Lima
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| Lima | |||
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| Nickname: City of the Kings | |||
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| Coordinates: | |||
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| Country | Peru | ||
| Region | Lima Region | ||
| Province | Lima Province | ||
| Settled | 1535 | ||
| Government | |||
| - Mayor | Luis Castañeda Lossio | ||
| Area | |||
| - City | 804.3 km² (498.3 sq mi) | ||
| - Land | 804.3 km² (469.1 sq mi) | ||
| - Water | 75.7 km² (29.2 sq mi) 5.8% | ||
| - Urban | 4,319.9 km² (1,667.9 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 0 - 1,548 m (0 - 5,079 ft) | ||
| Population (2006)[1] | |||
| - City | 4,097,340 | ||
| - Density | 8,544/km² (22,128.9/sq mi) | ||
| - Urban | 6,872,766 | ||
| - Metro | 8,187,398 | ||
| Time zone | UTC (UTC-5) | ||
| - Summer (DST) | PDT (UTC-4) | ||
| Website: www.munlima.gob.pe | |||
Lima, capital of Lima Province, is both the capital and largest city in Peru. It is the cultural and economic hub of the country. Lima occupies the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers. It lies on a desertic coast overlooking the Bay of Lima in the Pacific Ocean where its port was built and named Callao.
Lima was founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535, as the City of Kings. It became the most important city in the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru, an administrative area encompassing most of Spain's possessions in South America during the colonial era (mid 1500s to early 1800s). For more than three centuries, Lima was the greatest metropolis in South America. Today nearly one-third of the nation's population lives in this one metropolitan area.
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[edit] Geography
[edit] Geology
The city of Lima (urban area) covers about 800 km². It is located on mostly flat terrain in the Peruvian coastal plain, within the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers. The city slopes gently from the shores of the Pacific Ocean into valleys and mountain slopes located as high as 500 mASL. Within the city exist isolated hills which are not connected to the surrounding hill chains, such as El Agustino, San Cosme, El Pino, La Milla, Muleria and Pro hills. The San Cristobal hill, which directly faces north of the downtown area, is the local extreme of an Andean hill outgrowth.
While no official administrative definition for the city exists, it is usually considered to be comprised of the central 30 out of the 43 districts of Lima Province, corresponding to an urban area centered on the historic Cercado de Lima district. The city is the core of the Lima Metropolitan Area, one of the ten largest metropolitan areas in the Americas.
The location of the city was decided at Epiphany (January 6), the day of the Three Kings, and Francisco Pizarro named it Tres Veces Coronada Ciudad de los Reyes. Lima, its original name, however, persisted. It is uncertain where the name originated; it may derive either from the Aymara word lima-limaq, (yellow flower) or from Quechuan rimaq (talking). In the oldest Spanish maps of Peru, Lima and Ciudad de los Reyes (City of Kings) can be seen together as names of the city. The river that feeds Lima is still called Rimac, Quechua for "Talking river" (Río Hablador in Spanish).
[edit] Cityscape
Lima neighborhoods display a degree of diversity well befitting the largest city in Peru. Much of this is an artifact of the city's history of growth by annexation, which allowed distinct environments to arise in many areas; indeed, many Lima neighborhoods, such as La Molina, San Juan de Lurigancho and Chorrillos are fairly close-knit, culturally distinctive communities.
[edit] Climate
Lima's climate is quite mild, despite being located in the Tropics. The average low temperatures range from 58°F (14°C) to 68°F (20°C) and the highs average around 78°F, with 32°C (90°F) considered extremely high. While these temperatures are generally thought of as mild and comfortable in other places, these variations take some time during the day, having unnoticed low temperatures for summer clothed people and vice versa.
