Alajuela is a canton in the Alajuela province of Costa Rica. Its head city is the provincial capital city of Alajuela. History Alajuela was created on 7 December 1848 by decree 167. Geography Alajuela has an area of km² and a mean elevation of metres. Northward from the city of Alajuela, the canton continues along the border with the province of Heredia to its east, encompassing a strip of the Cordillera Central (Central Mountain Range) between Poas Volcano and Barva Volcano. On the Caribbean side of the mountains, the canton takes in a portion of the Sarapiquí area. The Río Poás (Poas River) forms the major portion of the canton's western border, finally giving way to the Río Poasito as the territory ascends into the Cordillera Central. Southwest of the city of Alajuela, the canton of Alajuela ends at the confluence of the Río Grande (Great River) and the Río Virilla (Virilla River). Landmarks In the center of Alajuela, next to Parque de Alajuela, also known as "Parque de los Mangos", is Alajuela Cathedral, whose main feature is its red dome. This park is a popular place for locals to socialize, especially in the afternoons. One block west of the park is the Mercado Central de Alajuela, a bustling shopping centre. Poás Volcano National Park is about north of Alajuela city and is known for its five waterfalls at La Paz Waterfall Gardens. To the north of the Central Park is the Museo Histórico Cultural Juan Santamaría. This museum, situated in a building built in 1894-45, which was formerly a prison in the barracks of Alajuela, contains many historical maps, artifacts and portraits of the 1856-1857 campaign. In 1977 it became the headquarters of the Centro de Investigación para el Perfeccionamiento Técnico (CIPET), an institution of the Ministry of Public Education. Districts The canton of Alajuela is subdivided into the following districts: Alajuela San José Carrizal San Antonio Guácima San Isidro Sabanilla San Rafael Río Segundo Desamparados Turrúcares Tambor Garita Sarapiquí Demographics For the 2011 census, Alajuela had a population of inhabitants. Transportation Road transportation The canton is covered by the following road routes: Rail transportation The Interurbano Line operated by Incofer goes through this canton. Economy It is a major area for the production of coffee, strawberries and ornamental plants. The Doka Estate lies within the canton, in Sabanilla District, and is a major coffee producing estate, supplying directly