What Is the Capital of Costa Rica?
Located in the isthmus of Central America, the Republic of Costa Rica is bordered by the countries of Panama, Nicaragua, and Ecuador. The country has coastlines along the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Costa Rica covers an area of 51,060 square km and has a population of around 4.9 million.
What Is the Capital of Costa Rica and Where Is it Located?
San Jos茅 is Costa Rica鈥檚 most populous city and is the country's seat of the national government. The city is located in Costa鈥檚 Rica鈥檚 western province in the Central Valley. San Jos茅 covers a land area of 44.2 square km and had a population of 333,288 in 2015. The average elevation of the city is 1,172 m. San Jos茅 experiences a tropical wet and dry climate.
History of the Capital City of Costa Rica
In 1738, Cabildo de Le贸n ordered the establishment of San Jos茅, which was intended to bring the dispersed settlers of the Aserr铆 Valley under a single administration. This plan included the building of a chapel, named La Boca del Monte, which was completed within two years. Other facilities and amenities were also established to attract people to the area. However, the population of San Jos茅 did not grow rapidly due to water problems. Several measures were adopted by the local administration to ensure adequate supplies of clean water and encourage growth of the settlement. San Jos茅 had its own local government in 1812, and a year later it was formally designated as a city by the Spanish government. It became the capital of Costa Rica in 1823, replacing Cartago following the victory of the Republicans in the Battle of Ochomogo.
Current Role of the Capital of Costa Rica
San Jos茅鈥檚 El Carmen District houses the National Congress building of Costa Rica, which serves as the meeting place of parliament. Several other national government buildings, ministries, and official residences are also present in the capital city. San Jos茅 is also the economic and transportation hub of the country. Over a million people travel to the city center daily for work. San Jos茅 is one of the safest cities in the region, and attracts a large number of tourists. Attractions include beautiful theaters, interesting museums, open green areas, shopping complexes, and recreational areas.
