San José, Costa Rica
San José | |
|---|---|
| Ciudad de San José de Costa Rica | |
Skyline of San José in 2023 Southeastern face of the National Museum Morazán Park The Edificio Metálico Entrance of the National Museum Paseo Colón avenue | |
| Nickname: Chepe ("Joe") | |
| Motto(s): | |
Borders of San José city within San José canton, where East sector of Uruca district is excluded. | |
| Coordinates: 09°55′57″N 84°04′48″W / 9.93250°N 84.08000°W | |
| Country | Costa Rica |
| Province | Province of San José |
| Founded | c. 1739 |
| Capital as of | 16 May 1823 |
| Districts | 10 total, 1 partial. |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Diego Miranda Méndez (PJSJ) |
| Area | |
| 44.62 km2 (17.23 sq mi) | |
| • Metro | 2,044 km2 (789 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,172 m (3,845 ft) |
| Population (2022) | |
| 352,381 | |
| • Density | 7,900/km2 (20,000/sq mi) |
| • Urban | 1,543,000 (March 2013) |
| • Metro | 2,158,898 |
| • Metro density | 1,056.2/km2 (2,736/sq mi) |
| • Demonym | Josefino/a |
| GDP (PPP, constant 2015 values) | |
| • Year | 2023 |
| • Metro | $30.2 billion |
| • Per capita | $20,700 |
| Time zone | UTC-06:00 (CST) |
| Area code | + 506 |
| HDI (2019) | 0.828 Very High |
| Climate | Aw |
| Website | msj.go.cr |
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San José (Spanish: [saŋ xoˈse]; meaning "Saint Joseph") is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, and the capital of San José Province. It is in the center of the country, in the mid-west of the Central Valley, within San José Canton. San José is Costa Rica's seat of national government, focal point of political and economic activity, and major transportation hub. San José is simultaneously one of Costa Rica's cantons, with its municipal land area covering 44.62 square kilometers (17.23 square miles) and having within it an estimated population of 352,381 people in 2022. Together with several other cantons of the central valley, including Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago, it forms the country's Greater Metropolitan Area, with an estimated population of over 2 million in 2017. The city is named in honor of Joseph of Nazareth.
Founded in 1736 by order of Cabildo de León, the population of San José rose during the 18th century through the use of colonial planning. It has historically been a city of strategic importance, having been the capital of Costa Rica three times. More than a million people pass through it daily. It is home to the Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, the National Theatre of Costa Rica, and La Sabana Metropolitan Park. Juan Santamaría International Airport serves the city.
San José is notable among Latin American cities for its high quality of life, security, level of globalization, environmental performance, public service, and recognized institutions. In 2012, San José was one of the safest and least violent cities in the region. It is considered a "Beta-" global city by GaWC. San José joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2016 and is also recognized as a "Design City" by UNESCO.