Caracas Venezuela Information

Caracas, Venezuela, is an important South American center of culture, industry and tourism. Indigenous peoples are thought to have inhabited the around as early as 13,000 B.C. Spanish discovery and the subsequent migration of Europeans and slaves made the area a rich mixture of diversity and tradition.

History

When Christopher Columbus set food on land in 1498, it was in Venezuela. However, Columbus mistakenly thought he had traveled to Asia.

Size

Caracas is the capital of Venezuela and has about 4 million residents, making it one of the most densely populated Venezuelan cities.

Benefits

The coastal climate in Caracas is mild, affording tourists and residents year-round beach access. Many people also enjoy traversing the mountainous regions, as well.

Considerations

Early on, the Spanish did not understand the impact of cocoa production. In 1620, that changed, making cocoa one of Caracas' most important industries.

Expert Insight

Slave trade was big in Caracas because of production needs. Because of this, cocoa, coffee, sugar, tobacco and cotton production expanded, becoming important crops.

References

• Caracas - Venezuela Tuya

Resources

• Caracas - Introduction