# Coro

> capital of Falcón State and the oldest city in the west of Venezuela

**Wikidata**: [Q1134454](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1134454)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coro,_Venezuela)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/coro

## Summary  
Coro is the capital of Falcón State in Venezuela and the oldest city in the western region of the country, founded on July 26, 1527, by Juan Martínez de Ampiés. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, it is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture and historical significance.  

## Key Facts  
- **Founded**: July 26, 1527, by Juan Martínez de Ampiés.  
- **Population**: 265,569 (2020), with historical data showing growth from 148,514 (1990) to 284,266 (2011).  
- **Area**: 44 km²; UNESCO World Heritage Site core area spans 7.85 hectares, with a 66.8-hectare buffer zone.  
- **Coordinates**: 11.395° N, 69.681583333333° W.  
- **Elevation**: 17 meters above sea level.  
- **Capital of**: Falcón State (current) and Venezuela Province (1527–1545).  
- **Nicknames**: "Ciudad Mariana" (Marian City).  
- **Demonym**: *Coriano* (singular), *Corianos* (plural).  
- **Patron Saint**: Saint Anne.  
- **Time Zone**: UTC−04:00.  
- **UNESCO Status**: Part of "Coro and its Port" World Heritage Site (ID 658-001), listed in 1993.  
- **Twin Cities**: La Plata, La Paz, Minas, Torreón, Mérida, Granada, Mascota, St. John’s.  
- **Website**: [comunas.gob.ve/?s=Coro](https://comunas.gob.ve/?s=Coro) (Spanish).  
- **Postal Code**: 4101.  
- **Local Dialing Code**: 0268.  

## FAQs  
**Q: When was Coro founded, and by whom?**  
A: Coro was founded on July 26, 1527, by Spanish conquistador Juan Martínez de Ampiés.  

**Q: What is Coro’s population?**  
A: As of 2020, the population is 265,569, up from 183,656 in 2001 and 148,514 in 1990.  

**Q: Why is Coro historically significant?**  
A: It is Venezuela’s oldest western city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a key colonial-era settlement with preserved architecture.  

**Q: What organizations is Coro part of?**  
A: It is a member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities (as of 2023).  

**Q: What natural features are near Coro?**  
A: The city is located near the Gulf of Venezuela.  

## Why It Matters  
Coro holds immense cultural and historical value as a living example of colonial Spanish urban planning and architecture. Its UNESCO designation underscores its global significance, while its role as Falcón State’s capital and its strategic port highlight its economic and administrative importance. The city’s survival of historical challenges, including being listed as a World Heritage Site in Danger (2005), reflects its resilience and enduring legacy.  

## Notable For  
- Oldest city in western Venezuela and one of the continent’s earliest Spanish settlements.  
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, recognized for its colonial-era urban landscape.  
- Site of the 1859 "Capture of Coro" during Venezuela’s federalist wars.  
- Member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities.  
- Twinned with cities across Latin America and the Caribbean, reinforcing regional cultural ties.  

## Body  

### History  
Coro was founded on July 26, 1527, by Juan Martínez de Ampiés, serving as the capital of Venezuela Province until 1545. Named after the native *Coro* people, it was later renamed *Santa Ana de Coro* in honor of Saint Anne. The city played a pivotal role in the colonial era and was the site of the 1859 "Capture of Coro" during Venezuela’s federalist conflicts.  

### Geography and Location  
Located at 11.395° N, 69.681583333333° W, Coro spans 44 km² in northwest Venezuela. It lies near the Gulf of Venezuela, 17 meters above sea level. The UNESCO World Heritage Site core covers 7.85 hectares, with a 66.8-hectare buffer zone.  

### Demographics  
As of 2020, Coro’s population is 265,569, reflecting steady growth from 148,514 in 1990. Residents are called *Corianos* (singular: *Coriano*).  

### Governance and Administration  
Coro serves as the capital of Falcón State and is part of Municipio Miranda and Municipio Colina. Historically, it was the capital of Venezuela Province from 1527 to 1545.  

### Cultural and Historical Significance  
Coro’s colonial architecture, including its grid layout and historic port, earned it UNESCO recognition in 1993. The city is a member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities (since 2023) and was briefly listed as a World Heritage Site in Danger in 2005.  

### Economy and Infrastructure  
The city’s port has long been a key economic driver. Modern Coro has a postal code of 4101 and a local dialing code of 0268. Its website ([comunas.gob.ve/?s=Coro](https://comunas.gob.ve/?s=Coro)) provides municipal information in Spanish.  

### International Relations  
Coro is twinned with eight cities, including La Plata (Argentina), La Paz (Bolivia), and St. John’s (Antigua and Barbuda), fostering cultural and diplomatic ties.  

### Identifiers and Recognition  
Coro holds numerous international identifiers, such as VIAF ID 127652941, GeoNames ID 3645213, and World Heritage Site ID 658-001. It is categorized in libraries and encyclopedias worldwide, including the *Encyclopædia Britannica* and *Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary*.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.investintorreon.com/assets/newsletter-new-edition-nov-12.pdf)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [Source](https://www.ovpm.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/liste-villes-en-regle-pour-page-web12-03-2024.pdf)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. MusicBrainz
6. Instituto Nacional de Estadística
7. GeoNames
8. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/ve.htm)
9. Quora