Los Teques facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Los Teques
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City
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Los Teques Buildings, Bolívar Square, Paseo Lamas, Street in Los Teques, Los Teques Cathedral, Pozo de Rosas, Central hull and Shepherds of the Child Jesus of the Teques
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.svg)
 Los Teques
Location in Venezuela
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| Country |  Venezuela |
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| State | Miranda | |
| Founded | 1777 | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 252,242 | |
| Demonym(s) | Tequense, tequeño or Los Altos Mirandinos (colloquialy) | |
| Time zone | UTC−4 (VET) | |
| Climate | Cwb | |
| Website | http://guaicaipuro-miranda.gov.ve/ | |
Los Teques is a city in north-central Venezuela. It is the capital of the Miranda state and the Guaicaipuro area. The city is located about 25 kilometers (15 miles) southwest of Caracas, which is the capital of Venezuela. Los Teques sits high up, about 1,169 meters (3,835 feet) above sea level, in a mountain range called the Cordillera de la Costa. The San Pedro River flows through the city. In 2015, Los Teques had about 159,532 people living there. It is also part of the larger city area known as Greater Caracas.
Contents
History of Los Teques
When the Spanish first arrived, the Los Teques region was famous for its gold mines. It was also the home of Guaicaipuro, a brave indigenous leader. Guaicaipuro led the local people in fighting against the conquistadores (Spanish conquerors) until 1568, when he was killed in battle.
By the year 1600, Los Teques became part of lands controlled by the Spanish. These lands were first given to Francisco Tostado de la Peña and Andrés González. Later, they belonged to Diego de Miquilena. In 1684, Miquilena sold the "lands of Los Altos" to Doña Melchora Ana Tovar y Bañez.
Growth of the Settlement
During the 1700s, more people moved to the region. Many settlers came from the Canary Islands. In 1772, Spanish residents from San Pedro de Los Altos started moving to a new place. This new settlement was officially founded as Los Teques on October 21, 1777. The town's name came from the Aractoeques Carabs, an indigenous tribe that used to live there.
In 1781, Los Teques had about 1,500 people. The famous explorer Alexander von Humboldt visited in 1800. He described it as a "miserable village." By 1805, the population had grown to 2,800 people. In late 1810, the towns of San Pedro de los Altos and Carizal became separate from Los Teques.
Los Teques as a Capital
In 1854, the Guaicaipuro canton (a type of district) was created. Los Teques became its main town. At this time, many farms in the area grew coffee. In 1891, the area was divided into two districts: Los Teques and San Juan.
In October 1892, a big battle happened near Los Teques during the Legalist Revolution. In March 1901, the Miranda state was created. Los Teques officially became the state capital on February 13, 1927.
Education and Institutions
Many important institutions were built in Los Teques. The Salesians opened San Jose High School in 1912. Francisco de Miranda High School followed in 1940. In 1950, the National Guard Training School was established. Los Teques became a diocese (a church district) in 1965. Its first bishop was Juan José Bernal.
In 1970, the National Institute of Science and Technology for the Petroleum Industry (INTEVEP) was built nearby. In 1971, the University College of the Capital Region started operating. The Ateneo de Los Teques, a cultural center, was established in October 1979.
Geography and Climate
Los Teques has a pleasant climate. The average temperature usually ranges from 18 to 26 degrees Celsius (64 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit).
Transportation in Los Teques
Los Teques has its own metro system. On November 3, 2006, President Hugo Chávez officially opened the Los Teques Metro. This metro system connects Los Teques directly to the Caracas Metro system, making it easier for people to travel between the two cities.
Images for kids
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Equestrian statue in the Plaza Bolívar de Los Teques.
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Parque Gustavo Knoop or parque Los coquitos en Los Teques, state Miranda Venezuela
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Paseo Lamas de los Teques - Miranda.
See also
In Spanish: Los Teques para niños
