Political consensus and social cohesion that facilitate investment and growth. Costa Rica's strong public institutions and comparatively high level of human development contribute to social stability and predictability in economic policies. Good growth prospects. GDP growth could again exceed 6% in 2007 and is likely to remain at about 5% in the medium term. Costa Rica's success in developing skill-based industries as well as a booming tourism sector provide it with greater economic resilience than many of its neighbors have. Declining public-sector debt burden. Good growth and tightened fiscal policy have reduced leverage, with general government debt falling to a projected 146% of revenues in 2007 from more than 217% in 2004. Total public-sector debt is likely to reach 45%
