San José, Costa Rica: Difference between revisions

San José de Costa Rica

San José
San José de Costa Rica San José
	Morazán Park, in downtown San José
	Flag Seal
	Nickname: Chepe
Country	Costa Rica
Province	San José Province
Canton	San José Canton
Founded	circa. 1738
Capital as of	May 16, 1823
Government
• Mayor	Johnny Araya Monge (PLN)
Area
• City	44.62 km2 (17.23 sq mi)
Elevation	1,161 m (3,809 ft)
Population (2006)
• City	346,799
• Metro	1,611,616
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central Standard Time)
Website	http://www.msj.go.cr
	HDI (2000) 0.928 – high

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San José (Spanish: San José; IPA: [ˌsɑːn hɒˈsɛː]) is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, and is at the heart of the sprawling Gran Area Metropolitana or GAM (Grand Metropolitan Area or Metroplex) 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 capitals of Latin America by its year of foundation, though it was not named capital until 1823.^[1] Nowadays it's a modern city with bustling commerce, brisk expressions of art and architecture, and spurred by the country's improved tourism industry, a significant destination and stopover for foreign visitors.^[2]

Officially, the city's current population is 346,799^[3] as of 2006, though the metropolitan area stretches beyond the canton and city limits and comprises a third of the country's population. The city (municipalidad) of San Jose is conterminous with canton of the same name. Besides, 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 and precipitation of 150 mm per month.^[5]

The University of Costa Rica was established here in 1843, in that time with the name of "University of Santo Tomás". San José also serves as the headquarters of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The city is served by Juan Santamaría International Airport, 23 km west of downtown, in the city of Alajuela.

History

The latter half of the 20th century was a period of rapid growth for the city, considering that in 1950 its population was a mere 8,900.

San José was a small village of little significance until 1824. In that year, Costa Rica's first elected head of state, Juan Mora Fernández, moved the government of Costa Rica from the old Spanish colonial capital of Cartago. This was a time of much optimism in the newly independent nation of Central America, of which Costa Rica was at that time a state (see: History of Central America).

City Landmarks

Location of San José Canton between provinces.

Important places around the city include the Banco Central de Costa Rica building, the Banco Nacional building, which is much taller than other buildings nearby, giving the city its particular skyline, La Sabana Metropolitan Park and The Avenida Central, a pedestrian thoroughfare and one of the main commercial areas in the city. The Central Park and the Plaza de la Cultura are also visited by thousands of workers and tourists every day. The Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica (National Theater of Costa Rica), the Melico Salazar Theater, and the Cathedral are other important landmarks in the central area. Northward, the Barrio Amon is located, with a considerable amount of buildings of really old age and of really strong architectonic importance. In the south, the Clínica Bíblica (a private hospital) and the Pacific Train Station are located, they are also both some of the most important buildings.

Climate

San José City lies in the Torrid Zone, like the rest of the country, but its elevation gives it a mild climate. The temperature ranges between 15 °C and 26 °C (59-79°F). The rainy season is from April to late November, but cloudiness and rainfall can occur during the dry season. Also, the climate can be very windy, this may decrease the temperature even more. Relative humidity tends to range between 60% and 90%.

Tourist attractions

There are numerous touristic attractions around San José:

El Pueblo is a mix of more than 50 bars, clubs, restaurants, art galleries and shops. Lining the picturesque cobblestone streets within walking distance of several hotels and resorts, it is a lively place from 9 p.m. until dawn.
Calle de la Amargura in San Pedro near the University of Costa Rica has a wide selection of bars, restaurants and discos and caters to University students with food and drinks for relatively low prices. Pickpockets and low-level criminals are a cause of concern.
There are many red-light districts around the city and in the San José Metropolitan Area, where the adult entertainment business is growing.

Prostitution

Although prostitution among adults is legal in Costa Rica, child prostitution is illegal. Local media regularly report on child prostitution. It is also covered in the annual reports of the U. S. State Department regarding prostitution and the international trafficking of minors. Government statistics show that the problem is prevalently domestic in origin, but foreign governments have blacklisted Costa Rica as a haven for paedophiles. However the government deals harshly with those criminals they arrest. There are a large number of small establishments in San Jose catering to locals seeking prostitutes.

