The Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) has been recognized as one of the highest-rated public institutions by citizens, according to the latest Public Opinion Study report from the Center for Research and Political Studies (CIEP) at the University of Costa Rica.
According to the BCCR, in this recent study, it was ranked as the second-highest-rated public institution, being one of only two entities to score above 7 out of 10. This assessment reflects evaluations from the most recent Public Opinion Study conducted by CIEP at the University of Costa Rica.
The survey also highlighted a decline in public concern over key national issues. The percentage of respondents citing concerns about the “cost of living and economic situation” decreased from 10.8% in November 2023 to 6.9% in September 2025. Concerns regarding “unemployment” fell from 12.5% to 5.5%, while worries about “poverty and inequality” dropped from 5.7% to 3.5%. These results align with reported data on public perception and institutional performance, according to the BCCR.
The survey was conducted among Costa Rican residents with cell phones, covering approximately 97.5% of the population. Using data from the National Numbering Plan provided by the Superintendence of Telecommunications (SUTEL), a random sampling method was applied. A total of 1,003 telephone interviews were completed with adults over 18 between September 1 and September 4, conducted throughout various times of day (9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.). With a confidence level of 95%, CIEP estimates that the maximum sampling error is ±3 percentage points for dichotomous questions.
The Central Bank of Costa Rica is responsible for controlling inflation and overseeing both domestic and international payment systems, working alongside the National Financial System Supervisory Council. It was established in response to economic and banking growth within Costa Rica, emerging as an independent authority compared to its predecessor, the Issuing Department of the National Bank. Formally established by Law 1130 in 1950, it assumed roles related to guiding economic, monetary, and credit policy; its regulation was later consolidated with Law 1552 in 1953 and updated with Law 7558 in 1995, defining its central role in the national economy.
