# Puno

> Capital city of Puno, Peru

**Wikidata**: [Q232842](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q232842)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puno)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/puno

## Summary
Puno is the capital city of the Puno Region in Peru, located in the high-altitude Altiplano near Lake Titicaca. Founded in 1668, it serves as a cultural and administrative hub with a population exceeding 128,000 as of 2017. The city is recognized as the "Capital of Peruvian Folklore" and is known for its rich indigenous heritage and vibrant traditional festivals.

## Key Facts
- Founded on November 4, 1668.
- Population: 119,116 in 2007; 128,637 in 2017 (latest census).
- Elevation: 3,830 meters above sea level.
- Located in Puno Province, Peru.
- Capital of Puno Department, Puno Province, and Puno District.
- Coordinates: Latitude -15.843333333333, Longitude -70.023611111111.
- Situated near Lake Titicaca, one of the highest navigable lakes in the world.
- Officially recognized as the "Capital of the Folklore of Peru."
- Twin cities: La Paz (Bolivia), Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia).
- Administrative head: Walter Aduviri Calisaya.
- Languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, and others.
- Contains a rich collection of cultural expressions and festivals.
- Home to the annual Virgen de la Candelaria festival, one of South America's most important religious celebrations.
- Has a dedicated category for people born in Puno: "Category: People from Puno."
- Featured in multiple language versions of Wikipedia, including Spanish, English, French, German, and Japanese.
- Geonames ID: 3931276.
- UN/LOCODE: PEPUN.
- OpenStreetMap Node ID: 59043304.
- Connected to the global music community via MusicBrainz Area ID: 42cf897a-86ba-4384-b5aa-2fcd5e2e1981.
- Notable for its elevation, cultural identity, and historical significance in the Andean region.

## FAQs
### Where is Puno located?
Puno is located in the Puno Province of Peru, near Lake Titicaca. It is the capital of the Puno Department and is known for its high-altitude setting at approximately 3,830 meters above sea level.

### What is the population of Puno?
As of 2017, the population of Puno was 128,637, up from 119,116 in 2007, according to census data.

### What is Puno known for?
Puno is known as the "Capital of Peruvian Folklore" due to its vibrant cultural traditions, including the globally recognized Virgen de la Candelaria festival. It is also a center for Aymara and Quechua cultural expression.

### When was Puno founded?
Puno was founded on November 4, 1668.

### What is the significance of Lake Titicaca in relation to Puno?
Puno is located directly on the shores of Lake Titicaca, which is central to its cultural and economic life. The lake is also a major geographical and spiritual landmark in the Andes.

### What are some notable cultural aspects of Puno?
Puno is known for its traditional festivals, especially the Virgen de la Candelaria celebration, which draws thousands of participants and tourists. It is also a UNESCO-recognized center of indigenous cultural expression.

### Is Puno connected to other cities?
Yes, Puno is twinned with La Paz and Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Bolivia, reflecting its regional and cultural ties.

### What is the administrative structure of Puno?
Puno is the capital of Puno Department, Puno Province, and Puno District. The current head of government is Walter Aduviri Calisaya.

### What is the elevation of Puno?
Puno is located at 3,830 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest cities in the world.

### What languages are spoken in Puno?
Spanish is the official language, but Aymara and Quechua are also widely spoken, reflecting the city's indigenous heritage.

## Why It Matters
Puno holds significant cultural, historical, and geographic importance in Peru. As the capital of the Puno Region, it serves as a vital hub for Andean culture and identity. The city is a living repository of pre-Columbian traditions, particularly through its festivals and indigenous languages like Aymara and Quechua. Its proximity to Lake Titicaca, one of the most iconic geographical features in South America, makes it a key location for tourism and cultural exchange. Puno also plays a central role in the celebration of the Virgen de la Candelaria, one of the most important religious festivals in the Andes. Its elevation and location make it a unique urban center that bridges the gap between highland and global cultures.

## Notable For
- Being the "Capital of Peruvian Folklore"
- Hosting the globally significant Virgen de la Candelaria festival
- High-altitude urban center, located at 3,830 meters above sea level
- Cultural preservation of Aymara and Quechua traditions
- Proximity to Lake Titicaca, a major Andean landmark
- Twinning with major Bolivian cities like La Paz and Santa Cruz de la Sierra
- Historical significance as a colonial city founded in 1668
- Recognition in multiple international databases and cultural frameworks

## Body

### History
Puno was officially founded on November 4, 1668. The city has grown to become a significant cultural and historical center in the Peruvian highlands. It is recognized for its role in preserving and promoting Andean traditions, particularly through its designation as the "Capital of Peruvian Folklore." The city's history is deeply interwoven with the indigenous cultures of the Altiplano and its proximity to Lake Titicaca, which has made it a cultural and economic crossroads for centuries.

