Costa Rica closed out the first four months of 2007 with a financial surplus of almost $1 million, in part because of a 32.6% increase in income over the same period during 2006, according to Finance Minister Guillermo Zúñiga.

From January to April, the government's total income reached almost $1.2 billion, and its spending was slightly less than this amount, creating a favorable balance.

During the first four months of the year, the government spent 19.4% more than last year, especially in salary payments, pensions and a fund for superior education, Zúñiga said.

Its main sources of income were Customs tariffs and taxes on income and sales.

The minister said the surplus registered at the end of April is “product of a dynamic of growth in income, controlled growth of spending” and the dynamic of the country's debt.

However, he said there is no guarantee this surplus will continue in the coming months, he said.

-ACAN-EFE