Oldest-possible resident: José Flores, 119, a Sardinal man on Costa Rica’s Nicoya “Blue Zone,” is seeking international recognition as the world’s oldest living man, with Guinness World Records among the groups expected to verify his July 11, 1907 birth date. Road safety: Costa Rica logged 425 traffic deaths through August, and motorcyclists accounted for 58% (247) of the fatalities, according to MOPT. Judicial integrity: The Supreme Court ordered a review of judge rules for preventive detention and alternatives after corruption-related cases, including arrests tied to the “Diablo” criminal network. Migration & asylum: Canada is seeing a noticeable surge in travelers from Costa Rica, while new figures show Costa Ricans filed 1,820 asylum applications abroad in 2025—mostly in the United States. Border tech: Juan Santamaría Airport began using biometric eGates, speeding eligible arrivals by matching passports to facial recognition. Culture & heritage: San José opened a Gaudí-themed photo exhibition on Casa Batlló, with more panels planned in Cartago. Environment & wildlife: Two people were detained for allegedly removing 125 olive ridley sea turtle eggs from Ostional during the arribada. Economy & taxes: Costa Rica expanded its 13% VAT list for foreign digital services, adding Booking.com, Expedia, ChatGPT and others. Public health: CCSS data shows vaping-related disorders are hitting teens hard (ages 10–19 made up 2,438 of 5,901 outpatient visits in 2025).