Demographic contributions of immigration to Costa Rica in the first quarter of the 21st century
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/y89qes34Keywords:
population, birth rate, age structures, migrationAbstract
Introduction: Costa Rica is experiencing a slowdown in population growth as a result of changes in fertility rates. Simultaneously, the country has become a net recipient of immigrants. Objective: To describe and analyze the demographic contribution of the foreign population that has inhabited Costa Rica over the last twenty-five years, especially with regard to the age structure and fecundity of this population. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive approach was used. Population variables from household surveys and vital statistics bulletins from the National Institute of Statistics and Census were analyzed. Results: Over a period of twenty-five years, the age structures of the Costa Rican and foreign populations in the country have changed. There was a sharp decline in the number of births and a drop in both the Crude Birth Rate and the Fecundity Rate. In addition, in the last 25 years, 18.6 percent of all births were to foreign mothers. Furthermore, a greater proportion of foreign women is of reproductive age (15-49 years) than is observed among their national counterparts. Conclusions: The presence of the migrant population makes important contributions to Costa Rica’s fertility levels and reproductive aged population, contributions that the authorities should recognize and translate into better living conditions for this group.
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