city, west-central Lara estado (state), northwestern Venezuela, on the Morere, an affluent of the Tocuyo River, west of Barquisimeto. It lies at 1,128 feet (344 m) above sea level. The city has a fine parish church, a Franciscan convent, and a hermitage. Founded in 1572, it enjoyed considerable prosperity in colonial times, when its population numbered about 10,000. Horses, mules, and cattle are raised locally; in addition to hides and leather, Carora exports coffee and rubber, and it is home to a large dairy industry. Pop. (2001) 83,000.