# Callao

> city ​​and main seaport of Peru

**Wikidata**: [Q105037](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105037)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callao)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/callao

## Summary
Callao is a city and the main seaport of Peru, located in the Constitutional Province of Callao. It is one of the country's most important economic and historical centers, known for its strategic coastal position and role in maritime trade.

## Key Facts
- Callao was founded on March 6, 1537.
- It is located in the Constitutional Province of Callao, which it also serves as the capital.
- Population: 567,702 (as of 2022), 537,377 (as of 2023), and 415,888 (as of 2017).
- Area: 146.98 square kilometers.
- Elevation: approximately 5 meters above sea level.
- Coordinates: Latitude -12.0522, Longitude -77.1392.
- Timezone: UTC−05:00.
- Located on the Pacific Ocean.
- Official name: El Callao.
- Postal code: 07001.
- Local dialing code: +1.
- Demonym: chalaco (masculine singular).
- Callao is twinned with numerous cities including Valparaíso, Santa Fe, Oakland, Yokohama, and San Francisco, among others.
- Notable historical events include the First, Second, and Third Sieges of Callao.
- Callao is categorized as a city, big city, and seaport.
- It is part of the Callao Region.
- Callao has a significant cultural and historical presence, with references in multiple encyclopedias and historical texts.

## FAQs
### What is Callao known for?
Callao is known as the main seaport of Peru and one of its most historically and economically significant cities. It plays a central role in Peru's maritime trade and has been the site of major historical events, including several military sieges.

### When was Callao founded?
Callao was founded on March 6, 1537.

### What is the population of Callao?
As of 2022, the population was 567,702; in 2023, it was 537,377; and in 2017, it was 415,888.

### What is the geography of Callao?
Callao is located in the Constitutional Province of Callao, on the Pacific Ocean. It covers an area of 146.98 square kilometers and lies about 5 meters above sea level.

### What is the significance of Callao in Peru?
Callao is Peru's main seaport and a key economic hub. Its strategic location has made it central to Peru's maritime history and international trade.

### What cities is Callao twinned with?
Callao is twinned with cities such as Valparaíso, Santa Fe, Oakland, Yokohama, and San Francisco, among others, reflecting its international cultural and historical ties.

### What historical events are associated with Callao?
Callao is notably associated with the First, Second, and Third Sieges of Callao, which were significant military events in Peruvian history.

### What are the classifications of Callao?
Callao is classified as a city, big city, and seaport.

## Why It Matters
Callao is the main seaport of Peru, making it essential for the country's international trade and economic activity. Its strategic location on the Pacific Ocean has made it a focal point in Peruvian history, including military conflicts and cultural exchanges. As a major urban center, it also contributes significantly to Peru's demographic and economic landscape.

## Notable For
- Being the main seaport of Peru.
- Serving as the capital of the Constitutional Province of Callao.
- Hosting significant historical events such as the Sieges of Callao.
- Being twinned with numerous international cities.
- Its role in maritime trade and economic activity.
- Its inclusion in major encyclopedias and historical references.

## Body

### History
Callao was founded on March 6, 1537, making it one of the oldest cities in Peru. It has played a central role in the country's maritime history, particularly during the colonial and republican eras. The city has been the site of several military sieges, including the First Siege of Callao, Second Siege of Callao, and Third Siege of Callao, which are significant events in Peruvian military history.

### Geography and Demographics
Callao is located in the Constitutional Province of Callao and serves as its capital. The city covers an area of 146.98 square kilometers and lies approximately 5 meters above sea level. Its coordinates are Latitude -12.0522 and Longitude -77.1392. As of 2022, the population was 567,702, increasing slightly to 537,377 in 2023, and was 415,888 in 2017. Callao is situated on the Pacific Ocean, which has made it a strategic location for trade and defense.

### Political and Administrative Structure
Callao is part of the Callao Region and serves as the capital of the Constitutional Province of Callao. The city operates under the timezone UTC−05:00 and has the postal code 07001. The local dialing code is +1. Callao is officially known as El Callao and is recognized by several international identifiers, including the UN/LOCODE PECLL.

### Culture and International Relations
Callao has a rich cultural heritage, reflected in its inclusion in major encyclopedias and historical texts such as the Sytin Military Encyclopedia and Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary. The city is twinned with numerous international cities, including Valparaíso, Santa Fe, Oakland, Yokohama, and San Francisco, among others. These relationships highlight its global cultural and historical significance.

### Economy and Infrastructure
As Peru's main seaport, Callao is crucial to the country's economy, handling a significant portion of its maritime trade. The city's infrastructure supports its role as a major economic hub, with facilities and services that cater to both domestic and international trade. Its strategic location on the Pacific Ocean enhances its importance in regional and global commerce.

### Notable Features and References
Callao is referenced in various international databases and encyclopedias, including the Encyclopædia Britannica, Treccani's Enciclopedia Italiana, and the Great Russian Encyclopedia. It is also recognized by institutions such as the Library of Congress and the Bibliothèque nationale de France. The city's coat of arms, flag, and other symbols reflect its historical and cultural identity.

### Related Entities and Collaborations
Callao is connected to several cities and regions through twinning agreements and cultural exchanges. These include Valparaíso, Paita, Santa Fe, Oakland, Yokohama, and San Francisco. These relationships facilitate cultural, educational, and economic cooperation between Callao and its international counterparts.

## References

1. [Source](http://mtafilter1.santafeciudad.gov.ar/ciudad/santa_mundo/historial_cooperacion_internacional.html)
2. [Source](https://portales.sre.gob.mx/coordinacionpolitica/images/stories/documentos_gobiernos/rai/ver/ver8.pdf)
3. [Source](https://www.eltiempo.com/archivo/documento/CMS-3712051)
4. [Source](https://peru.mfa.gov.ua/ukrayina-peru/tes2/528-mizhregionalyne-spivrobitnictvo-mizh-ukrajinoju-ta-peru)
5. [Source](https://www.euskalkultura.eus/espanol/noticias/ordizia-y-callao-se-hermanaron-durante-la-visita-del-alcalde-ordiziarra-a-peru)
6. [Source](http://transparencia.rree.gob.pe/index.php/2-planeamiento-y-organizacion/22-planes-y-politicas/222-documentos-de-planificacion/plan-operativo-institucional-poi/poi-2009/35-consulados-poa-2009/file)
7. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20140416180122/http://www.consuladoperu.com/userfiles/file/inf/571.pdf)
8. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. FIPS 10-4
11. MusicBrainz
12. [Source](https://www.minsa.gob.pe/reunis/data/poblacion_estimada.asp)
13. GeoNames
14. BBC Things
15. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/pe.htm)
16. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
17. Enciclopedia Treccani
18. Dizionario di Storia