Mérida, Mérida
Mérida | |
|---|---|
City | |
| Santiago de los Caballeros de Mérida | |
Top: Residential area on the Río Albarregas Second: View of southern Zumba area, Mérida Cathedral with Arzobispal Palace Third: Cable car near La Montana, Campo Elías Viaduct Bottom: View of Pico Bolívar | |
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Flag Seal | |
| Nickname: Ciudad de los Caballeros (City of Gentlemen) | |
| Motto: | |
Mérida | |
| Coordinates: 8°36′N 71°9′W / 8.600°N 71.150°W | |
| Country | Venezuela |
| State | Mérida |
| Municipalities | Libertador |
| Founded | October 9, 1558 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Nelson Alvarez (PSUV) |
| Area | |
• City | 59.39 km2 (22.93 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,630 m (5,350 ft) |
| Population (2019) | |
• City | 289,800 |
| • Density | 4,880/km2 (12,640/sq mi) |
| • Metro | 392,751 |
| • Demonym | Merideño(a) |
| Time zone | UTC−4 (VET) |
| Postal code | 5101 |
| Area code | 274 |
| Climate | Cfb |
| Website | http://www.merida.com.ve/ |
Mérida, officially known as Santiago de los Caballeros de Mérida, is the capital of the municipality of Libertador and the state of Mérida, and is one of the main cities of the Venezuelan Andes. It was founded in 1558 by Captain Juan Rodríguez Suárez, forming part of Nueva Granada, but later became part of the Captaincy General of Venezuela and played an active role in the War of Independence.
The capital city's population is 199,878 inhabitants, and the metropolitan area (including the municipalities of Libertador, Campo Elías, Sucre, and Santos Marquina) reaches 392,751 people (2011 census). The city accounts for 24% of the total population of Mérida State. It is home to the University of Los Andes and the Archdiocese of Mérida. It also has the highest and longest cable car in the world. It is the largest student and tourist center of western Venezuela. The mass transit system (Trolebús Mérida) is available as a means of tourist transport.
This city sits on a plateau nestled in the valley of the Chama River, which runs from end to end. The town of Mérida is located at an altitude of 1,600 metres (5,200 feet). As background on the horizon rises the country's highest summit: the Pico Bolívar with an altitude of 4,981 metres (16,342 feet).