The city of Quito is the capital of Ecuador and the oldest capital in South America. It sits in the Andes Mountains, on the slopes of the Mount Pichincha volcano. Quito is near the equator and about 300 miles (480 kilometers) from Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. The city lies in an earthquake zone and has been severely damaged by earthquakes several times.

Places of interest

The old sections of Quito have been preserved. In 1978 this part of the city was designated a World Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In 1552 an art school opened in Quito that was the first art school in South America. It became the center of a new style of religious art. The city still has many religious buildings. The most impressive churches and convents are La Compañía, San Francisco, Carmen Alto, San Agustin, Santo Domingo, the Sagrario, and the 17th-century cathedral.

The government palace and the Cathedral of Quito are on the city's main square, called Plaza Independencia. Other places of interest in the city include several monasteries, an astronomical observatory, and a museum of fine arts. Among the city's schools are the Central University, the National Polytechnic School, and the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador.

Economy

Ecuador has two major oil pipelines, and both pass through Quito. The Pan-American Highway also passes through the city. Quito's industries include textiles, leather goods, and pharmaceuticals. Local markets sell native crafts and objects made of wood, silver, and gold.

History

The Quito region was the center of the ancient kingdom of the Quitu Indians. The Shyris took over the area in the 10th century. In 1487 the site became part of the Inca Empire. Spain took over the region in 1534. Ecuador's battle for independence from Spain was fought near Quito in 1822. The city suffered severe earthquakes in 1660, 1797, and 1868. A less severe earthquake shook the city in 1987. Population (2000 estimate), 1,616,000.