A small number of hotels might be tolerant of guests bringing in prostitutes, but most require that prostitutes show identification such as passports or national identification cards.

Attractions

The National and the Melico Salazar teathers offer hectic calendars of cultural activities, featuring theater groups, dance groups and orchestra music throughout the year.

There are some cafés in the downtown area, inside the Central Mail Building, The National and the Melico Salazar teathers where national coffee is prepared and served in typical Costa Rican ways.

There are also many museums and other attractions offering alternative ways of exploring the city. One of these is the Gold Museum, which offers a strange look at various gold artifacts of the ancient Latin American civilizations. An interesting attraction for the less adventurous is the Lankester Botanical Gardens just outside of San José. Other attractions include various bars and clubs which concentrate their activity on holding musical shows and events. One for example is the "Sand Live" bar, which is a massive inside/outside bar and concert hall which usually holds rock and extreme metal concerts and shows.

References

^ History of San José, Costa Rica, by Spanish Abroad, Inc.
^ Infoplease. San José, Costa Rica
^ Total Population of Costa Rica by, for province, canton and district levels, December 2006, published by the National Institute of Statistics and Census(INEC)
^ In San José, Costa Rica, effective metropolitan planning and selective infrastructure investment can improve the quality of life for the poor, by Rosendo Pujol, researcher of ProDUS on the World Bank Urban Research Symposium in Brasilia, Brasil, April 4-6, 2005
^ BBC Weather. Average Conditions for San José, Costa Rica

Sister Cities

Managua, Nicaragua
Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States
San Jose, California, United States
McAllen, Texas, United States
Kfar Saba, Israel
Okayama, Japan
Santiago, Chile
Guadalajara, Mexico

External links

Template:Geolinks-cityscale

[1] History of San José, Costa Rica, by Spanish Abroad, Inc.

[2] Infoplease. San José, Costa Rica

[3] Total Population of Costa Rica by, for province, canton and district levels, December 2006, published by the National Institute of Statistics and Census(INEC)

[4] In San José, Costa Rica, effective metropolitan planning and selective infrastructure investment can improve the quality of life for the poor, by Rosendo Pujol, researcher of ProDUS on the World Bank Urban Research Symposium in Brasilia, Brasil, April 4-6, 2005

