Caracas

Caracas
source
Name	Caracas
Settlement type	Capital city
Coordinates	10, 30, N, 66...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Venezuela
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Capital District, Miranda
Established title	Founded
Established date	25 July 1567
Founder	Diego de Losada
Government type	Mayor–council
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Carmen Meléndez (PSUV)
Area total km2	433
Elevation m	900
Population total	2,245,744
Population as of	2011
Population density km2	auto
Population metro	2,923,959
Timezone	VET
Utc offset	-4
Postal code type	Postal code
Postal code	1010-A
Area code	212
Blank name	HDI (2019)
Blank info	0.711 – high
Website	alcaldiametropolitana.gob.ve

Caracas. The capital and largest city of Venezuela, it is the country's primary center of political, cultural, and economic activity. Nestled within the Caracas Valley of the Venezuelan Coastal Range, the city is dramatically flanked by the mountainous El Ávila National Park. Founded in the 16th century by Spanish conquistadors, it later became the birthplace of key figures in the Spanish American wars of independence, most notably Simón Bolívar.

History

The valley was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples such as the Toromaimas and Caracas, after whom the city is named. Spanish captain Diego de Losada officially founded the settlement of Santiago de León de Caracas on July 25, 1567. It grew as a provincial capital within the Viceroyalty of New Granada, though it faced significant challenges like the 1641 Caracas earthquake. The city's most pivotal historical role came in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, as it was the cradle of the independence movement; figures like Francisco de Miranda and Simón Bolívar were born here, and the Supreme Junta of 1810 marked a key step toward sovereignty. Following independence, it became the capital of Gran Colombia and later the Republic of Venezuela. The 20th century saw explosive growth fueled by oil wealth, transforming its skyline with modern structures like the Parque Central Complex. The city has also been the epicenter of major political events, including the Caracazo riots of 1989 and the 2002 Venezuelan coup d'état attempt.

Geography

The city is located in northern Venezuela, approximately 15 kilometers from the Caribbean Sea, from which it is separated by the steep peaks of the Cordillera de la Costa. The core urban area lies in the relatively flat Caracas Valley, at an elevation of about 900 meters above sea level, which provides a temperate tropical savanna climate. The dominant geographical feature is the Ávila Mountain (Cerro El Ávila), which forms a lush northern border and is a major recreational area. The Guaire River flows through the valley, though it is now largely channeled. The metropolitan area has expanded into adjacent valleys such as Baruta, El Hatillo, and Sucre, creating a dense, interconnected conurbation.

Government and politics

As the national capital, Caracas houses the seats of the federal government, including the Palacio de Miraflores (executive), the Federal Legislative Palace (housing the National Assembly), and the Supreme Tribunal of Justice. The city's own administration is divided between two primary federal entities: the Capital District, administered by the Metropolitan Mayorality, and parts of the adjacent Miranda state, which contain large municipalities like Baruta, Chacao, El Hatillo, and Sucre. The political landscape is intensely polarized, reflecting the national divide between supporters of the PSUV and the opposition coalition MUD.

Economy

Caracas is the financial and commercial heart of Venezuela. It is the headquarters of the country's central bank, the Central Bank of Venezuela, and major state-owned corporations like PDVSA. The city's economy was historically dominated by the oil industry, with related sectors in banking, insurance, and telecommunications flourishing. Major business districts include El Rosal and La Castellana. The Caracas Stock Exchange is located in the city. However, the national economic crisis, characterized by hyperinflation and contraction, has severely impacted the city's commercial life, leading to widespread informality in sectors like retail and services.

Culture

The city is Venezuela's cultural capital, hosting major institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts, the Teresa Carreño Cultural Complex, and the National Library of Venezuela. It is a center for music, having produced renowned artists such as Simón Díaz and the El Sistema orchestra network founded by José Antonio Abreu. Architectural landmarks range from colonial-era structures like the Caracas Cathedral to modernist masterpieces like the University City of Caracas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Carlos Raúl Villanueva. The city is also known for its gastronomy, including the arepa, and passionate support for baseball teams like the Leones del Caracas.

Demographics

The city proper has a population of approximately 2.2 million, with the metropolitan area exceeding 3 million inhabitants, making it one of the largest urban areas in South America. The population is predominantly Mestizo, with significant minorities of White, Afro-Venezuelan, and Indigenous descent. A substantial wave of immigration in the mid-20th century brought communities from Spain, Italy, Portugal, and the Middle East. Recent years have seen a reversal due to the Venezuelan refugee crisis, with significant emigration from Caracas to countries like Colombia, Peru, and the United States. The city exhibits stark socioeconomic inequality, with affluent neighborhoods like Altamira contrasting with extensive barrios such as Petare.

Category:Capitals in South America Category:Populated places established in 1567 Category:1567 establishments in the Spanish Empire