Quito, officially known as San Francisco de Quito, is the capital city of Ecuador and also the capital of the Pichincha province. It is the second most populous city in Ecuador after Guayaquil. Quito is located in the northern highlands of the country in the Guayllabamba river basin. With an elevation of 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level, it is the highest official capital city in the world and is also the closest to the equator. The historic center of Quito is one of the largest, least-altered, and best-preserved historic centers in the Americas. This area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, one of the first such designations in the world, due to its well-preserved architecture and rich history. The city was founded on December 6, 1534, by the Spanish conquistadors, but the area had been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous groups before the arrival of the Europeans. The Quito area was historically home to the Quitu culture and later merged into the Incan Empire before the Spanish conquest. Geographically, Quito lies on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano in the Andes mountains. The metropolitan area is surrounded by mountains with multiple peaks offering hiker’s panoramic views of the city. The climate in Quito is subtropical highland, which results in spring-like temperatures throughout the year, with a significant variation between day and night. Culturally, Quito is a melting pot of indigenous, Spanish, and quiteño customs. The culture is reflected in the art, music, cuisine, and festivals of the city. Quito also serves as a cultural hub with a variety of museums, galleries, theaters, and concert venues. Demographically, Quito is a diverse city with numerous ethnic groups forming its population, predominantly Mestizo, followed by smaller groups of Afro-Ecuadorians, indigenous, and other ethnicities. Additionally, Quito experiences immigration from various regions of Ecuador and other countries, adding to its cultural diversity. Economically, the city plays a significant role in Ecuador’s economy as a center for politics, finance, culture, and commerce. The presence of governmental institutions, foreign embassies, universities, and international organizations contributes to the bustling activity in the city. Education is a major focus in Quito, which is home to several of Ecuador's oldest and most prestigious universities. This commitment to learning and education enhances the city’s cultural richness. Modern Quito juxtaposes its historic legacy with the development of new business districts, shopping centers, and urban parks, highlighting the balance between preservation and development. Its urban transport system, including the Ecovía and the metro, is under continuous upgrading to accommodate the growing population. The city often serves as a starting point for tourists venturing into the Amazon rainforest or the Galapagos Islands, given its accessibility to other regions of the country. This vibrant capital, a jetting into the sky, thrives amid a panorama of volcanic peaks, serving not only as a keeper of history but also as a seeking indicator of the nation’s future.