San José, Costa Rica

San José is the largest city and the capital of the Republic of Costa Rica, which is located in Central America between North and South America. The city lies in a scenic valley surrounded by mountain ranges covered with lush green forests. The total area of the city is approximately 18 square miles, and the city center is situated in the southwestern part of the municipal area.

San José is located near the geographical center of the country. The border with Nicaragua lies about 45 miles to the north, while the border with Panama is 60 miles southeast of the city. As the capital, San José is the seat of Costa Rica’s main administrative and executive institutions.

The city is an important social and cultural center, home to numerous theaters, museums, monuments, and parks, including historical landmarks such as the National Theatre of Costa Rica. San José also features many gardens, small public parks, and sports facilities.

The largest urban areas and districts associated with San José include Desamparados, San Pedro, Ipís de Goicoechea, Alajuelita, Escazú, San Rafael de Escazú, and Santa Ana. In addition, the major satellite cities of Cartago and Alajuela are located to the southeast and northwest of San José, respectively.