Callao, << kah YAH oh >> (pop. 1,010,315), is one of the largest cities of Peru and the country’s chief port. About three-fourths of Peru’s imports and one-fourth of its exports pass through Callao’s harbor. Callao lies on the Pacific Ocean, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) west of Lima. Callao and Lima are part of a large metropolitan area that includes more than half of Peru’s industries. Callao’s chief industries are shipbuilding and fish processing.
The Spaniards founded Callao in 1537. Through the years, a number of earthquakes have severely damaged the city, but the people have always rebuilt it. During the middle and late 1900’s, many migrants built crude houses outside the city. Peru’s government encouraged construction of improved housing in this area.
