Caracas
Capital and largest city of Venezuela, cultural and economic hub.
Caracas, officially Santiago de León de Caracas, is the capital and largest city of Venezuela and the center of the Metropolitan Region of Caracas (Greater Caracas). It is located along the Guaire River in the northern part of Venezuela, within the Caracas Valley of the Venezuelan coastal mountain range, close to the Caribbean Sea. The city has a largely service-based economy and is Venezuela's cultural capital, home to the Caracas Stock Exchange, Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), and Empresas Polar.
- Founder
- Captain Diego de Losada
- Country
- Venezuela
- Population (Metropolitan Region)
- Over 5 million
- Known for
- Capital of Venezuela, cultural capital, oil boom modernization
Reader's Guide
The city grew significantly during Venezuela's oil boom in the early 20th century, with intensive modernization in the 1950s–1970s, including the construction of the University City of Caracas (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Caracas Metro, and the Parque Central Towers. However, urban development led to slums on hillsides, and by the end of the 20th century, economic and social problems—including the Caracazo and the crisis in Venezuela—led to disrepair.
Did You Know?
- The city's historic center is the Caracas Cathedral on Bolívar Square, though some consider Plaza Venezuela the center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Caracas?
Caracas is the capital and largest city of Venezuela, nestled in a coastal mountain valley near the Caribbean Sea. It anchors the Metropolitan Region, home to well over five million people.
What role does Caracas play in Venezuela?
It serves as the nation's service-based economic engine, hosting institutions like the Caracas Stock Exchange, PDVSA, and Empresas Polar. It is also widely regarded as the country's cultural capital.
How was Caracas founded?
Captain Diego de Losada established the settlement along the Guaire River in northern Venezuela. Its formal name, Santiago de León de Caracas, dates back to that colonial founding.
Why is Caracas important beyond Venezuela?
As one of South America's major metropolitan centers and the seat of the Venezuelan government, it influences regional politics and trade. Its oil-boom-era modernization shaped the broader development of the country.
What is Caracas most known for?
It is recognized as Venezuela's capital, its cultural heart, and a city transformed by the oil industry's wealth. Its distinctive setting between coastal mountains and the Caribbean Sea gives it a unique geographic identity.
More in Cities Of The World 25-40
Elsewhere in the Cities Of The World universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record