Gun Suicide VictimsChartIn Costa Rica, annual male firearm suicides total 

4719
26
40
31
39
48
47
43
40
47
35
36
51
52
58
60
46
61
Compare
Rate of Male Gun Suicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of male firearm suicide per 100,000 population is 

1.8619
1.05
1.64
1.28
1.63
2.04
2.02
1.87
1.76
2.10
1.58
1.65
2.37
2.46
2.78
2.92
2.31
3.12
Compare
Female Gun Suicide VictimsChartIn Costa Rica, annual female firearm suicides total 

219
1
3
2
4
2
6
2
2
4
6
4
6
2
4
3
9
2
Compare
Rate of Female Gun Suicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of female firearm suicide per 100,000 population is 

0.0819
0.04
0.12
0.08
0.17
0.09
0.26
0.09
0.09
0.18
0.27
0.19
0.28
0.10
0.19
0.15
0.46
0.10
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Unintentional Gun DeathsBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. 
                    Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.ChartIn Costa Rica, annual unintentional shooting deaths total 

219
1
3
4
4
2
220
3
2
4
2
2
5
1
322
6
5 
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Rate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death per 100,000 population is 

0.0419

0.02
0.06
0.08
0.08
0.04
0.04
0.07
0.04
0.09
0.05
0.05
0.12

0.02

0.0722
0.15
0.13
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Unintentional Male Gun DeathsChartIn Costa Rica, annual unintentional male shooting deaths total 

119
1
3
3
3
2
2
3
2
4
2
2
3
1
4
5
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Rate of Unintentional Male Gun Death per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of unintentional male shooting death per 100,000 population is 

0.0419
0.04
0.12
0.12
0.13
0.08
0.09
0.13
0.09
0.18
0.09
0.09
0.14
0.05
0.20
0.26
Compare
Unintentional Female Gun DeathsChartIn Costa Rica, annual unintentional female shooting deaths total 

119
1
1
0
0
0
0
2
2
Compare
Rate of Unintentional Female Gun Death per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of unintentional female shooting death per 100,000 population is 

0.0419
0.04
0.04
0.09
0.10
Compare
Gun Deaths from Undetermined CauseBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. 
                    Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.ChartIn Costa Rica, annual shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total 

619
6
13
7
719
6
420
6
24
5
7
4
11
8
12
6
12
1022 
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Rate of Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of unknown-cause shooting deaths per 100,000 population is 

0.1219
0
0.12
0.27
0.15
0.15
0.13
0.09
0.13
0.53
0.11
0.16
0.09
0.26
0.19
0.29
0.15
0.30
0.26
Compare
Male Gun Deaths from Undetermined CauseChartIn Costa Rica, annual male shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total 

519
4
12
5
719
4
2
5
21
5
6
3
10
7
9
5
11
9
Compare
Rate of Male Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of unknown-cause male shooting deaths per 100,000 population is 

0.2019
0.16
0.49
0.21
0.29
0.17
0.09
0.22
0.93
0.22
0.27
0.14
0.47
0.33
0.43
0.24
0.55
0.46
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Female Gun Deaths from Undetermined CauseChartIn Costa Rica, annual female shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total 

119
2
1
2
0
2
2
1
3
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
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Rate of Female Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of unknown-cause female shooting deaths per 100,000 population is 

0.0419
0.08
0.04
0.08
0.09
0.09
0.04
0.13
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.15
0.05
0.05
0.05
Compare
Legal Intervention Gun HomicidesBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. 
                    Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.ChartIn Costa Rica, annual legal-intervention gun homicides total 

219
1 
Compare
Rate of Legal Intervention Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of legal-intervention gun homicide per 100,000 population is 

0.0419
0.02
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Male Legal Intervention Gun HomicidesChartIn Costa Rica, annual male legal-intervention gun homicides total 

219
1
Compare
Rate of Male Legal Intervention Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of male legal-intervention gun homicide per 100,000 population is 

0.0919
0.05

ProductionGun Industry

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Regulation of Firearm Makers

In Costa Rica, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence,³¹ ³² ³³ ³⁴ ³⁵ but is not conducted in practice³⁶

TransfersGun Trade and TraffickingCompare
Firearm ExportsIn Costa Rica, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law31 37 32 38 34 39 40 41 
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Firearm Exports (Number)ChartThe annual number of firearms exported from Costa Rica is reported by manufacturers to be 

