Costa Rica’s death records are an essential resource for genealogists researching family histories in this Central American nation. Official civil registration of deaths began in 1888, following reforms aimed at modernizing vital record-keeping. Earlier records are primarily found in Catholic Church registers, which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries and include information about baptisms, marriages, and burials.
Death records typically provide key details such as the deceased's name, date and place of death, age, cause of death, and often information about family members. Supplementary resources, such as cemetery records, obituaries, and notarial documents, help fill gaps in earlier documentation and provide additional context.
Costa Rica’s history, shaped by Indigenous cultures, Spanish colonization, and its evolution into a stable and prosperous nation, is reflected in these records. The country’s smaller population and relatively well-preserved historical records make tracing lineage in Costa Rica particularly rewarding. For genealogists, Costa Rica’s death records offer invaluable insights into family connections and help illuminate the cultural and historical development of this peaceful and historically rich nation. These records are a cornerstone for uncovering personal and familial stories within Costa Rica’s vibrant history.
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Birth, Marriage & Death
Death, Burial, Cemetery & Obituaries
- Costa Rica, Deaths, 1787-1900 69,630 records
- Costa Rica, Death Index, 2011-2015 60,291 records
