Caracas Map

Description:

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Description:

Caracas, officially Santiago de León de Caracas, is the capital and largest city of Venezuela. Located in the northern part of the country, the city sits in a valley at an elevation of approximately 900 meters (3,000 feet) above sea level, separated from the Caribbean coast by the Ávila Mountain range.

The city was founded in 1567 by Spanish conquistador Diego de Losada. Today, Caracas serves as Venezuela's primary center of commerce, culture, and government. The metropolitan area of Caracas has an estimated population of 3,242,000, while the larger Metropolitan Region of Caracas encompasses approximately 5.4 million inhabitants.

Caracas is home to numerous important institutions, including the Central University of Venezuela, founded in 1721, which is the oldest university in Venezuela and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city hosts the Caracas Stock Exchange, Venezuela's Central Bank, and serves as the headquarters for numerous national and international corporations.

The city's climate is tropical with average temperatures ranging between 20-28°C (68-82°F) throughout the year. Despite its tropical latitude, the high altitude provides Caracas with a pleasant climate often described as eternal spring.

Caracas features significant architectural landmarks, including the Twin Towers of Parque Central, once the tallest buildings in South America, and the modernist University City. The city's transportation infrastructure includes the Caracas Metro system, which began operations in 1983 and serves as the main public transportation system.

The Facts:
State: Capital District.
Population: ~ 3,242,000.
Metropolitan population: 5,300,000.

Main sights: Plaza Bolivar, Panteón Nacional, City Wall, Parque Central, El Hatillo, Paseo de Los Proceres, Casa Natal & Museo Bolivar, Iglesia Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria, Iglesia Nuestra Senora de La Chiquinquira, Iglesia de Santa Teresa, Catedral Metropolitana de Caracas.