2019: 842
2018: 142
2017: 8
2016: 0
2015: 0
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Small Arms Exports (US$) - CustomsChartThe annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Costa Rica is reported by Customs to be US$

2021: 180,00043
2020: 96,000
2019: 67,000
2010: 1,000
2008: 5,000
2007: 43,000
2004: 32,000
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Firearm ImportsIn Costa Rica, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law31 32 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 34 39 52 40 41 
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Firearm Imports (Number)ChartThe annual number of firearms imported to Costa Rica is reported to be 

2019: 042
2018: 4,621
2017: 3,729
2016: 4,270
2015: 2,904
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Small Arms Imports (US$) - CustomsChartThe annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Costa Rica is reported by Customs to be US$

2021: 2,883,00053
2020: 2,129,000
2019: 3,837,000
2018: 4,819,000
2017: 3,737,000
2016: 3,043,000
2015: 3,143,000
2014: 2,631,000
2013: 2,486,000
2012: 3,937,000
2011: 3,441,000
2010: 2,094,000
2009: 2,720,000
2008: 3,499,000
2007: 2,602,000
2006: 1,794,000
2005: 1,213,000
2004: 1,014,000
2003: 1,327,000
2002: 1,363,000
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Smuggling Guns and AmmunitionReports suggest that the level of firearm and ammunition smuggling in Costa Rica is moderate13
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Regulation of Arms BrokersIn Costa Rica, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are specifically regulated by law54
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End User CertificatesCustoms regulations in Costa Rica include37 39 certification of the intended end user of any small arms or ammunition transfer, and/or a written declaration of its intended end use

