# Iquitos

> city of Peru, capital of Loreto region

**Wikidata**: [Q193289](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q193289)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iquitos)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iquitos

## Summary
Iquitos is a major city and the capital of the Loreto Department in Peru. Situated in the Maynas Province, it serves as a significant human settlement with an estimated population of 377,609 as of 2017. Founded in 1750, it is located on the Amazon River and is recognized by various cultural aliases, including "Capital of the Peruvian Amazon" and "The Peruvian Venice of the Amazon."

## Key Facts
*   **Official Name:** Iquitos
*   **Classification:** City, Big City
*   **Country:** Peru
*   **Inception:** 1750
*   **Capital Of:** Loreto Department, Maynas Province, and Iquitos District
*   **Location:** Maynas Province; located on the Amazon River
*   **Population:** 377,609 (2017 Census); 367,153 (2007 Census)
*   **Area:** 468.5 square miles
*   **Elevation:** 106 meters above sea level
*   **Coordinates:** Latitude -3.7333333333333, Longitude -73.25
*   **Timezone:** UTC−05:00
*   **Postal Code:** 65
*   **UN/LOCODE:** PEIQT
*   **Local Dialing Code:** 65

## FAQs
**What is the geographical location and physical size of Iquitos?**
Iquitos is located in the Maynas Province of Peru at an elevation of 106 meters. It covers an area of 468.5 square miles and is situated on the Amazon River at coordinates 3.73°S, 73.25°W.

**What demographic data is available for Iquitos?**
The city has a population of 377,609 according to the 2017 census, increased from 367,153 in the 2007 census. It is classified as both a city and a big city.

**What are the administrative roles and twin cities of Iquitos?**
Iquitos serves as the capital of the Loreto Department, the Maynas Province, and the Iquitos District. It maintains twinning relationships with Caballococha, Leticia, Manaus, Milan, Moyobamba, Nueva Loja, Nuevo Rocafuerte, Coca, and Tarapoto.

**What cultural nicknames and identifiers are associated with Iquitos?**
It is known by aliases such as "Capital of the Peruvian Amazon," "The Branch of Heaven," and "The Peruvian Venice of the Amazon." It holds unique identifiers including the WOEID 418445, the GeoNames ID 3696183, and the UN/LOCODE PEIQT.

## Why It Matters
Iquitos holds significant administrative importance as the capital of the Loreto Department and Maynas Province. Its foundation in 1750 marks it as a historical settlement in the Amazon basin. The city's strategic location on the Amazon River establishes it as a critical geographical and cultural hub within the region, often symbolized by its nickname "Capital of the Peruvian Amazon." Its extensive network of twin cities across South America and Europe further underscores its role in international and regional cooperation.

## Notable For
*   Being the capital of the Loreto Department and the Peruvian Amazon region.
*   Its location directly on the Amazon River.
*   Holding a high sitelink count (73) and presence across numerous Wikipedia languages, indicating global recognition.
*   A collection of evocative aliases including "The Paradise of the Amazon Jungle" and "La Sucursal del Cielo."
*   Maintaining international relations through ten twinned administrative bodies, including Milan and Manaus.

## Body

### Geography and Demographics
Iquitos is situated within the Maynas Province of Peru. Geographically, it lies at latitude -3.7333333333333 and longitude -73.25. The city encompasses a total area of 468.5 square miles and sits at an elevation of 106 meters above sea level. It is physically located in or next to the body of water known as the Amazon.

Demographically, the city has experienced growth in the 21st century. Census data records a population of 367,153 in 2007, which rose to 377,609 by 2017. These figures classify Iquitos as a "big city" and a "large human settlement."

### Administration and History
Established in 1750, Iquitos functions as a critical administrative center. It is the capital of three distinct entities:
*   Loreto Department
*   Maynas Province
*   Iquitos District

The city operates within the UTC−05:00 timezone and utilizes the postal code 65.

### Cultural Identity and Aliases
The entity possesses a rich tapestry of names and aliases reflecting its cultural significance. Native and official labels denote it simply as "Iquitos." Common aliases include:
*   Capital of the peruvian amazon
*   The branch of heaven
*   The paradise of the amazon jungle
*   The peruvian venice of the amazon
*   Capital de la amazonía peruana
*   La sucursal del cielo
*   El paraíso de la selva amazónica
*   La venecia peruana del amazonas
*   San Pablo de Nueva Napeanos

### Global Connections and Twin Cities
Iquitos maintains a broad network of twinned administrative bodies, fostering connections with other major cities:
*   **Caballococha**
*   **Leticia**
*   **Manaus**
*   **Milan**
*   **Moyobamba**
*   **Nueva Loja**
*   **Nuevo Rocafuerte**
*   **Coca**
*   **Tarapoto**

### Technical Identifiers and Media
The city is cataloged under numerous international identification systems:
*   **UN/LOCODE:** PEIQT
*   **WOEID (Where On Earth ID):** 418445
*   **GND ID:** 4253747-2
*   **VIAF ID:** 147765330
*   **GeoNames ID:** 3696183
*   **Freebase ID:** /m/02v7h6
*   **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n82037388
*   **Encyclopædia Britannica Online ID:** place/Iquitos
*   **OpenStreetMap Node ID:** 27434277

Media assets associated with the city include a flag image, a coat of arms, a page banner, and a montage image hosted on Wikimedia Commons. A video titled "Iquitos, Peru.webm" is also linked to the entity.

### Digital Presence
Iquitos has a significant digital footprint, evidenced by a sitelink count of 73 and Wikipedia presence in over 60 languages, including Afrikaans, Arabic, Chinese, English, Spanish, and Russian. It holds identifiers on platforms like Google Play (Store ID: Iquitos), Instagram (Location ID: 234650337), and Quora (Topic: Iquitos-Perú).

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [2017 Peru Census](https://www.inei.gob.pe/media/MenuRecursivo/publicaciones_digitales/Est/Lib1539/libro.pdf)
5. [2007 Peru Census](https://www.inei.gob.pe/media/MenuRecursivo/publicaciones_digitales/Est/Lib1539/libro.pdf)
6. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
7. GeoNames
8. BBC Things
9. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/pe.htm)