Carmen is the first distrito of San José Canton in Costa Rica, and one of the four administrative units that form San José downtown (casco central). This district is not heavily populated although it is a busy downtown area in daytime.

Geography

Carmen lies in the north of the San José Canton. It is surrounded by other districts (going clockwise): Goicoechea Canton (north) and Montes de Oca Canton (east) from San José Province. The District borders other districts of San José Canton, Catedral District (south) and Merced District (west). Carmen has an area of 1.47 km2 and an elevation of 1156 metres.

District information

This district comprises several barrios or neighbourhoods, such as Barrio Amón, Barrio Aranjuez, part of Barrio La California, El Carmen, El Empalme, Barrio Escalante and Barrio Otoya. Between its boundaries there are many important institutions and buildings, including government, health and culture.

Demographics

For the 2011 census, Carmen had a population of 2702 inhabitants.

Transportation

Road transportation

The district is covered by the following road routes:

Rail transportation

The Interurbano Line operated by Incofer goes through this district.