MeasuresGun RegulationCompare
Firearm Regulation - Guiding PolicyThe regulation of guns in Costa Rica is categorised as restrictive55
Firearm LawGuiding gun control legislation in Costa Rica includes the Arms and Explosives Law No. 7530 of 1995,56 35 its Regulation of 2013,57 the Regulation for the Administration, Use, and Control of Firearms by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport,58 the Agreement No. 180 of 2014 on the Import of Firearms Similar to Prohibited Firearms,59 the Agreement No. 112 of 2015,60 as amended by Agreement No. 122,61 the Circular No. 147 of 2012 on Reducing the Number of Arms Belonging to the State62 and the Directive No. 0 of 201263
Firearm Regulation AuthorityGuns in Costa Rica are regulated by the Ministry of Public Security, the Armaments Directorate, the Arms Registry, the National Arsenal, and the Arms and Explosives Control Department64 65 66 67 68
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Right to Possess FirearmsIn Costa Rica, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law69 70 71 72 63
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Restricted Firearms and AmmunitionIn Costa Rica, civilians are not allowed to possess automatic firearms, machine guns, sub-machine guns, as well as rifles and semi-automatic carbines whose magazine can hold more than ten rounds (except rimfire cartridges), silencers and armour-piercing, tracer, explosive and incendiary ammunition73 74
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Regulation of Automatic WeaponsIn Costa Rica, private possession of fully automatic weapons is prohibited73 74 75 30
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Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault WeaponsIn Costa Rica, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is permitted under licence,76 77 with some exceptions73
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Regulation of HandgunsIn Costa Rica, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence,76 77 78 30 with some exceptions73 74 
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Law Regulates Long GunsIn Costa Rica,  civilian possession of rifles and shotguns is regulated by law76 77 73 74 78 30
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Gun Ownership and PossessionIn Costa Rica, only licensed gun owners79 72 80 81 82 34 83 30 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition
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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm PossessionApplicants for a gun owner’s licence in Costa Rica are required to establish a genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example personal protection,71 72 84 85 security,61 60 hunting, sports shooting81 86 and collection82
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Minimum Age for Firearm PossessionThe minimum age for gun ownership in Costa Rica is 18 years to possess and carry, or 14 years for hunting and target shooting while under the immediate supervision of an appropriately licensed adult87 88 89 90
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Gun Owner Background ChecksAn applicant for a firearm licence in Costa Rica must pass a background check which considers criminal,87 88 91 92 93 61 addiction,85 and mental health88 94 95 96 97 63 30 records
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Reference Required for Firearm LicenceIn Costa Rica, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are not required98
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Partner to be Advised or InterviewedIn Costa Rica, licensing authorities are not required98 to conduct interviews with, or to advise an applicant's spouse, partner, or next of kin before issuing a gun licence
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Domestic Violence and FirearmsWhere a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Costa Rica stipulates85 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked
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Firearm Safety TrainingIn Costa Rica, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is required99 100 97 101 102 93 35 for a firearm licence
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Gun Owner Licensing PeriodIn Costa Rica, gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for their firearm licence every year, only for a special licence to carry a firearm for self-defence72
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Licensing RecordsIn Costa Rica, authorities maintain a record79 99 91 94 103 104 105 35 of individual civilians licensed to acquire, possess, sell or transfer a firearm or ammunition
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Limit on Number of GunsLicensed firearm owners in Costa Rica are permitted to possess no more than three firearms intended for personal protection, but there is no limit on firearms for hunting and target shooting79 106 85 107 83
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Limit on Quantity, Type of AmmunitionLicensed firearm owners in Costa Rica are permitted to possess any quantity of ammunition98 83
Firearm Registration
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Civilian Gun RegistrationIn Costa Rica, the law requires79 99 100 104 35 108 91 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register
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Gun Dealer Record KeepingIn Costa Rica, licensed firearm dealers are required109 110 111 83 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority
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State-Owned Firearm RecordsIn Costa Rica, State agencies are required64 112 113 114 115 108 116 to maintain records of the storage and movement of all firearms and ammunition under their control
Gun Sales and Transfers
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Regulation of Private Gun SalesIn Costa Rica, the private sale and transfer of firearms is prohibited unless registered by the Arms and Explosives Control Department111 104 85
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Regulation of Dealer Gun SalesIn Costa Rica, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful31 117 32 118 103 33 52
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Background Checks for Private Gun SalesThe buyer of a firearm in a private sale in Costa Rica is obliged85 to pass official background checks before taking possession
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Background Checks for Dealer Gun SalesThe buyer of a firearm from a licensed gun dealer in Costa Rica is obliged85 109 to pass official background checks before taking possession
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Waiting Period for Gun PossessionIn Costa Rica, the minimum wait for a lawful firearm purchase to be completed is undetermined98
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Regulation of Gun ShowsIn Costa Rica, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are not regulated98 in law
Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition
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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - PrivateFirearm regulations in Costa Rica include71 119 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners
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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - DealerFirearm regulations in Costa Rica include117 120 121 52 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by licensed arms dealers
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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - GovernmentGovernment regulations in Costa Rica include116 122 123 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by state entities
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Firearm and Ammunition Transport RegulationsRegulations in Costa Rica include50 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit
Carrying Guns
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Law Regulates Firearms in PublicIn Costa Rica, carrying a gun in a public place is regulated by law72 84 80 93 92 95 34 30
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Carrying Guns Openly in PublicIn Costa Rica, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is prohibited124
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Carrying Hidden Handguns in PublicIn Costa Rica, carrying a concealed firearm in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit124 72 80
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Gun Free ZonesIn Costa Rica, private guns are prohibited in State facilities, public institutions, health and educational institutions, and in demonstrations or public meetings125
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Penalty for Illicit Firearm PossessionIn Costa Rica, the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm126 is three years in prison127 128

