Central America Economic Review delivers independent, data-driven analysis of Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.

Operating from San José, Costa Rica, the research platform emphasizes institutional context, long-term structural trends, and rigorous methodology. Research draws on publicly available data from international financial institutions, central banks, national statistical agencies, electoral authorities, and historical records to assess policy and economic outcomes within broader political, economic, and social constraints.

The analysis is further supported by a proprietary research model, the Central America Composite Index (CACI), developed to track growth trends and risk profiles across the region at a quarterly frequency.

Central America Economic Review is an independent research platform and publication focused on economic analysis and regional assessment and is not affiliated with any government or institution.

About the Founder

Ben Grafe is the Founder of Central America Economic Review. Based in Costa Rica, his work focuses on regional economics, financial inclusion, and social impact investment, with an emphasis on how capital flows influence development outcomes across Central America.

He holds an MA in Global Studies and International Business from the University of Salamanca and a BA in Public Communications from American University.