Barqi Isimeto. I. A N. W. state of Venezuela, touching the Caribbean sea on the N. E.; area, 9,350 sq. m.; pop. about 314,000. The surface consists of fertile valleys, densely covered desert mountains, arid hills and barren plains, all of which afford, however, good pasturage for goats, which are reared in numbers, also for horses, mules, and asses. Cattle raising and agriculture are the chief occupations. The largest rivers are the Portuguesa, Tocuyo, and Yaracuy. The state is the most prosperous of Venezuela, and is divided into six cantons. II. A city, capital of the state, on a river of the same name, 70 m. from the sea, and 155 m. W. S.W. of Caracas; pop. about 11,000. It was founded in 1552 by Juan de Villegas, who first called it Nueva Segovia. It is situated 1,719 feet above the level of the sea. A terrible earthquake in 1812 scarcely left a house standing; but the city has since been handsomely rebuilt. It is conveniently situated for commerce, as several important roads from the west converge here. There are a college, seminary, and numerous other schools. Excellent coffee and fine cacao are produced in abundance.

The city was frequently occupied by the belligerents during the war of independence, and the scene of much bloodshed.