MeasuresInternational Controls
Regional Agreements
Central American Integration SystemAs a member of the Central American Integration System (SICA), Costa Rica is party to the 2007 Central American Programme on Small Arms Control and the Code of Conduct of Central American States on the Transfer of Arms, Ammunition, Explosives and Other Related Material129
Organization of American StatesOn 14 November 1997, as a member of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Costa Rica adopted the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Explosives, Ammunition and Other Related Materials (CIFTA), a legally binding multilateral treaty of which the OAS is depository. The CIFTA Convention has since been signed and ratified130 131 by Costa Rica
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Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and DevelopmentThe Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development, a diplomatic initiative aimed at addressing the interrelations between armed violence and development, was signed in 2006132 by Costa Rica.
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Arms Trade TreatyThe Arms Trade Treaty has been signed and ratified133 by Costa Rica
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United Nations Firearms ProtocolThe United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition has been signed and ratified134 by Costa Rica
United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA
UNPoA CommitmentOn 21 July 2001, Costa Rica committed to a consensus decision of the United Nations to adopt, support and implement the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects135
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UNPoA Implementation Monitor ScoreIn its UN small arms Programme of Action Implementation Monitor (PoAIM Phase 1), the Small Arms Survey scored Costa Rica against its commitments to the PoA, then ranked it at No. 115136 137 138 139 among 159 Member States
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UNPoA National ReportingUnder the terms of its 2001 commitment to the United Nations small arms Programme of Action, Costa Rica has submitted one or more national reports140 141 on its implementation of the UNPoA
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UNPoA National Point of ContactIn Costa Rica, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated141
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UNPoA National Coordinating BodyIn Costa Rica, a National Coordinating Body to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated142
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UNPoA Civil Society Involvement and SupportIn National Reports of Costa Rica submitted to the UN from 2001 to 2010, a history of substantive cooperation with civil society in support of UNPoA activities was apparent143
UNPoA International Assistance – DonorFunds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated141 by Costa Rica to other UN Member States
UNPoA International Assistance – RecipientFunds for UNPoA implementation have been provided141 to Costa Rica by other UN Member States
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United Nations Small Arms RegisterAccording to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Costa Rica has not declared144 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.
United Nations MembershipIn the UN List of Member States, Costa Rica has been a Member State of the United Nations since 1945145
Wassenaar ArrangementThe Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list146 Costa Rica as a Participating State

BackgroundSustainable Development Goal ProfileLink
About SDG 16The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 goals set by the United Nations to be implemented by all member states by 2030. Adopted in 2015, they outline a vision of development in which peace and security are an integral part.

SDG 16,147 which seeks to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development,” includes targets and indicators focused on reducing violence (Target 16.1) and the proliferation of illicit arms (Target 16.4). The indicators – or measurement criteria – of these targets include the number of victims of intentional homicide (Indicator 16.1.1), the number of conflict-related deaths (Indicator 16.1.2), and the number of illicit firearms collected and traced (Indicator 16.4.2).

In light of these targets and indicators, GunPolicy.org provides granular national data pertaining to homicides, gun homicides, conflict deaths, disarmament efforts, and marking and tracing.
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Homicides (any method)ChartIn Costa Rica, annual homicides by any means total 

58823
57024
563
585
603
578
557
477
411
407
474
527
525
512
369
351
335
280
300
258
257
249
24521
224
210
189
184 
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Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

11.523
11.1924
11.15
11.70
12.18
11.80
11.49
9.95
8.67
8.68
10.23
11.51
11.61
11.47
8.38
8.08
7.82
6.63
7.20
6.29
6.37
6.28
6.421
6.0
5.8
5.3
5.3
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Male Homicide Victims (any method)ChartIn Costa Rica, annual male homicides by any means total 

55825
573
531
524
477
375
357
410
466
366
345
242
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Rate of Male Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of male homicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

22.3225
23.18
21.73
21.69
19.99
15.91
15.33
17.84
20.54
16.35
15.62
11.11
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Female Homicide Victims (any method)ChartIn Costa Rica, annual female homicides by any means total 

7225
75
80
45
4919
36
50
64
61
43
47
26
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Rate of Female Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of female homicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

2.8925
3.05
3.29
1.88
2.0719
1.54
2.17
2.81
2.71
1.94
2.15
1.21
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Gun HomicidesChartIn Costa Rica, annual firearm homicides total 

40524
380
401
435
384
385
32724
278
261
300
349
271
275
179
21826 21 27
19621 27
150
147
131
134
12621
118
108
95
87 
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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is 

7.9524
7.53
8.02
8.79
7.84
7.94
6.82
5.86
5.57
6.48
7.70
6.08
6.26
4.13
5.1114 21 27 28
4.521 27 28
3.5
3.521 27
3.2
3.3
3.321
3.2
3.0
2.7
2.5
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Proportion of Homicides Committed With a GunChartIn Costa Rica, the percentage of homicides committed with a firearm is reported to be 

68%29
65%29 26 30
64%29 26
66%
64%26
68%
61%
62%
58.5%21
53.6%
49.0%
50.8%
52.1%
51.4%
52.7%
51.4%
50.3%
47.3%
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Male Gun Homicide VictimsChartIn Costa Rica, annual male firearm homicides total 

