| Sant Carles de la Ràpita | |
|---|---|
| — Municipality — | |
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Sant Carles de la Ràpita
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Spain |
| Community | Catalonia |
| Province | Tarragona |
| Comarca | Montsià |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Miquel Alonso i Herrera |
| Area | |
| • Total | 53.69 km2 (20.7 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 11 m (36 ft) |
| Population (2010) | |
| • Total | 15,583 |
| • Density | 290.2/km2 (751.7/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Rapitenc, rapitenca |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
Sant Carles de la Ràpita is a town in the area of the Montsià in Catalonia, Spain. The town covers a portion of the south-west of the Ebre delta, including el Trabucador isthmus and la Banya peninsula, which close off a salt water lagoon known as the Port dels Alfacs. The town of Sant Carles de la Ràpita is situated on the coast near the mouth of the lagoon. It was founded by Charles III of Spain as a port to serve trade with the Spanish colonies, and constructed in the neoclassical style of the period: however much of the town remained incompleted after Charles' death.
Sant Carles is part of the Taula del Sénia free association of municipalities. It is known for the production of rice and salt, and is also an important fishing port, particularly for shellfish and prawns, and a tourist centre.In the last few years, the town has suffered a huge urban development due to the construction of many apartments and residential buildings.
| 1900 | 1930 | 1950 | 1970 | 1986 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3901 | 6039 | 7960 | 8964 | 10,306 | 14,262 |
The town now hosts two large marinas, a beach, a market and many shops and restaurants. It is attractive and draws an increasing number of tourists each summer.
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