Is it true that Costa Rica is the only Central American country with no army and if so, then what is the reason behind this?

Baloo55th

In 1948, there was a revolution in Costa Rica. When it was over, Jose Figueres Ferrer as head of the military junta declared the army abolished. This was just after the army had helped him to power! However, unlike most junta leaders, he stepped down after 18 months, and democratic rule was established. There is a Police Guard with a handful of aircraft (mostly utility ones), but still no army. And it's probably the most stable Latin American country. To find out what the fighting was about, look at http://www.infocostarica.com/history/1948.html It's a bit complicated... Feb 12 07, 4:44 PM

Sofie

In Costa Rica the constitution forbids a standing military since 1949. The new articles of the constitution rewritten by Figueres' regime eliminated the fraudulent aspect of elections that had been an identifiable part of Costa Rica's electoral processes in the past. The new constitution also abolished the army, and gave Blacks and women the right to vote. http://www.elespiritudel48.org/docu/h_i01.htm A list of the 25 countries that do not maintain any armed forces can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_without_armed_forces Feb 12 07, 4:45 PM

Baloo55th

Forgot to say, 'Yes it is'.... There aren't many countries in the world with no army: Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein (since 1868), the Vatican, St Lucia and other small island nations, Iceland - you get the picture. But San Marino and Bhutan do have armies. Feb 12 07, 4:51 PM

Baloo55th

Whoa thur, Baloo! Looks like Panama doesn't have an army either since 1990 according to Sophie's reference. I hadn't caught up with that one... Feb 12 07, 4:54 PM