Caracas
-
What is Caracas?
Caracas is the capital of Venezuela and one of South America's principal cities. It is Venezuelaâs largest urban area and the countryâs main industrial, commercial, educational, and cultural center. Caracas serves as the seat of government for the Capital District. The city extends beyond the Capital District into the bordering state of Miranda.
Founded in 1567 as Santiago de LeĂłn de Caracas, the city's growth remained slow until the 1940s, after which it expanded significantly. The city's nucleus is near El Calvario Park, offering a panoramic view. The Plaza BolĂvar is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Caracas Cathedral and the National Capitol. The official presidential residence, Miraflores Palace, is also nearby.
2 Britannica SourcesCreated from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. -
Where is Caracas located?
Caracas is the capital city of Venezuela. It sits in a valley about 7 miles (11 km) south of the Caribbean Sea, beyond steep mountains of the Venezuelan coastal range. The city's elevation at the center is 3,025 feet (922 meters), and the valley stretches approximately 15 miles (25 km) east to west. Caracas spreads beyond the Capital District into the state of Miranda, which borders the district to the east and south.
3 Britannica SourcesCreated from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. -
Why is Caracas important to Venezuela?
Caracas is Venezuela's capital and largest city, serving as the primary hub for industry, commerce, education, and culture. As the seat of government for the Capital District, it also houses the president's official residence and key government ministries. The city's cultural institutions, such as the Ateneo de Caracas, national library, and museums, make it a focal point for cultural activities. Caracas is also the headquarters for most of Venezuela's commercial and industrial firms, banks, insurance companies, and both foreign and domestic government agencies. Despite facing considerable problems, Caracas remains a dominant force in Venezuelan national life.
1 Britannica SourceCreated from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. -
What is the climate like in Caracas?
Caracas, Venezuela, has a relatively uniform temperature due to its location within the tropics. However, its high elevation causes significant local temperature differences. The average mean temperature for Caracas is about 72 °F (22 °C). Temperatures can range from the mid-40s to the low 90s °F (7 to 33 °C), with the annual mean being about 70 °F (21 °C).
The city has a distinct rainy season from May through November, with warm, humid weather, and a dry season from December through April, characterized by clear skies and pleasantly cool temperatures. Annual precipitation totals about 32 inches (800 mm).
2 Britannica SourcesCreated from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. -
What are some cultural or historical sites found in Caracas?
Caracas boasts a rich array of cultural and historical sites. The city's nucleus, near El Calvario Park, features the Plaza BolĂvar, surrounded by historic colonial buildings like the Caracas Cathedral, the National Capitol, and the Municipal Council building.
Other significant landmarks include the birthplace of SimĂłn BolĂvar and Miraflores Palace, the president's official residence. Nearby, the National Pantheon houses BolĂvar's tomb and those of other national heroes. The Museum of Fine Arts and the Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas, a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized as an excellent example of modernist architecture, are also key cultural destinations.
5 Britannica SourcesCreated from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. -
How does Caracas contribute to the economy and culture of Venezuela?
Caracas is Venezuela's capital and its primary hub for industry, commerce, education, and culture. As the country's leading manufacturing center, Caracas produces textiles, clothing, processed foods, and more. The city is also the headquarters for most of Venezuela's commercial and industrial firms, banks, insurance companies, and government agencies.
Caracas is the main focus of Venezuelaâs cultural life, with numerous theaters, museums, libraries, and art galleries. The city is home to the country's major newspapers and broadcasting organizations. The architect Carlos RaĂșl Villanueva won international acclaim for his design of the Central University in Caracas. The SimĂłn BolĂvar Youth Orchestra in Caracas is a source of national pride.
2 Britannica SourcesCreated from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
News •
Caracas, city, capital of Venezuela, and one of the principal cities of South America. It is Venezuelaâs largest urban agglomeration and the countryâs primary center of industry, commerce, education, and culture. Founded in 1567 as Santiago de LeĂłn de Caracas, the city grew slowly until the 1940s, after which it expanded by monumental proportions, and its influence came to extend to even the remotest parts of the country. In addition to its role as the national capital, Caracas serves as the seat of government for the Capital District, comprising an area of 167 square miles (433 square km). The city itself, however, spreads across the Capital District boundary, a considerable part of its area lying in the state of Miranda, which borders the district on the east and south. Pop. (2011) 1,942,652; (2019 est.) 2,087,700.
