Costa Rica abolished its military in 1948 after winning a civil war. While the military was terminated by President Jose Figueres Ferrer shortly after the war, it was not until 1949 that the abolition was made official in the Costa Rican Constitution. Now on December 1st, Costa Rica celebrates Dia de la Abolicion del Ejercito or military abolition day, and instead uses former military funds for education and smaller security forces that enforce the law.

1. COSTA RICA:
A COUNTRY WITHOUT AN ARMY
By: Linda Alvarado

2. In 1948 Costa Rica won the civil war.

3. In the aftermath of the war president Jose
Figueres Ferrer terminated the military.

4. It was not until 1949 however, that the
abolition of slavery was made official in the
Costa Rican Constitution.

5. A few years later president Oscar Arias
Sanchez made December 1st Dia de la
Abolicion del Ejercito or military
abolition day.

6. Costa Rica does however have small forces that
enforce the law.

7. The money that had been previously used to
employ the military is now used in education
and security.
La Universidad de Costa Rica