Valencia is the capital city of
Carabobo State, and the third largest city of
Venezuela.
The city is an economic hub that contains Venezuela's top industries and manufacturing companies. The population of Valencia reached some 2.7 million in the year 2008, and it is expected to grow dramatically in the years to come. Greater Valencia unofficially incorporates the communities of Naguanagua, San Diego, and other smaller bordering cities. Caracas lies some 180 km away to the East.
Valencia is located in a central valley, surrounded by a mountain range called the Coastal Range (Cordillera de la Costa). On the eastern outskirts of the city lies Lake Valencia, Venezuela's second largest lake. To the West and Northeastern part there are mountains. The South is an extension of the Venezuelan grasslands, the Llanos.
The elevation of the city is 520 meters (1,700 ft).
