Atenas (canton)

Atenas

Cantón


Location of Atenas Canton in Alajuela Province
Country Costa Rica
Province Alajuela
Area
  Total 127.19 km2 (49.11 sq mi)
Population (June 2013)
  Total 27,112
  Density 210/km2 (550/sq mi)

Atenas is the name of the fifth canton in the province of Alajuela in Costa Rica. The canton covers an area of 127.19 square kilometres (49.11 sq mi),[1] and has a population of 27,112 (estimate as of 2013).[2] The capital city of the canton is also called Atenas.

Geography

It is a fairly compact canton, mountainous for the most part. The Río Grande (Great River) forms the border on the canton's north and east sides. As the river moves south, it is joined by two other large rivers, the Río Poás and the Río Virilla, before turning west again and forming the canton's southern border under a new name, the Río Grande de Tárcoles. The western border of the canton is established by a series of quebradas (canyons) that cut through the Coastal Mountain Range.

Districts

The canton of Atenas is subdivided into eight districts (distritos):[3]

  1. Atenas
  2. Jesús
  3. Mercedes
  4. San Isidro
  5. Concepción
  6. San José
  7. Santa Eulalia
  8. Escobal

History

The canton was established by a decree of August 7, 1868. It is named for the ancient city in Greece.

References

  1. Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN), 2001.
  2. Estadísticas Vitales 2013 - INEC
  3. "División Territorial Administrativa de Costa Rica" (PDF) (in Spanish). Instituto de Fomento y Asesoria Municipal (IFAM). 5 May 2009.


Coordinates: 9°58′51″N 84°24′23″W / 9.98083°N 84.40639°W / 9.98083; -84.40639

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