This guide provides a timeline of Costa Rica’s presidents from 1949 through the administration that ended in 2026, with links for exploring earlier history. It is a chronological reference, not a ranking of leaders or a political endorsement.
Earlier presidents and the founding of the republic
The Presidencia’s historical gallery begins with the republic in 1848. José María Castro Madriz appears for 1848–1849 and again for 1866–1868. Use the full gallery to explore the nineteenth-century administrations and the early twentieth century.
When researching earlier periods, distinguish a head of state, an elected president and a provisional administration. A list of names can hide important differences in the political institutions of its time. For a fuller historical explanation, use the National Museum’s gallery and historical commentary.
Why this timeline starts in 1949
The National Museum connects the 1949 period with the constituent assembly and the Constitution. The official presidential gallery distinguishes the 1948–1949 founding junta, headed by José Figueres Ferrer, from Otilio Ulate’s 1949–1953 administration.
Presidential administrations, 1949–2026
Years below identify the administration, rather than the date on which an election was held. Separate terms are listed separately.
| Administration | President |
|---|---|
| 1949–1953 | Otilio Ulate Blanco |
| 1953–1958 | José Figueres Ferrer |
| 1958–1962 | Mario Echandi Jiménez |
| 1962–1966 | Francisco José Orlich Bolmarcich |
| 1966–1970 | José Joaquín Trejos Fernández |
| 1970–1974 | José Figueres Ferrer |
| 1974–1978 | Daniel Oduber Quirós |
| 1978–1982 | Rodrigo Carazo Odio |
| 1982–1986 | Luis Alberto Monge Álvarez |
| 1986–1990 | Óscar Arias Sánchez |
| 1990–1994 | Rafael Ángel Calderón Fournier |
| 1994–1998 | José María Figueres Olsen |
| 1998–2002 | Miguel Ángel Rodríguez Echeverría |
| 2002–2006 | Abel Pacheco de la Espriella |
| 2006–2010 | Óscar Arias Sánchez |
| 2010–2014 | Laura Chinchilla Miranda |
| 2014–2018 | Luis Guillermo Solís Rivera |
| 2018–2022 | Carlos Alvarado Quesada |
| 2022–2026 | Rodrigo Chaves Robles |
Timeline reference: Presidencia’s official historical gallery. For detailed biographies and archival material, consult the institutions linked here rather than assuming the table summarizes an administration’s achievements or controversies.
Looking up a specific administration
Start with the leader’s full name and years in office. Then narrow the question: an election result, a constitutional change, an economic policy or a historical event may require different records. Compare the publication date and purpose of each source.
- Use official electoral records when researching election results.
- Use laws and their publication dates when researching legislation.
- Use museum and archival material for historical context.
- Distinguish a contemporary description from a later assessment.
Who is president now?
As checked on September 7, 2026, the current Presidency profile identifies Laura Fernández Delgado for the 2026–2030 term. She is therefore separate from the completed administrations in the table above.
Historical galleries can retain outdated captions. Check the current officeholder’s page when answering a present-day question, rather than relying on the word “current” in an older entry.
Reviewed September 7, 2026. This page was rebuilt as a historical reference; it is not a recovered copy of the former article. The table covers 1949–2026 and is not a complete list of every leader since independence. Portrait sources and licensing are credited individually.