San José (
Spanish San José,
pronounced&_160;[?san xo'se]) is the capital and largest city of
Costa Rica. Located in the
Central Valley, San José is the seat of national government, the focal point of political and economic activity, and the major transportation hub of this
Central American nation.
Founded in 1738, San José is one of the youngest capital cities in Latin America by year of conception, though it was not named capital until 1823.[1] Today it is a modern city with bustling commerce, brisk expressions of art and architecture, and spurred by the country's improved tourism industry, it is a significant destination and stopover for foreign visitors.[2]
The population of San José Canton is 346,799,[3] though the metropolitan area stretches beyond the canton limits and comprises a third of the country's population. San José exerts a strong influence on a wider range because of its proximity to minor cities (Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago) and the country's demographic assemblage in the Central Valley.[4]
The city lies at a mean elevation of 1,161 m above sea level, and enjoys a stable climate throughout the year, with an average temperature of 23C (73F) and annual precipitation of 1800&_160;mm, more than 90% of it falling in the rainy season from May to November.[5]
