San Juan Opico facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
San Juan Opico
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Municipality
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San Juan Evangelista Parochial Church
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 San Juan Opico
Location in El Salvador
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| Country | El Salvador |
| Department | La Libertad |
| Area | |
| • Total | 84 sq mi (218 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,614 ft (492 m) |
| Population
(2007)
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| • Total | 74,280 |
San Juan Opico (or Opico) is a special type of town called a municipality in El Salvador. It is part of the La Libertad department, which is like a state or province.
This town is about 42 kilometers (26 miles) away from San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador. San Juan Opico covers an area of 218 square kilometers (about 84 square miles). In 2007, about 74,280 people lived there, making it the 13th largest town in terms of population.
San Juan Opico is home to some amazing ancient places. These include Joya de Cerén and San Andrés, which are archaeological sites from before Christopher Columbus arrived. There is also a beautiful church built a long time ago during the colonial period.
History of Opico
The town of Opico started as a village for indigenous people in 1572. Later, in 1881, it was officially given the title of a town. This means it grew and became more important over time.
Areas of San Juan Opico
The municipality of San Juan Opico is divided into 27 smaller areas called cantons. These are like neighborhoods or small communities within the larger town.
- San Jose la Cueva
- Talcualuya
- El Castillo
- Buena Vista
- Nombre de Dios
- San Antonio
- San Pedro Martir
- Tehuicho
- Barranca Honda
- Los Amates
- Pitichorro
- Nueva Encarnación
- Chantusnene
- San Nicolás Encarnación
- Minas de Plomo
- San Pedro Oriente
- San Felipe
- Los Encuentros
- Agua Escondida
- Lomas de Santiago
- Joya de Ceren
- Sitio del Niño
- Chanmico
- Matazano
- Sitio Grande
- El Jabali
- Las Delicias
- Las Granadillas
Sports in Opico
San Juan Opico has its own football (soccer) team called Juventud Independiente. This team used to play in the top football league in El Salvador, the Salvadoran Premier Division. They were promoted to this league in the summer of 2011. Now, they play in the second division. Their home games are played at the Complejo Municipal, which is the local sports complex.
See also
In Spanish: San Juan Opico para niños
