Did Costa Rica abolish its military to pursue Peace and Democracy?
Answer: Yes, decades ago!
On December 1, 1948, PresidentJosé Figueres Ferrer of Costa Rica abolished the country's army after victory in the civil war in that year. [1] In a ceremony in the Cuartel Bellavista, Figueres broke a wall with a mallet symbolizing the end of Costa Rica's military spirit. In 1949, the abolition of the military was introduced in Article 12 of the Costa Rican Constitution.
The budget previously dedicated to the military now is dedicated to security, education and culture; the country maintains Police Guard forces. The museum Museo Nacional de Costa Rica was placed in the Cuartel Bellavista as a symbol of commitment to culture.
In 1986, President Oscar Arias Sánchez declared December 1 as the Día de la Abolición del Ejército (Military abolition day) with Law #8115.
José Figueres Ferrer breaking a wall of the Cuartel Bellavista symbolizing the abolition of the Military.
Unlike its neighbors, Costa Rica has not endured a civil war since 1948.
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