San Cristóbal, city, western Venezuela, capital of Táchira State. It is the marketing center of an agricultural region in the mountainous Cordillera de Mérida, where coffee, cotton, and cereal crops are produced. Industries in the city include textile mills, tanneries, cigarette factories, and distilleries. The University of Táchira (1962) and the National Experimental University of Táchira (1974) are here. The city was founded in 1561. Population (1992 estimate) 238,670.
