the national splendor. Pérez Zeledón was also the location of significant battles during the Costa Rican Civil War. The most notable battle was the Battle of San Isidro de El General. This battle was carried out at around 6:30 a.m. when 200 government forces engaged the revolutionaries at the city's central plaza. The battle was won by José Figueres Ferrer and his revolutionary forces, which secured the southern pacific region of Costa Rica in rebel hands. Geography Pérez Zeledón has an area of km2 and a mean elevation of metres. Districts The canton of Pérez Zeledón is subdivided into the following districts: San Isidro de El General El General Daniel Flores Rivas San Pedro Platanares Pejibaye Cajón Barú Río Nuevo Páramo La Amistad Demographics For the 2011 census, Pérez Zeledón had a population of inhabitants. Economy The canton of Pérez Zeledón's economic development has been characterized mostly by agriculture, livestock, trade, industry and tourism. One factor that has driven this economic development is the canton's unique geographic positioning; making it a sort of 'bridge' between Costa Rica's capital (San José) and the southern areas of the country, especially those that border Panamá. Important agricultural activities: Sugar Cane cultivation Coffee Tiquizque cultivation Banana cultivation Blackberry cultivation The first two products are the most important in the region. Livestock activities are also economically relevant, with pigs and cattle being the most important. The latter is used for fattening and dairy. Commercial activities have emerged with boom in recent decades, largely due to the establishment of credit unions, banks, local companies, media, and various other companies of the central valley (San José) setting operations in the canton. Tourism Its main attraction is its ecological diversity. There are such sites as the Chirripó National Park (one of the highest peak in Central America and the Caribbean, with an elevation of 3,820 meters above sea level) and great scenic beauty, flora and fauna all throughout. Among other attractions are the journeys along the rapids. Another park of prominence in the area is the Parque Internacional La Amistad, literally 'The Friendship International Park'. Education The first elementary school in Pérez Zeledón was established during Ascensión Esquivel Ibarra's government (1902-1906). It was called Escuela Mixta de Ureña and was located in the Ureña district, south of San Isidro de El General's central park. After the Costa Rican Civil War the school was moved to a new building