35819
373
347
349
283
238
216
258
304
253
249
169
199
163
141
141
131
110
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Rate of Male Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of male firearm homicide per 100,000 population is 

14.1719

15.09
14.20
14.45
11.86
10.10
9.28
11.22
13.40
11.30
11.27
7.76
9.26
7.70
6.76
6.86
6.57
5.62
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Female Gun Homicide VictimsChartIn Costa Rica, annual female firearm homicides total 

2419
32
27
17
24
19
18
31
18
18
25
10
13
26
18
14
5
21
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Rate of Female Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn Costa Rica, the annual rate of female firearm homicide per 100,000 population is 

0.9519

1.30
1.11
0.71
1.01
0.81
0.78
1.36
0.80
0.81
1.14
0.46
0.61
1.24
0.87
0.69
0.25
1.09
Link
Conflict DeathsFor a profile of conflict in Costa Rica, select the Link icon to open an external web page from the UCDP Conflict Encyclopedia at Uppsala University
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DisarmamentAuthorities in Costa Rica are known to have148 149 9 150 68 151 implemented voluntary firearm surrender schemes, and/or weapon seizure programmes in order to reduce the number of illicit firearms in circulation
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Firearms Surrendered and SeizedChartIn Costa Rica, the number of firearms voluntarily surrendered, bought back or seized by authorities is reported to be 

13,310152
12,735
1,711153
1,960
1,834154
2,037155
2,291
2010/14: 38,000156 157 158 4
2,453159
3,333160
2006/08: 14,3829
3,241161 150
1,002161
1,047
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Small Arms DestroyedChartIn Costa Rica, the number of firearms destroyed following amnesty, collection and seizure programmes is reported to be 

656162
9,000158
2011-2016: 49,226163
2010/14: 32,000156
2006/08: 10,9749
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Destruction and Disposal PolicyIn Costa Rica, it is not state policy164 165 166 167 149 83 to destroy surplus, collected and seized firearms rather than return them to the secondary arms market
Marking and Tracing
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Firearm MarkingIn Costa Rica, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law99 168 114
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Firearm TracingIn Costa Rica, state authorities carry out91 169 170 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures
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Ballistic Record of Firearms and AmmunitionIn Costa Rica, the ballistic characteristics of each civilian firearm and its ammunition are not originally83 91 75 recorded in a register
Link
Global Peace IndexTo see where Costa Rica ranks, select the Link icon to open an external web page at the Global Peace Index, and then click on Costa Rica on the map or in the "Select Country" menu on the right of the web page

