the metropolitan area is composed of two districts, huaraz and independencia. these are also divided into neighborhoods and settlements, and they also are divided in two or more parts. the majority of neighborhoods are located in huaraz district, especially the traditional areas like la soledad, belén, huarupampa and san francisco, that are surrounding the downtown, and its residents are in 60% the traditional citizens of huaraz. this neighbourhoods, are in great part from middle class. on the other hand, surrounding these areas, there are other settlements that have developed without planning. in the district of independencia there are other middle- and upper-class neighborhoods. centenario is the most extensive area in the city. at this area many rural migrants has established developing informal neighbourhoods. the tendency of city's growing is on the north-east part of the city. in north direction has developed areas of recent creation, especially for people searching an ecological area for establish.