<P> Costa Rica--United States relations have been historically close; nevertheless there were instances in history where the US and Costa Rica disagreed . One such example might be the case of Freebooter William Walker . Nevertheless, considering that Costa Rica generally supports the U.S. in international fora, especially in the areas of democracy and human rights, modern day relations are very strong . </P> <P> According to the 2012 U.S. Global Leadership Report, 41% of Costa Ricans approve of U.S. leadership, while 15% disapproving and 44% uncertain . </P> <P> Costa Rica and The United States have maintained formal diplomatic relations since 1851 . </P> <P> The United States is Costa Rica's most important trading partner . The two countries share growing concerns for the environment and want to preserve Costa Rica's tropical resources and prevent environmental degradation . In 2007, the United States reduced Costa Rica's debt in exchange for protection and conservation of Costa Rican forests through a debt for nature swap under the auspices of the Tropical Forest Conservation Act . This is the largest such agreement of its kind to date . This deal between both governments generated 50 million dollars which were devoted to conservation projects . </P>

Is costa rica a commonwealth of the us