Costa Rica fell two places to rank 38th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, according to a May 1 statement. The country received a score of 72.35 for 2026, compared to its previous score of 73.09 in 2025.
The decline is part of a steady downward trend since 2022 and highlights ongoing concerns about the state of press freedom in Costa Rica. The index evaluates five areas: social, economic, legislative, security, and political indicators.
According to the report, Costa Rica was ranked eighth globally with a score of 85.92 in 2022. It then dropped to position 23 with a score of 80.2 in 2023, fell further to position 26 with a score of 76.13 in 2024, and reached position 36 with a score of 73.09 in the previous year before its current ranking.
Reporters Without Borders said that “in recent years there has been a sustained increase in violations against press freedom,” and specifically named President Rodrigo Chaves Robles for restricting access to public information. The report states: “Although journalists can practice their profession without obstacles due to a solid legal framework guaranteeing freedom of expression,” it notes that increased pressure from authorities has raised risks of self-censorship among media professionals.
The organization also pointed out that while Costa Rica benefits from an independent judiciary and oversight bodies—including recognition for the Legislative Assembly’s enactment of the Framework Law on Access to Public Information—the government under Chaves Robles “has adopted a confrontational line with some critical media outlets and journalists,” which often results in verbal attacks.
In terms of socioeconomic factors, Reporters Without Borders warned about media ownership concentration and referenced actions such as legislator Pilar Cisneros’s proposal for canceling legislative subscriptions to critical news outlets as well as changes related to radio and television frequency auctions potentially affecting smaller or regional media organizations’ ability to compete.
Despite attempts by executive authorities “to stigmatize critical press,” no systematic pattern of physical violence or surveillance against journalists was found; however, incidents involving intimidation or threats—including verbal abuse directed at university-affiliated reporters—were reported.