Relative humidity is very high, and produces brief morning fog from December to June and persistent low clouds from May to November. Sunny, moist and warm summers (Dec-Apr) are followed by cloudy, damp and cool winters (Jun-Oct). Rainfall is almost unknown. The yearly average of 0.7 cm (0.3in) reported at the airport is the lowest of any large metropolitan area in the world. Inland locations receive 1 to 6 cm of rainfall, which accumulates mainly during the winter months. Summer rain occurs in the form of isolated light and brief afternoon or evening events, leftover from afternoon storms that generate over the Andes. The peak of the 'rainy season,' which really does not apply, occurs during winter when late-night/morning drizzle events (locally called 'garúa','llovizna' or 'camanchacas') become frequent. All these climatic phenomena arise from the combination of semi-permanent coastal upwelling and the presence of the cold Humboldt Current just offshore.
One thing to take into consideration is that because of the coast, hills and valleys, there is no single climate for all of Lima. For example, in winter the Surco area of Lima which is closer to the coast will be cool and damp. In contrast, the more elevated next district La Molina area will be warmer and drier. The Cieneguilla area, about 30 minutes drive to the East of La Molina, provides sunshine and spring-like weather seemingly year round. Lima is described as having micro-climates; while winter is generally winter in all of Lima, a 30 minute drive in any direction can put you in a slightly warmer, drier, wetter or colder area depending on your elevation and distance to the coast. Same goes for the other seasons. Lima is a cool place Image:Lima-miraflores.jpg
[edit] Economy
Lima has substantial textile, paper, paint, and food products industries. In recent decades, Lima has rapidly expanded and the city has seen much unregulated development. In the last decade, air pollution has risen to alarming levels, as no restrictions are allowed on the age or efficiency of motor vehicles. Leaded petrol is no longer sold however.
[edit] Demographics
The Lima Metropolis ranks among Latin America's largest and densest urban concentrations, with estimated populations (as of 2005) of 6.9 million for the urban area, 7.4 million for the entire province, and 8.2 million for the metropolitan area.[2] The population of Lima features a very complex mix of racial and ethnic groups. Traditionally, Mestizos, Peruvians of mixed Spanish and Amerindian descent, have been the largest contingent, making up much of the middle class. However, political and economic instability of Peru during the latter half of the twentieth century created unprecedented poverty and violence in the towns of the countryside Andean or highlands, forcing hundreds of thousands of peasants of full-blooded Amerindian descendants to migrate to Lima, thus greatly augmenting Lima's population. Unlike other ethnic groups that live in Lima and only speak Spanish, most of the peasant population that migrated to Lima speak primarily Quechua or Aymara before Spanish, rather than Spanish. While a number of Amerindians eventually attain middle class status, others still live in shantytowns, locally known as pueblos jóvenes (young towns). These areas often lack such basic services as electricity and running water. It is expected, that over the next ten years, the population of these shantytowns will diminish to 8% of the population of Lima. Europeans, the economically dominant segment of the population, are mostly of Spanish descent, but there are significant numbers of Italians, Germans and others. Afro-Peruvians, initially brought to the region as slaves, are yet another important part of the city's ethnic quilt.
The racial demographics for the city of Lima are:
- 50% Mestizo (mixed European and Amerindian ancestry)
- 26% White
- 60% Spanish
- 40% Italian, German, or other European ancestry
- 10% Amerindian
- 55% Quechua
- 15% Aymara
- 2% Black
- 2% Asian (Chinese, Japanese or other Asian ancestry)
[edit] Districts and neighborhoods
Lima city proper is generally considered to be comprised of the densely-populated, thirty central districts of Lima Province. Each district is headed by a mayor, although the Metropolitan Lima Municipal Council (Municipalidad Metropolitana de Lima), led by the mayor of Lima, also has authority in these districts, including the thirteen outer districts of Lima province.
The historical downtown of the city is located in the Lima District, which is locally known as Cercado de Lima. This is where most vestiges of Lima's colonial heyday remain, as well as the Presidential Palace and the Metropolitan Lima Municipal Council.
The neighborhoods of Miraflores and San Isidro are among the wealthiest in the city with most of Lima's upscale hotels and other tourist destinations located in them. The latter district is also an important financial center that is nowadays far more important in Lima's daily business life than the Cercado. The districts of La Molina, San Borja and Santiago de Surco, are also among the wealthiest and offer quieter, residential areas.
