Quito

Quito
Name	Quito
Settlement type	Capital city
Coordinates	0, 13, 12, S...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Ecuador
Subdivision type1	Province
Subdivision name1	Pichincha Province
Established title	Founded
Established date	6 December 1534
Founder	Sebastián de Benalcázar
Government type	Mayor–council
Governing body	Municipality of Quito
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Pabel Muñoz
Area total km2	372.39
Elevation m	2850
Population total	2,011,388
Population as of	2022
Population density km2	auto
Population metro	3,156,182
Timezone	ECT
Utc offset	-5
Postal code type	Postal code
Postal code	EC1701
Area code	(+593) 2
Website	www.quito.gob.ec
Official name	City of Quito
Part of	Historic Center of Quito
Criteria	Cultural: (ii), (iv)
Year	1978
Area	320 ha

Quito. Officially the San Francisco de Quito, is the capital of Ecuador and the capital of the Pichincha Province. Located in the Guayllabamba River basin on the eastern slopes of the Pichincha volcano in the Andes, it is the second-highest official capital city in the world at an elevation of 2,850 meters. Its well-preserved historic center is one of the largest and best-preserved in the Americas, leading UNESCO to declare it a World Heritage Site in 1978 alongside Kraków.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Quitu people, who were later conquered by the Caras tribe, forming the Kingdom of Quito. This kingdom was eventually absorbed into the Inca Empire under Huayna Capac in the late 15th century. The modern city was founded on December 6, 1534, by Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Benalcázar, making it one of the oldest European-founded capitals in South America. It became a key administrative center of the Real Audiencia of Quito within the Viceroyalty of Peru and later the Viceroyalty of New Granada. The city was a focal point of the struggle for independence, with the First Cry of Independence occurring on August 10, 1809, a precursor to the decisive Battle of Pichincha in 1822, led by Antonio José de Sucre, which secured its liberation. In the 20th century, Quito grew significantly, hosting pivotal events like the Inter-American Conference of 1947 and becoming the headquarters of the Union of South American Nations.

Geography

Quito is situated in the northern highlands of Ecuador in the Guayllabamba River basin, flanked by the Andes mountain range. The city stretches along a long, narrow valley, with its western edge dominated by the active stratovolcano Pichincha, whose eruptions, such as in 1660 and 1999, have significantly impacted the city. The eastern boundary is marked by a series of smaller peaks and ravines. This unique topography creates a variety of microclimates within the metropolitan area. The city is part of the Pichincha Province and is near the Equator, with the Mitad del Mundo monument located just north, commemorating the 18th-century French Geodesic Mission.

Demographics

With a population of over 2 million in the city proper and more than 3 million in the metropolitan area, Quito is the second-most populous city in Ecuador after Guayaquil. The population is predominantly Mestizo, with significant minorities of indigenous, white, and Afro-Ecuadorian descent. The primary language is Spanish, though several indigenous languages, including Kichwa, are also spoken. The city is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Quito, and the majority of residents identify as Roman Catholic, with growing Evangelical and other Protestant communities.

Economy

Quito is a major economic hub, with its economy centered on services, commerce, and light manufacturing. Key industries include textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. It is the financial center of northern Ecuador, hosting the headquarters of major banks like the Banco Central del Ecuador and the Banco Pichincha. The city's economy benefits significantly from tourism, driven by its World Heritage Site status and proximity to attractions like the Galápagos Islands. Important commercial districts include the modern La Mariscal area and the financial corridor along Avenida Amazonas. The city is also home to the Quito Stock Exchange and major industrial zones in the valleys of Los Chillos and Tumbaco.

Culture

Quito is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, a fusion of Spanish, indigenous, and mestizo influences. Its historic center is adorned with monumental architecture, including the Compañía de Jesús and the Cathedral of Quito. The city is famous for its elaborate Holy Week processions and the Fiestas de Quito in December. Major cultural institutions include the National Museum of Ecuador, the Capilla del Hombre by Oswaldo Guayasamín, and the Sucre National Theatre. Quito's cuisine features traditional dishes like locro de papas and hornado, and it has a vibrant contemporary arts scene centered in the Guápulo and La Floresta neighborhoods.

Government and politics

Quito is governed as a metropolitan district, with administrative autonomy under the Ecuadorian Constitution of 2008. The city's government is led by a popularly elected mayor and a 15-member Metropolitan Council. The current mayor is Pabel Muñoz. As the national capital, Quito houses the seat of the Government of Ecuador, including the Carondelet Palace (the presidential palace), the National Assembly, and the Constitutional Court. It is also the headquarters for numerous international organizations, such as the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and the Andean Community. The city is divided into 32 urban parishes and 33 rural parishes.

Category:Capitals in South America Category:World Heritage Sites in Ecuador Category:Populated places in Pichincha Province