Province of Limon

Limón, also known as Puerto Limón, is the capital of Limon Province. It is the country's main Caribbean port city, including the terminals of Limon and Moin, and has a population of around 105,000 (including many neighboring small cities).

The city, and the province in general, is home to most of Costa Rica's citizens of African descent. Originally from Jamacia, these workers were brought to the area in the late 19th century to build the railrod from San Jose to Limon.

This rail line boosted the country's banana exports and economy in general. By the time the line was closed, the city was the country's primary harbor. Limón is also home to speakers of Mekatelyu a creole form of English.

Before the Spanish arrived in Costa Rica the area of Limón was inhabited by the indigenous groups called: Huétares, Suerres, Pococies, Tariacas, Viecitas and Terbis. Columbus came to the province the 18th of September 1502 when he arrived at the Uvita Island. During the second half of the 17th Century, people started growing Cocoa in the Valley of Matina. By 1871 the construction of the railroad began and right after that the plantation of bananas. In 1964 began the construction of a crude oil refinery and in 1979 the Province inaugurated their Port at Moín.