The top-level domain (TLD) for Costa Rica is “.cr”. A top-level domain, is the last segment of a domain name – the letters that follow the final dot of any domain name. For instance, in ‘google.com’, ‘.com’ is the TLD. Domain names are used in URLs to identify particular web pages. In the specific case of ‘.cr’, it is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Costa Rica.
The Costa Rica TLD is managed by NIC Costa Rica (National Academy of Sciences). It’s a non-profit organization endorsed by the Costa Rican Government. It’s responsible for registering and maintaining the .cr domain names. All the profits are destined for the national scientific and technological development.
Any person or organization located in Costa Rica can apply for a .cr domain name. It’s not only limited to individuals residing in Costa Rica, but also foreign entities that have a bona fide interest in Costa Rica can register a domain name. For example, companies with business activities in Costa Rica or nonprofit organizations might use a .cr domain name so that they can localize their online presence and appeal to the Costa Rican market and populace.
The .cr domain is recognized and respected in Costa Rica and around the world as a reliable, safe, and secure domain. It’s a great way to enhance the visibility of a business or organization on the internet.
However, the .cr domain has also been the subject of controversy. Costa Rica is one of the many countries deemed to be a ‘safe haven’ for online gambling sites, with many offshore betting companies having a .cr domain registered. A lawsuit filed by the US in 2016 attempted to seize the domain of a popular betting site, 5dimes.cr, citing “The illegal gambling business involved placing and processing hundreds of thousands of bets from customers in the United States, coupled with large scale money laundering.”
Despite such controversies, the .cr domain remains a popular choice for businesses and organizations looking to enhance their digital presence in Costa Rica.
Sources:
- Merritt, MA. (2000) – Managing Your Institution’s Effectively. Published by The Scarecrow Press, Inc.
- “National Academy of Sciences” – www.nas.cr
- US Department of Justice, 30 June 2016, Public Affairs.
- Kasper, Barbara & Bauer, Helmut A. (2009). Cybersearch: Research Techniques in the Electronic Age. Published by Greenwood Publishing Group.