Short References

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33.: Costa Rica.2006.‘Free Zone Regime (Régimen de Zonas Francas).’ Directive No. 10 on Free Zones and Firearms Manufacture.San José:The Presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica,17 October. (Q11460)Full Citation
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49.: Costa Rica.2013.‘Occasional Permit to Import Permitted Firearms (Permiso de importación ocasional de armas permitidas).’ Regulation of the Arms and Explosives Act No. 37985-SP (Reglamento a la Ley de Armas y Explosivos Nº 37985-SP).San José:Presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica,12 September. (Q11474)Full Citation
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58.: Costa Rica.2014.‘Scope of the Application (Ámbito de Aplicación).’ Regulation No. 38256 for the Administration, Use, and Control of Firearms by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.San José:Presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica,14 March. (Q11466)Full Citation
59.: Costa Rica.2014.‘Import Permits for Firearms that Resemble Prohibited Firearms (Permisos de Importación de Armas de Fuego que Simulan Armas Prohibidas).’ Agreement No. 180 on the Import of Firearms Similar to Prohibited Firearms.San José:Ministry of Public Security,11 August. (Q11462)Full Citation
60.: Costa Rica.2015.‘Firearms Carrying for Private Security Agents (Porte de Armas para Agentes de Seguridad Privada).’ Agreement No. 112 on Carrying of Firearms by Private Security Agents.San José:Ministry of Public Security,23 June. (Q11464)Full Citation
61.: Costa Rica.2015.‘Firearms Carrying for Private Security Agents, Amended (Porte de Armas para Agentes de Seguridad Privada, Modificado).’ Agreement No. 122 on the Carrying of Firearms by Private Security Agents.San José:Ministry of Public Security,23 June. (Q11463)Full Citation
62.: Costa Rica.2012.‘Reducing the Number of Arms Belonging to the State (Disminución de Armas a la Orden).’ Circular No. 147 on Reducing the Number of Arms Belonging to the State.San José:Superior Council of Judicial Power,12 September. (Q11570)Full Citation
63.: Costa Rica.2012.‘Mental and Physical Fitness to Carry Firearms (Idoneidad Física y Mental para Portar Armas).’ Directive No. 0 Amending the Directive No. 1 of January 10, 2012: Administrative Provisions for the Control and Monitoring of Firearms.San José:Ministry of Public Security,13 February. (Q11508)Full Citation
64.: Costa Rica.1995.‘Creation (Creación).’ Arms and Explosives Law 7530 of 1995 (Ley de Armas y Explosivos, Ley 7530 de 1995).San Jose:Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica,10 July. (Q4056)Full Citation
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66.: Costa Rica.2013.‘Control and Monitoring (Control y fiscalización).’ Regulation of the Arms and Explosives Act No. 37985-SP (Reglamento a la Ley de Armas y Explosivos Nº 37985-SP).San José:Presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica,12 September. (Q11507)Full Citation
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79.: Costa Rica.1995.‘Firearm Registration by Individuals (Inscripción de Armas por Parte de Personas Físicas).’ Arms and Explosives Law 7530 of 1995 (Ley de Armas y Explosivos, Ley 7530 de 1995).San Jose:Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica,10 July. (Q4106)Full Citation
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82.: Costa Rica.1995.‘Firearm Collectors (Poseedores de Colecciones).’ Arms and Explosives Law 7530 of 1995 (Ley de Armas y Explosivos, Ley 7530 de 1995).San Jose:Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica,10 July. (Q4177)Full Citation
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84.: Costa Rica.2013.‘Special Carrying Permit (Permiso especial de portación).’ Regulation of the Arms and Explosives Act No. 37985-SP (Reglamento a la Ley de Armas y Explosivos Nº 37985-SP).San José:Presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica,12 September. (Q11477)Full Citation
85.: Costa Rica.2012.‘Registration of Firearms (Inscripción de Armas).’ Directive No. 0 Amending the Directive No. 1 of January 10, 2012: Administrative Provisions for the Control and Monitoring of Firearms.San José:Ministry of Public Security,13 February. (Q11509)Full Citation
86.: Costa Rica.2013.‘Registration of Firearms for Hunting or Sports Shooting Purposes (Inscripción de armas para el tiro deportivo o cacería).’ Regulation of the Arms and Explosives Act No. 37985-SP (Reglamento a la Ley de Armas y Explosivos Nº 37985-SP).San José:Presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica,12 September. (Q11471)Full Citation
87.: Costa Rica.1995.‘Requirements (Requisitos).’ Arms and Explosives Law 7530 of 1995 (Ley de Armas y Explosivos, Ley 7530 de 1995).San Jose:Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica,10 July. (Q4108)Full Citation
88.: Costa Rica.1995.‘People Who Cannot Carry Arms (Personas Inhibidas para Portar Armas).’ Arms and Explosives Law 7530 of 1995 (Ley de Armas y Explosivos, Ley 7530 de 1995).San Jose:Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica,10 July. (Q4055)Full Citation
89.: Costa Rica.1995.‘Licence for Minors (Permisos a Menores).’ Arms and Explosives Law 7530 of 1995 (Ley de Armas y Explosivos, Ley 7530 de 1995).San Jose:Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica,10 July. (Q4138)Full Citation
