Costa Rica vs China
Comprehensive comparison of economic, demographic and social indicators
Key Indicators
| Indicator | Costa Rica | China | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP (nominal) | $95.35B | $18.74T | 2024 |
| GDP per capita | $18,587 | $13,303 | 2024 |
| Population | 5.1M | 1.41B | 2024 |
| GDP growth rate | 4.32% | 4.98% | 2024 |
| Inflation rate | -0.41% | 0.22% | 2024 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.84% | 4.62% | 2025 |
| Life expectancy | 80.8 years | 78.0 years | 2023 |
| Surface area (sq. km) | 51,100 km2 | 9,562,910 km2 | 2023 |
Costa Rica vs China: Analysis
China has a larger economy than Costa Rica, with a nominal GDP roughly 196.6 times greater based on 2024 data. Costa Rica recorded a GDP of $95.35B, while China stood at $18.74T.
In terms of GDP per capita, Costa Rica leads over China. Costa Rica has a per capita output of $18,587, compared to $13,303 for China.
China has a larger population than Costa Rica. Costa Rica is home to approximately 5.1M people, while China has about 1.41B.
By surface area, China is the larger country. Costa Rica covers 51,100 km2, and China spans 9,562,910 km2.
Life expectancy is higher in Costa Rica: 80.8 years in Costa Rica versus 78.0 years in China. China has the lower unemployment rate (Costa Rica: 6.84%, China: 4.62%). Inflation stands at -0.41% in Costa Rica and 0.22% in China.
These figures are drawn from World Bank Open Data and reflect the most recent available reporting year for each indicator. For historical trends and additional indicators, explore the individual country profiles on NationStat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has a larger GDP, Costa Rica or China?
China has the larger GDP. Costa Rica has a GDP of $95.35B (2024), while China has $18.74T (2024). Source: World Bank.
What is the population difference between Costa Rica and China?
The population difference is approximately 1.40B. Costa Rica has 5.1M people (2024), and China has 1.41B (2024). Source: World Bank.
Is Costa Rica richer than China?
By GDP per capita, Costa Rica is wealthier. Costa Rica has a GDP per capita of $18,587 (2024), compared to $13,303 for China (2024). Source: World Bank.
Which country has higher life expectancy, Costa Rica or China?
Costa Rica has higher life expectancy. Costa Rica: 80.8 years (2023), China: 78.0 years (2023). Source: World Bank.
Which country is bigger, Costa Rica or China?
China is larger by area. Costa Rica covers 51,100 km2, while China covers 9,562,910 km2. Source: World Bank.