According to data from the Regional Institute for Studies in Toxic Substances (IRET), Costa Rica uses more agrochemicals per hectare than any other country worldwide. On average, a staggering 18.2 kilograms are applied per hectare in Costa Rica.

Seminario Universidad writes, "The data not only uncovers the contradiction of the image projected by the country of green and leader in environmental protection, but also the lack of control in the use of agrochemicals, many of them associated with risks of environmental pollution and damages to health."

Costa Rica even surpasses China, which averages 17 kilograms per hectare. The United States is much further down the list, at 2 kilograms per hectare. Costa Rica's largest exports include bananas, pineapples, coffee, sugar and rice.