Cartago, city in central Costa Rica, capital of Cartago Province, near San José. It is on the plateau of San José, about 1500 m (about 4930 ft) above sea level, at the base of Irazú, a volcano 3432 m (11,260 ft) above sea level. Hot mineral springs are in the suburb of Bella Vista. Cartago is a center for trade in coffee produced in the volcanic soil of the surrounding region. Founded in 1563 by the Spanish conquistador Juan Vásquez de Coronado, the town subsequently became an important commercial center with an estimated population of more than 35,000. Until 1823 Cartago was the seat of government in Costa Rica. The town was several times severely damaged by earthquakes, the most destructive being that of 1841. Population (1997 estimate) 122,605.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Cartago Information info
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