Members of the Central American Court of Justice

Abolition of the Army in Costa Rica.

On 11 October 1949, Costa Rica abolished the army by decision of the Founding Board of the Second Republic through a decree; becoming the 1st country in the world to abolish the army. The Political Constitution of the Republic of Costa Rica established that “The Army as permanent institution is outlawed” immediately after an armed conflict. Costa Rica became an example of a pacifist and civilian nation, resolving conflicts and external threats by means of instruments provided by International Law. It proved that a State can be voluntarily disarmed, achieving a better distribution of richness, prioritizing development of social aspects such as health and education.