capital of costa rica

The capital of Costa Rica is San José. San José is the largest city in Costa Rica and is located in the central part of the country within the Central Valley. It is the political, economic, and cultural hub of the nation. The city was founded in 1736 and became the capital of Costa Rica in 1823. It has a population of approximately 350,000 in the city proper and over 2 million in the surrounding metropolitan area. San José is known for its cultural attractions, such as the National Theatre, museums, and historic buildings, as well as being a major transportation hub with an international airport. The city sits at an elevation of about 1,150 meters (3,773 feet) above sea level and enjoys a mild climate. San José plays a central role in Costa Rica's government and economy and is the center of the country's tourism, ecotourism, commerce, and industrial sectors.