Often referred to as Switzerland of the Americas, Costa Rica is a stable and peace-loving country with no military. Friendly and well-educated, native Ticos embrace the nation’s mantra of Pura Vida, or pure life—an unrelenting love of the land and a soulful passion for living.

For those interested in acquiring Costa Rican property, the outlook is just as welcoming. Real estate ownership is fully guaranteed to all residents and foreigners by Costa Rica’s constitution. Further still, the country has low property taxes, no capital gains tax, and a recent Wall Street Journal report affirms that US citizens can pay into Costa Rica’s social-security system for as little as $37 a month to qualify for full hospitalization and pharmacy coverage. Seeking that perfect spot to retire in the sun? You may have just found it.