The capital and largest city of Venezuela, Caracas sits in a high valley in the northern part of the country, 7 miles (11 kilometers) from the Caribbean Sea. In the 20th century Caracas became known as one of the continent's more modern cities, with tall office buildings and a fast, efficient highway system.

Places of interest

The steep coastal mountains to the north offer great views of the city. Many historic buildings are arranged around the Plaza Bolívar, such as the Cathedral of Caracas, Miraflores Palace (where the president lives), and the city council building. Nearby is the so-called National Pantheon, which holds the tombs of Simón Bolívar and other national heroes. Farther east are Central Park and Plaza Venezuela. The Botanical Garden, the Central University of Venezuela, and several museums are also in this part of the city. The most popular park is El Avila National Park, on the green slopes north of the city.

Economy

Caracas is the nation's leader in manufacturing and commerce. Venezuela's largest companies all have offices in Caracas, including companies involved in oil drilling and exporting, an industry that is central to the national economy. Many people work in banks, insurance companies, shopping centers, and government agencies. Important products made in Caracas are chemicals, clothing, foods, drinks, paper, and medicines.

History

Spanish explorers established a town in the valley in 1561, but it was soon destroyed by the Caracas people, a group of Native American Indians. In 1567 Diego de Losada began the present city, calling it Santiago de León de Caracas. In 1577 Caracas became a provincial capital. It was attacked by English buccaneers (pirates) in 1595, and it was almost totally destroyed by earthquakes in 1755 and 1812. It became the capital of the country when Venezuela gained its independence from Spain in 1829.

People from other parts of Venezuela and foreign immigrants poured into Caracas in the 1900s. Families there also had many children, so the city's population ballooned until it was larger than many other Venezuelan cities. In the early 21st century it remains the center of Venezuela's population.

Housing is a problem in Caracas. Although the city has many attractive high-rise apartment buildings, the steep hillsides around Caracas are covered with the homes of poor families. The hillside locations are always dangerous. In 1999 a massive rainstorm caused floods and mudslides throughout northern Venezuela. During the storm, many of the poorly built houses were destroyed. Most of the thousands of people killed during the storm were in poor neighborhoods. Population (2000 estimate), 1,975,787.