San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica. It is located in the Central Valley, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. San José is the political, economic, and cultural center of the country, housing the government institutions, universities, museums, theaters, and various businesses. It offers a mix of modern infrastructure and historic architecture. The city has a population of approximately 350,000 people, with over 2.1 million people living in the greater metropolitan area. San José is known for its vibrant arts scene, lively nightlife, and nearby natural attractions such as national parks and coffee plantations.