Barranco, not far south of Miraflores, is known as a bohemian neighborhood and has earned recognition for its population of writers and intellectuals. Barranco is also home to a famous historical bridge.
The most populous districts of Lima lie in the north and south ends of the city. Their population is comprised principally of immigrants from other regions of Peru. Many of them are poor people of indigenous origin who arrived during the mid and late twentieth century after being displaced by terrorism, agrarian crises, and general economic frustration. These peasants invaded the vast desert areas and hillsides in the districts of the Cono Norte and Cono Sur areas, populating new slums known as pueblos jóvenes. The majority of the people are poor and live in slums with no electricity and running water, although the area has seen significant improvement in many areas.
[edit] Chinatown
One thing that surprises the tourist that visits Peru is the large amount of oriental restaurants. There are over 2000 Chinese restaurants called "chifas". Peru is by far the country with the most Chinese restaurants in Latin America. The first 75 Chinese to arrive in Peru - to the province of Cañete and the department of Ica - arrived, to be more precise, in 1849. They came to work in the 'haciendas' along the Coast, at the time lacking labor force as a result of the liberation of black slaves. Throughout the next 25 years, approximately 100,000 Chinese entered Peru. At that time, not only did they work at the 'haciendas'; they also worked at building the railroad and at extracting 'guano'.
The War of the Pacific once ended, the majority of Chinese migrated to the larger cities; particularly Lima, forming there Peru's most important Cantonese community.
But it is only since 1950 that reference may be made of a Chinatown in Lima. It was in those days that the 'calle' Capón was born; famous for its 'chifas' and their typical dishes from the Chinese provinces of Guangdon (Canton), Sichuan and Peking; from where the majority of immigrants came, bringing with them their delicious and exotic dishes prepared with spices such as pepper from Sichuan and 'chempi', among others.
Today, Chinatown is headquarters for the China Benevolent Society; counts with two daily journals: "The Voice of the Chinese Colony", published every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and 'Man Chin Po', America's oldest Chinese daily, published Wednesdays and Saturdays. There are also three temples: Ku Kun Chaou, Pun Yi and Y Chin; readings of the ancient Chinese oracle being held at the latter.
"Today, there are very few countrymen", remarks Carlos Chu, editor of the Man Chi Po - "of us, about 500 were born in China, but the colony is immense. Throughout Peru probably half a million people have Chinese blood."
[edit] Transport
Lima does not have a public bus system. Private busses, commonly known as micros or combis, are very cheap but their routes are confusing especially to foreigners. Combis are often crowded and poorly maintained.
Taxis vary in quality of service and price. They can be stopped at any street, or private taxi companies can be called to pick up passengers at a certain address.
Numerous inter-urban bus companies offer transportation to other cities in Peru. Quality varies depending on the price, from luxury express buses to uncomfortable and crowded micros.
Nowadays Lima's mayor is working on a new bus system called Metropolitano where all buses will have exclusive lines; it has been told that new buses must be acquired by the companies working in the metropolitan area, this busses will be bought from a Chinese company, the same company that sells buses to Italy. The mayor's hope is to see a new massive transport system in the next few years.
To improve the quality of taxis running in Lima, a new law has been promulgated forbidding the importation of used cars; the city of Lima hopes that this law will promote the use of newer cars in the city, reducing vehicle emissions and smog.
Lima has a rapid transit rail system called the Lima Metro. An agreement signed by Mayor Luis Castañeda and President Alejandro Toledo on February 17, 2005, provided funding for finishing the Lima Metro, an above-ground mass-transit system which will link the downtown area with the financial district, San Isidro. The project was launched in the late 1980s but left unfinished by former (now re-elected) president Alan García.
Lima's main passenger gateway for national and international air travelers is Jorge Chávez International Airport.
