San Mateo (canton)

San Mateo is a canton in the Alajuela province of Costa Rica. The head city is in San Mateo district.

History
San Mateo was created on 7 August 1868 by decree 30.

Geography
San Mateo has an area of 125.9 km² and a mean elevation of 311 metres.

The northern border of the elongated province is formed by the Jesús María, Machuca, Agua Agría, Calera rivers and Quebrada Zapote. The Quebrada Concepción, Grande de Tárcoles and the Machuca rivers establish the southern border. Cerro La Lana is a landmark that delineates a northeast tip of the canton.

Districts
The canton of San Mateo is subdivided into the following districts:
 * 1) San Mateo
 * 2) Desmonte
 * 3) Jesús María
 * 4) Labrador

Demographics
For the 2011 census, San Mateo had a population of 6,136 inhabitants.

Road transportation
The canton is covered by the following road routes: • CR RNP 3.svg National Route 3

• CR RNS 131.svg National Route 131

• CR RNT 713.svg National Route 713

• CR RNT 755.svg National Route 755