90.: Costa Rica.2013.‘Permits for Minors (Permisos a menores).’ Regulation of the Arms and Explosives Act No. 37985-SP (Reglamento a la Ley de Armas y Explosivos Nº 37985-SP).San José:Presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica,12 September. (Q11470)Full Citation
91.: Costa Rica.1995.‘Intervention of the Department (Intervención del Departamento).’ Arms and Explosives Law 7530 of 1995 (Ley de Armas y Explosivos, Ley 7530 de 1995).San Jose:Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica,10 July. (Q4111)Full Citation
92.: Costa Rica.2013.‘Background Check (Certificación de antecedentes).’ Regulation of the Arms and Explosives Act No. 37985-SP (Reglamento a la Ley de Armas y Explosivos Nº 37985-SP).San José:Presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica,12 September. (Q11485)Full Citation
93.: Costa Rica.2013.‘Application and Requirements to Obtain a Carrying Permit for Individuals (Solicitud y requisitos para obtener el permiso de portación para personas físicas).’ Regulation of the Arms and Explosives Act No. 37985-SP (Reglamento a la Ley de Armas y Explosivos Nº 37985-SP).San José:Presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica,12 September. (Q11478)Full Citation
94.: Costa Rica.1995.‘Registering a Firearm (Solicitudes de Inscripción).’ Arms and Explosives Law 7530 of 1995 (Ley de Armas y Explosivos, Ley 7530 de 1995).San Jose:Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica,10 July. (Q4131)Full Citation
95.: Costa Rica.2013.‘Mental Health Certificate (Dictamen de idoneidad mental).’ Regulation of the Arms and Explosives Act No. 37985-SP (Reglamento a la Ley de Armas y Explosivos Nº 37985-SP).San José:Presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica,12 September. (Q11486)Full Citation
96.: Costa Rica.2012.‘Assessment of Mental Fitness to Carry Firearms (Evaluación de Idoneidad Mental para Portar Armas).’ Regulation No. 3 Amending the Professional Association of Psychologists Regulation.San José:Psychologists Association of Costa Rica,11 October. (Q11459)Full Citation
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98.: Costa Rica.1995.‘Scope (Campo de Aplicación).’ Arms and Explosives Law 7530 of 1995 (Ley de Armas y Explosivos, Ley 7530 de 1995).San Jose:Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica,10 July. (Q4318)Full Citation
99.: Costa Rica.1995.‘Requirements to Register Firearms (Requisitos para Inscribir Armas).’ Arms and Explosives Law 7530 of 1995 (Ley de Armas y Explosivos, Ley 7530 de 1995).San Jose:Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica,10 July. (Q4105)Full Citation
100.: Costa Rica.2013.‘Compulsory Registration (Obligatoriedad de inscribir).’ Regulation of the Arms and Explosives Act No. 37985-SP (Reglamento a la Ley de Armas y Explosivos Nº 37985-SP).San José:Presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica,12 September. (Q11503)Full Citation
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102.: Costa Rica.2013.‘Theory - Practice Exam (Examen teórico - práctico).’ Regulation of the Arms and Explosives Act No. 37985-SP (Reglamento a la Ley de Armas y Explosivos Nº 37985-SP).San José:Presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica,12 September. (Q11484)Full Citation
103.: Costa Rica.2013.‘Registration of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers (Inscripción de los establecimientos comerciales para la venta habitual de armas permitidas y su munición).’ Regulation of the Arms and Explosives Act No. 37985-SP (Reglamento a la Ley de Armas y Explosivos Nº 37985-SP).San José:Presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica,12 September. (Q11483)Full Citation
104.: Costa Rica.2013.‘Ownership Documents for Permitted Firearms (Documentos de propiedad de armas permitidas).’ Regulation of the Arms and Explosives Act No. 37985-SP (Reglamento a la Ley de Armas y Explosivos Nº 37985-SP).San José:Presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica,12 September. (Q11501)Full Citation
105.: Costa Rica.2013.‘Fingerprints Register (Registro de huellas dactilares).’ Regulation of the Arms and Explosives Act No. 37985-SP (Reglamento a la Ley de Armas y Explosivos Nº 37985-SP).San José:Presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica,12 September. (Q11571)Full Citation
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168.: Costa Rica.1995.‘Marking of Government Arms (Identificación de Armas Gubernamentales).’ Arms and Explosives Law 7530 of 1995 (Ley de Armas y Explosivos, Ley 7530 de 1995).San Jose:Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica,10 July. (Q4054)Full Citation
169.: Costa Rica.2013.‘Traceability and Consultation of the System (Trazabilidad y consulta del sistema).’ Regulation of the Arms and Explosives Act No. 37985-SP (Reglamento a la Ley de Armas y Explosivos Nº 37985-SP).San José:Presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica,12 September. (Q11469)Full Citation
170.: Costa Rica.2016.‘International Tracing (Localización Internacional).’ National Report of Costa Rica on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York NY:Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the United Nations,10 May. (Q12367)Full Citation

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Costa Rica — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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