Mexico City is the capital and most populous city of Mexico. As a global “alpha” city, it is one of the most important financial centers in the Americas. It is located in the Valley of Mexico, a large valley in the high plateaus at the center of Mexico, at an altitude of 2,240 meters (7,350 ft). The city consists of sixteen municipalities (previously called boroughs). Mexico’s capital is both the oldest capital city in the Americas and one of two founded by Amerindians (Native Americans), the other being Quito.