A topological version of Huber's theorem

Abstract

Let $X$ be a closed hyperbolic surface. We prove that the number of topological types of primitive closed geodesics of length at most $L$ is asymptotic to \[ \frac{1}{|\Isom(X)|}\frac{e^L}{2L}. \] as $L$ grows. Thus Huber's asymptotic remains unchanged after quotienting by topological type, up to the finite symmetry factor coming from the isometry group of $X$.