Constitutional Province of Callao, Constitutional province and seaport region in Lima metropolitan area, Peru
The Constitutional Province of Callao is a first-level administrative division spanning roughly 148 square kilometers (57 square miles) along the Pacific coast and comprising seven districts. This entity functions as Peru's primary seaport and hosts the Jorge Chávez International Airport serving the greater Lima metropolitan area.
Spanish settlers founded the port in 1537 to ship gold and silver from the Inca territories to Spain. President Ramón Castilla granted the area constitutional province status in 1857, making it a special case with direct ties to the central government.
The inhabitants of Callao, known as chalacos, maintain strong maritime traditions through their connection to Peru's largest harbor and naval activities.
The seaport area and airport handle nearly all international passenger and cargo movement for the country. The province borders Lima directly and can be reached via several main highways and public transit lines.
Callao is the only constitutional province in the country and enjoys a special standing in the Peruvian administrative system. This classification means the province does not belong to a surrounding department but reports directly to the national government.
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