Porlamar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Porlamar
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Panoramic
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| Nicknames:
Villa del Espíritu Santo (English: House of the Holy Spirit) Pueblo de La Mar (English: Village by the Sea)
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.svg)
 Porlamar
Location in Venezuela
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| Country |  Venezuela |
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| State | Nueva Esparta | |
| Counties | Mariño | |
| Demonym | Porlamarense | |
| Elevation | 10 m (32 ft) | |
| Population
(2011)
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| • Total | 144,830 | |
| Postal coded |
6301
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| Area code | 295 | |
| Climate | BSh | |
| Website | Municipality of Mariño | |
Porlamar is a lively city in Venezuela. It is the biggest city and main port in the state of Nueva Esparta. You can find Porlamar on the southern coast of Margarita Island.
Margarita Island is one of three islands in the Caribbean Sea that make up the state of Nueva Esparta. Porlamar is about 6 miles (10 km) from La Asunción, which is the state capital. It is also the main city of Mariño Municipality, which is the most populated area in Nueva Esparta.
Contents
History of Porlamar
Porlamar was first settled in 1536. It was called Puerto de la Mar back then, which means "Port of the Sea." This was less than 40 years after Christopher Columbus sailed through the area.
In 1561, a rebel leader named Lope de Aguirre briefly took over the city. He and his men harmed some residents and stole from the royal treasury. Even today, the beach where he landed is called Playa del Tirano, meaning "Tyrant's Beach."
Later, in 1680, a fortress was built to protect the city. It was called San Carlos Borromeo. For a long time, Porlamar was a quiet fishing village. But when air travel became popular, everything changed. The city grew into a busy hub with many shops, restaurants, and fun nightlife. Tourists from Europe and Venezuela love to visit.
People and Population
Porlamar is home to a large number of people. About one-third of all the people living on Margarita Island live in Porlamar. This makes it a very important city for the island.
Economy and Shopping
Porlamar is the main business center of Margarita Island. In 1973, the city was given "free-port status." This meant that goods could be bought and sold with fewer taxes. Because of this, many tourists came to shop in its busy streets and boutiques.
The city is known for its many stores and shopping areas. It is a popular place for visitors to find good deals and buy souvenirs.
Getting Around Porlamar
Porlamar has its own airport, called Del Caribe International General Santiago Marino Airport (PMV). This airport offers flights to places in Europe and Colombia. It also has regular flights to other cities in Venezuela. The airport is about 12 miles (20 km) southwest of the city center.
Geography and Climate
Porlamar is located on the southeast coast of Margarita Island. It sits on the bay of Guaraguao. This bay is naturally protected from strong winds by a landform called Cabo El Morro. A river called El Valle also runs through the city, but it only flows during certain times of the year.
What is Porlamar's Climate Like?
Porlamar has a hot semi-arid climate. This means it is warm or hot all year round, both during the day and at night. It doesn't get a lot of rain, but when it does rain, it usually happens between June and August, and again from November to February. The city gets a lot of sunshine throughout the year, making it a great place for sunny vacations!
Sister Cities
Porlamar has special connections with other cities around the world. These are called "twin cities" or "sister cities." They often share cultural ties or work together on projects. Porlamar's sister cities are:
- Cancún, Mexico
- Cartagena, Colombia
- Miami, USA
Images for kids
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4 de Mayo Avenue.
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View of Porlamar from Pampatar (Margarita Island).
See also
In Spanish: Porlamar para niños