[5] BBC Weather. Average Conditions for San José, Costa Rica

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 |nickname               = ''Chepe''
 |motto                  =
-|image_skyline          = 4- Vue San Jose.jpg
+|image_skyline          = San_José,_Costa_Rica.JPG
 |imagesize              = 210px
-|image_caption          = Skyline of San José
+|image_caption          = Morazán Park, in downtown San José
 |image_flag             = Bandera_de_San_José,_Costa_Rica.svg
 |image_seal             = EscudoSanJose.gif
@@ Line 37: / Line 37: @@
 | unit_pref = Metric
 |area_footnotes         =
-|area_total_km2             = 9.47
+|area_total_km2             = 44.62
 |area_total_sq_mi        =
 |area_land_km2              =
@@ Line 48: / Line 48: @@
 |area_metro_km2             =
 |area_metro_sq_mi        =
-|population_as_of       = May 2003
+|population_as_of       = 2006
 |population_note        =
 |population_footnotes   =
-|population_total       = 346,799(2)
+|population_total       = 346,799
 |population_density_km2     =
 |population_density_sq_mi =
-|population_metro       = 1,611,616 (2)
+|population_metro       = 1,611,616
 |population_density_metro_km2 =
 |population_density_metro_sq_mi =
@@ Line 71: / Line 71: @@
 |footnotes              ='''[[Human Development Index|HDI]]''' (2000) 0.928 – <span style="color:#090">high</span>
 }}
-'''San José''' ([[Spanish language|Spanish]]: '''San José'''; {{IPA2|ˌsɑːn hɒˈsɛː}}) is the capital and largest city of [[Costa Rica]], and is at the heart of the sprawling [[Gran Area Metropolitana]] or [[GAM]] (Grand Metropolitan Area or [[Metroplex]]) in the [[Costa Rican Central Valley|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 America]]n nation.
+'''San José''' ([[Spanish language|Spanish]]: '''San José'''; {{IPA2|ˌsɑːn hɒˈsɛː}}) is the capital and largest city of [[Costa Rica]], and is at the heart of the sprawling [[Metropolitan Area|Gran Area Metropolitana]] or [[GAM]] (Grand Metropolitan Area or [[Metroplex]]) in the [[Costa Rican Central Valley|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 America]]n nation.
 Founded in 1738, San José is one of the youngest capitals of [[Latin America]] by its year of foundation, though it was not named capital until 1823.<ref>[http://www.spanishabroad.com/prog_teen/cityg_sanjose/history.htm History of San José, Costa Rica], by [http://www.spanishabroad.com/index.htm Spanish Abroad, Inc.]</ref> Nowadays it's a modern city with bustling commerce, brisk expressions of art and architecture, and spurred by the country's improved tourism industry, a significant destination and stopover for foreign visitors.<ref>[http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0843474.html Infoplease. San José, Costa Rica]</ref>
-Officially, the city's current population is 346,799,<ref>[http://www.inec.go.cr/01EstadPoblacion%5C04estimacionesYproyec%5CCalculoDePoblacion/cuadros/C1.%20Poblaci%F3n%20total%20cerrada%20por%20sexo,%20seg%FAn%20provincia,%20cant%F3n%20y%20distrito.%20Al%2031de%20diciembre/2006/Diciembre%202006.xls Total Population of Costa Rica by, for province, canton and district levels, December 2006], published by the [[National Institute of Statistics and Census of Costa Rica|National Institute of Statistics and Census]](INEC)</ref> inhabiting the area corresponding to [[San José Canton]], the first of twenty [[Cantons of Costa Rica|administrative units]] in [[San José Province]], though the [[San José Metropolitan Area|metropolitan area]] stretches beyond the canton limits and comprises a third of the country's population. Besides, San José exerts a strong influence on a wider range because of its proximity to minor cities ([[Alajuela]], [[Heredia, Costa Rica|Heredia]] and [[Cartago, Costa Rica|Cartago]]) and the country's demographic assemblage in the Central Valley.<ref>[http://www.worldbank.org/urban/symposium2005/papers/pujol.pdf In San José, Costa Rica, effective metropolitan planning and selective infrastructure investment can improve the quality of life for the poor], by Rosendo Pujol, researcher of [http://www.produs.ucr.ac.cr ProDUS] on the World Bank Urban Research Symposium in Brasilia, Brasil, [[April 4]]-6, 2005</ref>
+Officially, the city's current population is 346,799<ref>[http://www.inec.go.cr/01EstadPoblacion%5C04estimacionesYproyec%5CCalculoDePoblacion/cuadros/C1.%20Poblaci%F3n%20total%20cerrada%20por%20sexo,%20seg%FAn%20provincia,%20cant%F3n%20y%20distrito.%20Al%2031de%20diciembre/2006/Diciembre%202006.xls Total Population of Costa Rica by, for province, canton and district levels, December 2006], published by the [[National Institute of Statistics and Census of Costa Rica|National Institute of Statistics and Census]](INEC)</ref> as of [[2006]], though the [[San José Metropolitan Area|metropolitan area]] stretches beyond the canton and city limits and comprises a third of the country's population.  The city (''municipalidad'') of San Jose is conterminous with canton of the same name.  Besides, San José exerts a strong influence on a wider range because of its proximity to minor cities ([[Alajuela]], [[Heredia, Costa Rica|Heredia]] and [[Cartago, Costa Rica|Cartago]]) and the country's demographic assemblage in the Central Valley.<ref>[http://www.worldbank.org/urban/symposium2005/papers/pujol.pdf In San José, Costa Rica, effective metropolitan planning and selective infrastructure investment can improve the quality of life for the poor], by Rosendo Pujol, researcher of [http://www.produs.ucr.ac.cr ProDUS] on the World Bank Urban Research Symposium in Brasilia, Brasil, [[April 4]]-6, 2005</ref>