[edit] Tourist attractions
The Historic centre of Lima, located in downtown Lima and the Rímac District, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 due to the large number of historical buildings dating from the Spanish colonial era, a small number of which have now been restored. In particular, the monumental Plaza Mayor, with the 16th century Cathedral and the Presidential Palace, and the catacombs of the Convento de San Francisco are popular with visitors.
Several sections of the Lima City Walls can still be seen. These fine examples of Spanish medieval fortification were used to defend Lima from attacks from pirates and corsairs.
The city also has a number of fine museums, notably the National Museum of Anthropology, Archaeology, and History and the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum, both in the Pueblo Libre district.
Lima holds one of the world´s most wonderful cuisines, which greatly fusions inca and Spanish culinary traditions, including as well many African, Asian (mainly Chinese and Japanese), French, Italian and muslim cuisine features and dishes. The city is rapidly becoming world-famous for its fish and seafood, creole, Peruvian-Chinese (chifa) and diversely oriented fusion cuisine. You may try them all across the countless Lima Restaurants. [2]
Many small beaches, which are heavily visited during the summer months, are located by the southern Pan-American Highway. The most well-known ones are located in the districts of Santa María del Mar, Punta Hermosa, Punta Negra, San Bartolo and Pucusana. And Lima's wealthy families usually go during summer to the highly exclusive beaches of Asia 97 kilometers south of Lima. Also, the district of Ancón, located north of the city, has a very popular beach resort. Numerous restaurants, clubs and hotels have been opened in these places to serve the many beachgoers. The beaches in Lima itself are not suitable for swimming because the city's sewage is dumped raw into the ocean.
The suburban district of Cieneguilla and the town of Chosica (in the Lurigancho District) provide attractive green landscapes at a short distance from the city. Because of their elevation (over 500 meters), the sun shines in these areas even during winter and hence they are visited by residents of Lima to escape from the winter fog, lounging and spending weekends in hotels and country restaurants.
Recently, the Palomino Islands near the port of Callao have attracted visitors due to a population of sea lions.
Situated in Monterrico, the Gold Museum, together with the even more interesting textile museum. Here can be seen almost perfectly preserved thousand year old garments and feathered capes recovered from the waterless deserts of Western Peru. Also in the same building, an arms museum with a huge range of antique Spanish firearms, among muskets and arquebuses.
[edit] Education
[edit] Universities
The city has the largest concentration of higher-education institutions in the country. The National University of San Marcos, founded on May 12, 1551 during Spanish colonial regime is the oldest continuously functioning university in the Americas. Other public universities also play key roles in teaching and research, such as the Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería and Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal. The Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú is the oldest private university (established on 1917). Other notable private institutions that are located in the city are Universidad de Lima, Universidad de San de Martin de Porres, Universidad del Pacifico, Universidad Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas and Universidad Ricardo Palma.
[edit] Sister cities
List of sister cities, designated by Sister Cities International:
Austin, United States, since 1981- Cleveland, United States
- Miami, Florida, United States
Bordeaux, France, since 1957
Beijing, China, since November 21, 1983
Madrid, Spain
São Paulo, Brazil
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Guadalajara, Mexico
[edit] See also
- Lima and Callao Metropolitan Area
- Transportation of Lima
- List of sites of interest in the Lima Metropolitan area
- List of people from Lima
[edit] References
[edit] External links
| Find more information on Lima by searching Wikipedia's sister projects | |
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News stories from Wikinews |
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Learning resources from Wikiversity |
- Municipality of Lima (in Spanish)
- Lima expat travel and tourist information (in French)
- Sazonperu.com The Guide to restaurants in Peru - Lima Restaurants
- Lima at geographia.com
- Lima travel and tourist information
- Hotels in Lima
- Lima Stock Exchange
- The climate of Lima
- Lima maps (in Spanish)
- Cieneguilla Restaurants
- Lima travel guide from Wikitravel
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- Mapping from Multimap or GlobalGuide or Google Maps
- Aerial image from TerraServer
- Satellite image from WikiMapia
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