The physical setting of Caracas is impressive. Steep mountains of the Venezuelan coastal range rise abruptly from the Caribbean Sea, affording little level land for urban development. About 7 miles (11 km) southward, beyond this mountainous wall, the city spreads out in a valley. Its elevation at the center of Caracas is 3,025 feet (922 meters), and the valley extends about 15 miles (25 km) in an eastâwest direction. Almost all of its inhabitable area is occupied by the city, and this once green and peaceful valley is now crisscrossed by streets and highways. The valley is subject to earthquakes, including notable ones in 1755, 1812, and 1967.
Physical and human geography
Landscape
City site
The Andes Mountains extend eastward from Colombia across northern Venezuela to the island of Trinidad. The site of Caracas is a high rift valley within this system; hence, mountains enclose the city at all cardinal points. The Cordillera del Litoral, which rises above 8,600 feet (2,600 meters) at the Pico Oriental and above 7,000 feet (2,100 meters) at El Avila, towers high above the city and limits its expansion northward. The SerranĂa del Interior, to the south, is lower but nevertheless rugged. The principal river draining the valley is the Guaire, once relatively large but now reduced in volume and highly polluted. Its principal affluent in the metropolitan area is the RĂo El Valle, and others include the Quebrada Baruta and Quebrada Anauco.
Climate
Climatic conditions and natural vegetation in the coastal range form an extremely complex pattern. Temperatures generally decrease with increasing elevation, and rainfall and humidity are high on slopes that face eastward toward the prevailing winds. The decisive climatic factor in the valley is elevation. Temperatures range from the mid-40s to the low 90s °F (about 7 to 33 °C), the annual mean being about 70 °F (21 °C). In contrast, the average temperature at La Guaira, at sea level just 10 miles (16 km) away, is in the low 80s °F (about 27 °C). The seasonal range of temperature in Caracas between the average of the coldest month (January) and that of the warmest month (May) is only 5 °F, considerably less than the normal diurnal range. Annual precipitation totals about 32 inches (800 mm). There is a distinct rainy season from May through November, which accounts for more than four-fifths of the total annual precipitation and features warm, humid weather. In contrast is the dry season, from December through April, characterized by clear skies and pleasantly cool temperatures.
The higher mountain slopes, especially to the north, often have a thick cloud cover. There, fairly abundant vegetation, including forest remnants, remains green throughout the year. Other patches of luxuriant vegetation are preserved in the major parks of the city and in its various gardens, including the Botanical Garden. Where barren slopes prevail, erosion is a serious problem. Bird life, once exceeding 100 species in the valley, has been reduced dramatically.
City layout
The nucleus of Caracas is near the western margin of the valley adjacent to the hill of El Calvario Park, which offers a panoramic view of the city. There, centered around the Plaza BolĂvar, are many historic buildings reflecting the colonial past, including the Caracas Cathedral, the National Capitol, the Municipal Council building, the birthplace of SimĂłn BolĂvar, and Miraflores Palace, which serves as the official residence of the president of the republic. Only a short distance away is the National Pantheon, with the tomb of BolĂvar and those of other national heroes. The twin towers of the SimĂłn BolĂvar Center are also located nearby. Once the tallest buildings in the country, these 30-story structures house various ministries of the national government.
Increasingly, the civic center of Caracas is moving eastward toward the Parque Central and Plaza Venezuela. This district focuses around a monument to Christopher Columbus, but more conspicuous is a cluster of skyscrapers, including another set of twin towers that are among the tallest buildings in all of Latin America. Begun in 1971, these structures soar to a height of 725 feet (221 meters) above street level. Planned to house the main offices of the national government, each tower is equipped for helicopter landings on its roof and affords a spectacular view of the entire valley. After a devastating fire in 2004, the east tower required extensive reconstruction. Nearby are a number of other important city landmarks, including the Botanical Garden, several museums, Parque Los Caobos, and the Central University of Venezuela.
The trusted destination for professionals, college students, and lifelong learners.
SUBSCRIBE
Still farther eastward the principal landmarks of the city are the Caracas Country Club, the Parque Nacional del Este, and the Francisco de Miranda Airbase. The city has also expanded southward over the hillsides and along valleys tributary to the Guaire River.