 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 and precipitation of 150 mm per month.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT001810 BBC Weather]. Average Conditions for San José, Costa Rica</ref>
@@ Line 82: / Line 82: @@
 ==History==
-[[Image:SanJoséCRProduceVend03.jpg|left|thumb|Roadside produce vendors in the popular part of downtown San José]]
 The latter half of the 20th century was a period of rapid growth for the city, considering that in 1950 its population was a mere 8,900.
@@ Line 88: / Line 87: @@
 ==City Landmarks==
-[[Image:CantonSJO.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Location of [[San José Canton]] between [[Provinces of Costa Rica|provinces]]]]
+[[Image:CantonSJO.jpg|thumb|left|240px|Location of [[San José Canton]] between [[Provinces of Costa Rica|provinces]].]]
-Important places in the city include the Banco Central de Costa Rica building, the Banco Nacional building (much taller than other buildings nearby, giving the city its particular skyline), La Sabana Metropolitan Park, Avenida Central (a pedestrian thoroughfare and one of the major commercial areas in the city). The Central Park and the Plaza de la Cultura are visited by thousands of workers and tourists every day. The [[Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica]] (National Theatre of Costa Rica), [[Melico Salazar Theater]], and the [[Cathedral]] are other landmarks in the central area. Northward it's located Barrio Amon, with a considerable amount of building of really old age, and architectionally important. In the south, the Clínica Bíblica (a private hospital) and the Pacific Train Station are important buildings.
+Important places around the city include the [[Central Bank|Banco Central de Costa Rica]] building, the [[National Bank|Banco Nacional]] building, which is much taller than other buildings nearby, giving the city its particular skyline, La Sabana Metropolitan Park and The Avenida Central, a pedestrian thoroughfare and one of the main commercial areas in the city. The Central Park and the Plaza de la Cultura are also visited by thousands of workers and tourists every day. The [[Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica]] (National Theater of Costa Rica), the [[Melico Salazar Theater]], and the [[Cathedral]] are other important landmarks in the central area. Northward, the Barrio Amon is located, with a considerable amount of buildings of really old age and of really strong architectonic importance. In the south, the Clínica Bíblica (a private hospital) and the [[Train Station|Pacific Train Station]] are located, they are also both some of the most important buildings.
 ==Climate==
-San José City lies in the [[Tropical|Torrid Zone]], like the rest of the country, but its elevation gives it a mild climate. The temperature ranges between 15&nbsp;°C and 26&nbsp;°C (59-79°F). The rainy season is from April to late November, but cloudiness and rainfall can occur during the dry season. Also very windy which decreases the temperature. Relative humidity tends to range between 60% and 90%.
+San José City lies in the [[Tropical|Torrid Zone]], like the rest of the country, but its elevation gives it a mild climate. The temperature ranges between 15&nbsp;°C and 26&nbsp;°C (59-79°F). The rainy season is from April to late November, but cloudiness and rainfall can occur during the dry season. Also, the climate can be very windy, this may decrease the temperature even more. Relative humidity tends to range between 60% and 90%.
 ==Tourist attractions==
+[[Image:Downtown of San Jose, Costa Rica.jpg|thumb|180px|right|San José's European styled downtown is a very popular gathering place.]]
-[[Image:Okayama al norte.jpg|left|thumb|[[Okayama]] Park]]
-There are numerous touristic places around San José:
+There are numerous touristic attractions around San José:
 * El Pueblo is a mix of more than 50 bars, clubs, restaurants, art galleries and shops. Lining the picturesque cobblestone streets within walking distance of several hotels and resorts, it is a lively place from 9 p.m. until dawn.
-* [[Calle de la Amargura]] in [[San Pedro, Costa Rica|San Pedro]] near the [[University of Costa Rica]] has a wide selection of bars, restaurants and discos and caters to University students with food and drinks for relatively low prices. Pickpockets and low-level criminals are a cause of concern.{{Fact|date=March 2008}}
