Caracas

Caracas (pop. 3,435,800), Venezuelan capital, near the Caribbean Sea at an altitude of 3,020 ft (920 m). Founded in 1567 by Diego de Losada, it was the birthplace of Simón Bolívar (1783). Independence from Spain was achieved in 1821, as part of the Republic of Gran Colombia. In 1829 Caracas became the capital of independent Venezuela. After World War II and the discovery of oil in Maracaibo, Caracas greatly expanded. Industries include textiles, cement, steel products, paper, leatherwork, and furniture.

See also: Venezuela.