city, capital of Apure estado (state), west-central Venezuela, on the Apure River. It was founded in the late 18th century by Capuchin missionaries as a base for the religious conversion of surrounding Indian groups. A Llanos (plains) port, it is vulnerable to flooding during the rainy season, despite its great distance from the sea, because it has an elevation of only 200 feet (60 m). Live cattle, beef, and cattle hides are the city's leading products. It is a port of call for small boats on both the Orinoco and the Apure rivers. A highway from Maracay in the central highlands reaches the Apure River opposite San Fernando. The city is not served by railroad but is an important air-traffic centre; much beef is flown into the heavily populated central highlands, particularly during flood seasons. Pop. (2001) 99,000.