Laura Chinchilla sworn in as Costa Rica’s 1st female president, replaces Nobel laureate Arias

Costa Rica inaugurates new President Chinchilla

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — Laura Chinchilla has sworn in as Costa Rica’s first female president amidst a recovering economy, growing tourism and improved relations with Honduras.

The 51-year-old Georgetown University graduate was inaugurated Saturday in a ceremony attended by dozens of leaders including the presidents of Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador and Georgia.

Chinchilla resigned as vice president last year to seek the presidency. She replaces her close associate Oscar Arias, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and a leading diplomat in Central America.

Chinchilla was joined by her husband, her parents and her 14-year-old son at the inauguration.