Total aid: $5m (receipts)

Aid trend: Up 150% in 2002

During the 1980s Costa Rica was a large recipient of US aid designed to inoculate it against left-wing insurgencies such as those in El Salvador, Guatemala, and neighboring Nicaragua. Peace in the region has led to a sharp decline in such aid, especially given the country's relatively high per capita income. World Bank aid has helped to modernize Juan Santamaría international airport.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004