+* [[Calle de la Amargura]] in [[San Pedro, Costa Rica|San Pedro]] near the [[University of Costa Rica]] has a wide selection of bars, restaurants and discos and caters to University students with food and drinks for relatively low prices. Pickpockets and low-level criminals are a cause of concern.
+* There are many [[red-light district]]s around the city and in the San José Metropolitan Area, where the [[adult entertainment]] business is growing.
-* Neighbourhoods around [[Heredia, Costa Rica|Heredia]] have a lot of bars and nightclubs.
-*The cantons of [[Escazú Canton|Escazú]] and [[Santa Ana Canton|Santa Ana]] offer many options and quality places, though sometimes at inflated prices.
-* There are many [[red-light district]]s around the city and in the San José Metropolitan Area, where the [[adult entertainment]] business is growing.{{Fact|date=March 2008}}
 ==Prostitution==
-[[Image:DirkvdM reflection san jose-nowire.jpg|right|thumb|Justice tribunal in San José.]]
+[[Image:DirkvdM reflection san jose-nowire.jpg|right|thumb|Justice tribunal reflection in San José.]]
-Although [[prostitution]] among adults is legal in Costa Rica, [[child prostitution]] is illegal. [[Media of Costa Rica|Local media]] regularly report on [[child prostitution]]. It is also covered in the annual reports of the [[United States Department of State|U. S. State Department]] regarding prostitution and the international [[Human trafficking|trafficking]] of minors. Government statistics show that the problem is prevalently domestic in origin, but foreign governments have blacklisted Costa Rica as a haven for [[paedophiles]].  However the government deals harshly with those criminals they arrest.{{Fact|date=March 2008}} There are a large number of small establishments in San Jose catering to locals seeking prostitutes.
+Although [[prostitution]] among adults is legal in Costa Rica, [[child prostitution]] is illegal. [[Media of Costa Rica|Local media]] regularly report on [[child prostitution]]. It is also covered in the annual reports of the [[United States Department of State|U. S. State Department]] regarding prostitution and the international [[Human trafficking|trafficking]] of minors. Government statistics show that the problem is prevalently domestic in origin, but foreign governments have blacklisted Costa Rica as a haven for [[paedophiles]]. However the government deals harshly with those criminals they arrest. There are a large number of small establishments in San Jose catering to locals seeking prostitutes.
 A small number of hotels might be tolerant of guests bringing in prostitutes, but most require that prostitutes show identification such as [[passport]]s or national identification cards.
 ==Attractions==
+[[Image:Teatro-Nacional-San-Jose-CR.JPG|thumb|175px|The National Theater.]]
 {{see also|Museums of Costa Rica}}
-[[Image:Downtown of San Jose, Costa Rica.jpg|thumb|200px|left|San José downtown.]]
-[[Image:Teatro-Nacional-San-Jose-CR.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Teatro Nacional (National Theater).]]
-The National Theater and the Melico Salazar offer hectic calendars of cultural activities, featuring theater and dance groups and orchestra music throughout the year.
+The National and the Melico Salazar teathers offer hectic calendars of cultural activities, featuring theater groups, dance groups and orchestra music throughout the year.
-There are some cafés in the downtown area, in the Central Mail building, The National Theater and the Melico Salazar, where national coffee is prepared and served in typical Costa Rican ways.
+There are some cafés in the downtown area, inside the [[Post Office|Central Mail Building]], The National and the Melico Salazar teathers where national coffee is prepared and served in typical Costa Rican ways.
-There are many museums and other attractions offering alternative ways of exploring the city. One of these is the Gold Museum, which offers a rare look at various gold artifacts of the ancient Latin American civilizations. An interesting attraction for the less adventurous is the [[Lankester Botanical Garden]]s just outside of San José. Other attractions include various bars and clubs which concentrate on holding musical shows and events. One for example is the bar "Sand Live" which is a massive inside/outside bar and concert hall which usually holds rock and extreme metal shows.
+There are also many museums and other attractions offering alternative ways of exploring the city. One of these is the Gold Museum, which offers a strange look at various gold artifacts of the ancient Latin American civilizations. An interesting attraction for the less adventurous is the [[Lankester Botanical Garden]]s just outside of San José. Other attractions include various bars and clubs which concentrate their activity on holding musical shows and events. One for example is the "Sand Live" bar, which is a massive inside/outside bar and concert hall which usually holds rock and extreme metal concerts and shows.
 ==References==