Capital of
Costa Rica, and of San José province; population (2000) 309,700. It is situated in the broad fertile valley of the central plateau. Products include coffee, cocoa, sugar cane, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. There is a cathedral, and the University of Costa Rica, which was founded in 1843. San José was founded in 1737 and became capital in 1823, replacing the former capital Cartago because it had a better all-year-round climate.
© RM 2012. Helicon Publishing is division of RM.