[lwptoc]
Lima is Peru’s capital and biggest city. It is situated in the Chillón, Rmac, and Lurn river basins, in the country’s central coastal region, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Together with the seaport of Callao, it constitutes the Lima Metropolitan Area. Lima is Peru’s most populated metropolitan region and the second biggest metropolis in the Americas (as measured by “city proper”), after only So Paulo and ahead of Mexico City.
Lima was established as Ciudad de los Reyes on January 18, 1535, by Spanish adventurer Francisco Pizarro. It was elevated to the status of capital and most populous city in the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru. It became the capital of the Republic of Peru after the Peruvian War of Independence. Around one-third of the country’s population resides in urban areas.
Lima is home to one of the New World’s oldest institutes of higher learning. The National Institution of San Marcos was established on May 12, 1551, during Spain’s colonial reign and is the Americas’ oldest continually operating university.
Lima was selected to host the 2019 Pan American Games in October 2013. It hosted the United Nations Climate Change Conference in December 2014 and the 1982 Miss Universe competition.
Lima hosted the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund’s 2015 Annual Meetings in October 2015.