The city is located on Route 39, 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) south of its intersection with Route 9 and about 13.5 kilometres (8.4 mi) north of the center of the department capital city of Maldonado. The stream Arroyo San Carlos flows along the east limits of the city and the park and neighbourhood of Parque Medina is situated across it.
History
It was founded on October 1763 by the Spanish Governor Pedro Antonio de Cevallos, to discourage the foundation of Portuguese settlements in the region. Its name is originated from that of the King of Spain at the time, Charles III.
It had acquired the status of "Villa" (town) before the Independence of Uruguay, which was elevated to "Ciudad" (city) on 18 December 1929 by the Act of Ley Nº 8.559.[1]
Population
In 2011, San Carlos had a population of 27,471.[2] This makes it the second largest city in Maldonado Department after the capital city of Maldonado. According to the Intendencia Departamnetal de Maldonado, the municipality of San Carlos has a population of 27,000.[3]
Location map of the municipality of San Carlos
Year
Population
1908
5,014
1963
13,695
1975
16,925
1985
19,877
1996
24,030
2004
24,771
2011
27,471
Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística de Uruguay[1]
Economy
It is considered to be the agropecuarian centre of the region.[citation needed]
