# Cumaná

> capital city of Sucre, Venezuela

**Wikidata**: [Q319476](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q319476)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumaná)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cumana

## Summary
Cumaná is the capital city of Sucre, a state in northeastern Venezuela, and one of the oldest continuously inhabited European settlements in South America. Founded in 1502, it serves as a major cultural, historical, and administrative hub in the region, known for its coastal location along the Caribbean Sea and its rich colonial heritage.

## Key Facts
- **Capital Status**: Cumaná is the capital of Sucre, Venezuela.
- **Founding Year**: Established in 1502, making it one of the oldest cities in South America.
- **Population**: As of 2013, the city had a population of 374,706.
- **Area**: Covers 598 square kilometers.
- **Elevation**: Situated 43 meters above sea level.
- **Coordinates**: Located at 10.45° N latitude and -64.166666666667° W longitude.
- **Postal Code**: 6101.
- **Local Dialing Code**: 0293.
- **Aliases**: Known by various names including Santa Inés de Cumaná, Nueva Córdoba, La Primogénita, and Puerto de las Perlas.
- **Patron Saint**: Agnes of Rome.
- **Demonyms**: Residents are called *cumanès* (masculine) or *cumanesa* (feminine) in Catalan, and *cumanés* (masculine) or *cumanesa* (feminine) in Spanish.
- **UN/LOCODE**: VECUM.
- **Website**: Official municipal website at [alcaldiabolivarianadesucre.com](http://www.alcaldiabolivarianadesucre.com/).
- **Flag and Coat of Arms**: Features distinct municipal symbols, including a flag and coat of arms.
- **Significant Events**: Notable for historical sieges, including the Siege of Cumana.
- **Cultural References**: Described in sources like the *Encyclopædia Britannica 11th edition* and *Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary*.

## FAQs
**What is the historical significance of Cumaná?**
Cumaná is one of the oldest European-founded cities in South America, established in 1502. Its long history includes colonial-era conflicts, such as the Siege of Cumana, and it has played a key role in Venezuela’s cultural and administrative development.

**What are some alternative names for Cumaná?**
The city has been referred to by multiple names, including Santa Inés de Cumaná, Nueva Córdoba, La Primogénita ("The Firstborn"), and Puerto de las Perlas ("Port of Pearls"), reflecting its historical and economic importance.

**What is the population and geographic size of Cumaná?**
As of 2013, Cumaná had a population of 374,706 and spans an area of 598 square kilometers. It is located at an elevation of 43 meters above sea level, near the Caribbean coast.

**What cultural or administrative roles does Cumaná hold?**
Cumaná serves as the capital of Sucre state and is a center of regional governance. It is also recognized for its cultural heritage, with references in major encyclopedias and a distinct local identity, including unique demonyms for its residents.

## Why It Matters
Cumaná’s historical longevity and strategic location make it a pivotal city in Venezuela’s development. As one of the earliest European settlements in South America, it offers insights into colonial history, urban evolution, and cultural resilience. Its role as a state capital underscores its administrative importance, while its coastal position has historically driven trade and cultural exchange. The city’s preservation of heritage—through symbols like its flag and coat of arms—highlights its enduring identity in a rapidly modernizing region.

## Notable For
- **Oldest City in South America**: One of the first European-founded settlements on the continent, dating back to 1502.
- **Cultural Nicknames**: Known by poetic names like *La Primogénita* ("The Firstborn") and *Puerto de las Perlas* ("Port of Pearls").
- **Historical Sieges**: Site of notable conflicts, including the Siege of Cumana, which shaped its colonial history.
- **Distinct Demonyms**: Residents have gender-specific demonyms (*cumanès/cumanesa* in Catalan, *cumanés/cumanesa* in Spanish).
- **Administrative Hub**: Capital of Sucre state, playing a key role in regional governance.
- **Coastal Geography**: Located along the Caribbean Sea, influencing its economic and cultural development.

## Body
### **History and Founding**
Cumaná was founded in 1502, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited European settlements in South America. Its establishment predates many other major cities in the region, reflecting its early importance in colonial expansion. The city has been known by various names throughout history, including *Santa Inés de Cumaná*, *Nueva Córdoba*, and *La Primogénita* ("The Firstborn"), underscoring its foundational role. Historical records highlight its involvement in conflicts such as the *Siege of Cumana*, which marked key moments in its development.

### **Geography and Demographics**
Located at coordinates 10.45° N, -64.166666666667° W, Cumaná sits 43 meters above sea level along Venezuela’s Caribbean coast. The city covers an area of 598 square kilometers and had a population of 374,706 as of 2013. Its coastal position has historically facilitated trade and cultural exchange, contributing to its economic and strategic significance.

### **Administrative and Cultural Role**
As the capital of Sucre state, Cumaná serves as a center of regional governance. The city’s administrative functions are complemented by its rich cultural heritage, which includes distinct symbols like its flag and coat of arms. The municipal website ([alcaldiabolivarianadesucre.com](http://www.alcaldiabolivarianadesucre.com/)) provides official information, while the city’s demonyms—*cumanès/cumanesa* (Catalan) and *cumanés/cumanesa* (Spanish)—reflect its linguistic and cultural identity.

### **Notable Features and References**
Cumaná is recognized in major reference works, including the *Encyclopædia Britannica 11th edition* and the *Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary*, which document its historical and cultural significance. The city’s patron saint is Agnes of Rome, and it has been the subject of various encyclopedic entries, further cementing its place in global historical narratives.

### **Economic and Strategic Importance**
The city’s proximity to the Caribbean Sea has historically made it a hub for maritime trade, earning it nicknames like *Puerto de las Perlas* ("Port of Pearls"). Its postal code (6101) and local dialing code (0293) facilitate modern communication and logistics, while its UN/LOCODE (VECUM) aids in international trade identification.

### **Cultural Identity and Symbols**
Cumaná’s identity is reinforced by its municipal symbols, including a flag and coat of arms, which are visually distinct and historically rooted. The city’s aliases, such as *La Ciudad más antigua de América del Sur* ("The Oldest City in South America"), highlight its pride in its historical legacy. Additionally, its inclusion in multiple language editions of Wikipedia (e.g., Catalan, Spanish, English) underscores its global recognition.

### **Modern Infrastructure and Connectivity**
The city’s infrastructure includes a municipal website, archived for historical preservation, and a local dialing code (0293) for telecommunications. Its geographic coordinates and elevation data are documented in global databases, ensuring its visibility in mapping and administrative systems.

### **Significant Events and Conflicts**
Cumaná’s history includes pivotal events like the *Siege of Cumana*, which have shaped its development and resilience. These conflicts are part of the broader narrative of colonial resistance and adaptation in the region.

### **Global Recognition and Identifiers**
Cumaná is cataloged in numerous international databases, including:
- **Wikidata**: Identified as the capital of Sucre, Venezuela.
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n83023348.
- **Virtual International Authority File (VIAF)**: 138409260.
- **Geonames ID**: 3644768.
- **MusicBrainz Area ID**: b870e35c-0fc4-4d55-b7ad-86fa14fa5e74.

These identifiers ensure its representation in academic, cultural, and administrative contexts worldwide.

### **Conclusion**
Cumaná’s blend of historical depth, administrative function, and cultural vibrancy makes it a unique city in Venezuela. From its colonial origins to its modern role as a state capital, it remains a symbol of endurance and identity in South America.

## References

1. archINFORM
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. MusicBrainz
5. Instituto Nacional de Estadística
6. BBC Things
7. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
8. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File