What is the capital of Ecuador?
Quito, formally recognized as San Francisco de Quito, holds the position of the capital of Ecuador, with an approximate population of 2.8 million residing in its metropolitan area. Additionally, it serves as the capital of the province of Pichincha.
Where is Quito?
Quito is situated in the northern highlands of Ecuador, nestled within the Guayllabamba river basin. The city is constructed on an extensive plateau situated on the eastern slopes of the Pichincha volcano. The surrounding landscape features the Guayllabamba River valley, bordered by several volcanoes, some of which are adorned with snow caps and can be seen from Quito on clear days.
History of Quito
During the Pre-Columbian period, archaeological findings in Quito, such as those on the Ilaló volcano slopes at the EI Inga site, revealed tools dating back to 8000 BC, showcasing the presence of hunter-gatherers. Another significant settlement, Cotocollao, dating to 1500 BC, demonstrated a prehistoric village with extensive areas irrigated by creeks, where the Cotocollao people engaged in the extraction and export of obsidian.
Historical accounts by Juan de Velasco spoke of a Kingdom of Quito, attributed to the Cara or Schyris people who supposedly dominated the region around AD 890. However, archaeological evidence has challenged the unity of ethnic groups in the area, suggesting a more fragmented historical reality. The Quitu or Quillaco tribe, distinct in art and architecture, coexisted with other ethnic groups.
By the 20th century, doubts arose regarding the existence of the Quitu-Cara kingdom, with many historians leaning toward a more fragmented regional history. The Quitu ruled Quito during the Inca invasion led by Topa Inca Yupanqui in the 15th century. In the early 21st century, remarkable discoveries of deep tombs in La Florida unveiled the craftsmanship of the Quitu people, shedding light on their complex culture.
Moving into the Colonial period, the Spanish established Roman Catholicism in Quito, constructing the first church, El Belén, before the city's official foundation. In 1535, the San Francisco Convent was built, marking the start of numerous churches and convents during the colonial era. Quito briefly declared independence from Spain during the Quito Revolt in 1765-1766.
Quito was officially founded on 6 December 1534 by Sebastián de Benalcázar, who captured leader Rumiñahui, ending organized resistance. The city was declared a city on 28 March 1541, with subsequent titles emphasizing its nobility and loyalty. Quito became the seat of a Real Audiencia in 1563, administered first as part of the Viceroyalty of Peru and later the Viceroyalty of New Granada.
The city witnessed conflicts and uprisings, including the Quito Revolt in 1809, leading to the Battle of Pichincha in 1822, which secured Quito's independence. In the Republican era, political turmoil continued, marked by the assassination of Society of Free Inhabitants members in 1833, the Marcist Revolution in 1845, and the assassination of President Gabriel García Moreno in 1875.
The 20th century brought further unrest, with the 1932 Four Days' War and the panic induced by a realistic broadcast of H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds" in 1949, resulting in citywide chaos. In the 21st century, Quito's population reached 2,239,191 in 2011. Efforts to renew the historic center and improve infrastructure, including the opening of Mariscal Sucre International Airport in 2013, marked recent developments in the city.
Historical accounts by Juan de Velasco spoke of a Kingdom of Quito, attributed to the Cara or Schyris people who supposedly dominated the region around AD 890. However, archaeological evidence has challenged the unity of ethnic groups in the area, suggesting a more fragmented historical reality. The Quitu or Quillaco tribe, distinct in art and architecture, coexisted with other ethnic groups.
By the 20th century, doubts arose regarding the existence of the Quitu-Cara kingdom, with many historians leaning toward a more fragmented regional history. The Quitu ruled Quito during the Inca invasion led by Topa Inca Yupanqui in the 15th century. In the early 21st century, remarkable discoveries of deep tombs in La Florida unveiled the craftsmanship of the Quitu people, shedding light on their complex culture.
Moving into the Colonial period, the Spanish established Roman Catholicism in Quito, constructing the first church, El Belén, before the city's official foundation. In 1535, the San Francisco Convent was built, marking the start of numerous churches and convents during the colonial era. Quito briefly declared independence from Spain during the Quito Revolt in 1765-1766.
Quito was officially founded on 6 December 1534 by Sebastián de Benalcázar, who captured leader Rumiñahui, ending organized resistance. The city was declared a city on 28 March 1541, with subsequent titles emphasizing its nobility and loyalty. Quito became the seat of a Real Audiencia in 1563, administered first as part of the Viceroyalty of Peru and later the Viceroyalty of New Granada.
The city witnessed conflicts and uprisings, including the Quito Revolt in 1809, leading to the Battle of Pichincha in 1822, which secured Quito's independence. In the Republican era, political turmoil continued, marked by the assassination of Society of Free Inhabitants members in 1833, the Marcist Revolution in 1845, and the assassination of President Gabriel García Moreno in 1875.
The 20th century brought further unrest, with the 1932 Four Days' War and the panic induced by a realistic broadcast of H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds" in 1949, resulting in citywide chaos. In the 21st century, Quito's population reached 2,239,191 in 2011. Efforts to renew the historic center and improve infrastructure, including the opening of Mariscal Sucre International Airport in 2013, marked recent developments in the city.
How and when did Quito become the capital of Ecuador?
After the Battle of Pichincha on May 24, 1822, which secured Ecuador's independence from Spanish rule, Quito became a part of the newly formed Gran Colombia, a federation that also included Colombia and Venezuela. However, internal conflicts within Gran Colombia led to its dissolution in 1830.
On May 13, 1830, Ecuador officially declared its independence as a separate and sovereign state. The Constituent Assembly of Ecuador convened in Quito to draft the country's first constitution, and on September 30, 1830, the constitution was ratified, formally establishing Quito as the capital of the newly independent Republic of Ecuador.
On May 13, 1830, Ecuador officially declared its independence as a separate and sovereign state. The Constituent Assembly of Ecuador convened in Quito to draft the country's first constitution, and on September 30, 1830, the constitution was ratified, formally establishing Quito as the capital of the newly independent Republic of Ecuador.
Is Buenos Aires the capital of Ecuador?
Buenos Aires, the capital of the Argentine Republic, is situated in the Southern Hemisphere of the American continent at coordinates 34º 36’ S and 58º 26’ W. Spanning a flat terrain of 202 square kilometers, the city is home to a population of roughly 3 million.
What are the two capitals of Ecuador? Why?
Ecuador distinguishes itself among Latin American countries by having two prominent centers of population and commerce. While the bustling port city of Guayaquil complements the capital, Quito, located in the Andean highlands in the north-central part of the country, it's important to note that Quito is the only official capital of Ecuador.
What capital city is on the equator?
Quito, situated at an elevation of 2,850 meters above sea level, holds the distinction of being the capital of Ecuador. Remarkably, it stands as the second highest official capital city globally and holds the title of being the closest to the equator.