Costa Rica Maternal Mortality Ratio
Maternal mortality ratio per 100,000 live births SH.STA.MMRT
Costa Rica's maternal mortality ratio was 26.60 in 2025, ranked 121st globally. This represents a 10.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1985–2025.
Overview
Costa Rica's maternal mortality ratio stood at 26.60 in 2025, a rise of +2.60 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 26.60 by 2025. Costa Rica ranked 121st globally.
Costa Rica’s maternal mortality ratio (MMR) fell to 26.60 deaths per 100 000 live births in 2025, placing the country 121st in the world. The 40‑year series shows a pronounced decline after an all‑time peak of 44.00 in 2021, followed by a trough of 24.00 in 2023, indicating that recent health‑system improvements have been effective. Compared with peers of similar rank, Latvia reported an MMR of 27.40 and Georgia 26.00, suggesting Costa Rica now performs on par with the better‑off of its regional cohort. The early high of 43.00 in 1985 underscores the magnitude of progress achieved through expanded prenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and targeted public‑health campaigns. Continued investment in rural health infrastructure and the scaling up of emergency obstetric services will be crucial to sustain the downward trajectory and further narrow the gap with the lowest‑ranking peer, Uzbekistan, which recorded 24.60 in the same period.
Data & projection
| Year | Maternal Mortality Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 25.50 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 26.60 | - | - |
| 2025 | 26.60 | +2.60 | #121 |
| 2023 | 24.00 | −3.00 | #76 |
| 2022 | 27.00 | −17.00 | #71 |
| 2021 | 44.00 | +10.00 | #71 |
| 2020 | 34.00 | +8.00 | #73 |
| 2019 | 26.00 | −2.00 | #76 |
| 2018 | 28.00 | +1.00 | #76 |
| 2017 | 27.00 | +0.00 | #75 |
| 2016 | 27.00 | +1.00 | #75 |
| 2015 | 26.00 | −1.00 | #74 |
| 2014 | 27.00 | +0.00 | #73 |
| 2013 | 27.00 | +0.00 | #72 |
| 2012 | 27.00 | −1.00 | #71 |
| 2011 | 28.00 | −1.00 | #72 |
| 2010 | 29.00 | +0.00 | #72 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Costa Rica matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 1995. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw maternal mortality ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Rica's maternal mortality ratio was 26.60 in 2025. Ranked 121st globally. This represents a 10.8% increase from the previous year.
Costa Rica's maternal mortality ratio peaked at 44.00 in 2021.
The lowest maternal mortality ratio in Costa Rica was 24.00 in 2023.
Costa Rica ranks 121st globally in maternal mortality ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.STA.MMRT. Data sourced from World Bank.
Costa Rica's maternal mortality ratio is projected to reach 26.60 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The maternal mortality ratio of Costa Rica in 2025 was 26.60. This ranks 121st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_costa-rica_maternal-mortality,
title = {Costa Rica Maternal Mortality Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/costa-rica/maternal-mortality/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}