In 1948, Costa Rica made a decision that would permanently distinguish it from most countries in the world.

Following a brief but bloody civil war, the country’s new leadership decided that maintaining a conventional military was unnecessary and potentially dangerous to democracy. On December 1, 1948, President José Figueres Ferrer symbolically abolished the country’s military by dismantling its headquarters, the Bellavista Barracks.

The decision wasn’t merely symbolic. In 1949, Costa Rica’s new Constitution formally prohibited a permanent army. Article 12 states that a permanent military institution is abolished and that Costa Rica can organize military forces only temporarily when necessary under specific circumstances.

Instead of maintaining an army, the country relies primarily on civilian police and security forces to protect public order and national security. Costa Rica also places considerable emphasis on diplomacy and international institutions when dealing with external threats.

The decision proved remarkably durable. While neighboring Central American countries experienced coups, dictatorships, civil wars, and military interventions throughout much of the 20th century, Costa Rica developed a reputation for political stability and democratic government.

The money not spent maintaining a conventional military has helped support Costa Rica’s long-term investments in education, healthcare, and environmental conservation, although it would be an oversimplification to say that eliminating the army alone created the country’s social achievements.

Today, Costa Rica remains one of the world’s best-known examples of a nation functioning without a permanent army