Everybody told me that San Jose de Costa Rica was very safe then (about ten years ago) I got mugged, knocked unconscious and robbed by three hoodlums near the main plaza. Police told me they usually kill the victim but in my case they didn't have enough time. People came running out of a bar when they heard me scream. So much for the peaceful little country with no army. And a USA friend married to a Costa Rican who has lived there for decades told me that it is now very dangerous in the CR capital.