### Geography and Location
Puno is located in the Puno Province of Peru, with coordinates at approximately -15.8433° latitude and -70.0236° longitude. The city sits at an elevation of 3,830 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest cities in the world. It is situated directly on the shores of Lake Titicaca, a defining geographic feature of the region. This location has historically made Puno a key point of trade and cultural exchange in the Andes.

### Population and Demographics
As of the 2017 census, Puno had a population of 128,637, up from 119,116 in 2007. The city is a melting pot of indigenous and mestizo cultures, with Spanish, Aymara, and Quechua being widely spoken. The city's demographics reflect its role as a cultural crossroads, with a strong indigenous presence that shapes its identity.

### Culture and Traditions
Puno is globally recognized as the "Capital of Peruvian Folklore" due to its vibrant cultural expressions. The city is the birthplace of the Virgen de la Candelaria festival, one of the most important religious and cultural celebrations in South America. This event draws thousands of participants and is a major highlight of Andean cultural life. The city also plays a central role in preserving Aymara and Quechua traditions, which are evident in its music, dance, and festivals.

### Government and Administration
Puno serves as the capital of the Puno Department, Puno Province, and Puno District. The current head of government is Walter Aduviri Calisaya. The city's administrative structure reflects its importance as a regional center of governance and culture.

### International and Cultural Ties
Puno is twinned with La Paz and Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Bolivia, highlighting its regional and cultural connections. It is also recognized in multiple international databases, including the Library of Congress Authority ID (n83174463), the Canadiana Name Authority ID (ncf12007028), and the MusicBrainz Area ID (42cf897a-86ba-4384-b5aa-2fcd5e2e1981).

### Language and Identity
Puno is multilingual, with Spanish as the official language and Aymara and Quechua widely spoken. The city is also known by several aliases, including "Ciudad de Puno," "Capital del Folklore del Perú," and "Folklore Peruvian," reflecting its cultural identity.

### Notable Features and Recognition
Puno is featured in 30+ language versions of Wikipedia and is recognized by the iNaturalist platform (place ID: 13170) and the Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana. It is also listed in the Who's on First database (ID: 421170101) and has a dedicated page on OpenStreetMap (Node ID: 59043304).

### Infrastructure and Digital Presence
Puno is present in digital spaces such as the Google Play Store (app ID: Puno) and has a dedicated Commons gallery and category on Wikimedia. It is also listed in the Freebase database (ID: /m/02wpyw) and has a presence in Curlie (Regional/South_America/Peru/Departments/Puno/Puno/).

### Religion and Festivals
The city is known for its deep religious traditions, particularly the Virgen de la Candelaria festival, which is one of the most important religious celebrations in the Andes. This event is a major draw for both cultural and religious tourism.

### Environmental and Natural Features
Puno is located near Lake Titicaca, one of the highest navigable lakes in the world. The lake is central to the city's identity, both culturally and economically. The city's high-altitude location (3,830 meters) also makes it a unique ecological and geographic landmark.

### Cultural and Historical References
Puno is described in the Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (4th edition, 1885–1890) and is part of the Factgrid database (Item ID: Renate Spitzner). It is also listed in the Encyclopædia Britannica Online (ID: place/Puno-Peru) and the Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana (ID: puno).

### Notable People and Categories
Puno has a dedicated category for people born in the city ("Category: People from Puno") and a category for views of the city ("Category: Views of Puno"). It also has a category for associated people ("Category: People from Puno").

### Conclusion
Puno is a city of immense cultural, historical, and geographic significance. Its high-altitude location, proximity to Lake Titicaca, and rich cultural traditions make it a unique and important center in the Andes. Its role in preserving indigenous culture, hosting major festivals, and maintaining international and regional ties underscores its continued relevance in the cultural and historical landscape of South America.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. MusicBrainz
4. [2007 Peru Census](https://www.inei.gob.pe/media/MenuRecursivo/publicaciones_digitales/Est/Lib1539/libro.pdf)
5. [2017 Peru Census](https://www.inei.gob.pe/media/MenuRecursivo/publicaciones_digitales/Est/Lib1539/libro.pdf)
6. GeoNames
7. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/pe.htm)
8. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
9. KBpedia