Paysandú Department

Paysandú Department

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Coat of arms

Location of Paysandú Department & its capital

Coordinates (Paysandú): 32°19′S 58°4′W / 32.317°S 58.067°W / -32.317; -58.067
Country  Uruguay
Capital of Department Paysandú
Government
 • Intendant Guillermo Caraballo
 • Ruling party Broad Front
Area
 • Total 13,922 km2 (5,375 sq mi)
Population (2011 census)
 • Total 113,124
 • Density 8.1/km2 (21/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Sanducero
Time zone UYT (UTC-3)
ISO 3166 code UY-PA
Website paysandu.gub.uy

Paysandú Department is a department of the northwestern region of Uruguay. It has an area of 13,922 km2 (5,375 sq mi) and a population of 113,124. Its capital is the city of Paysandú. It borders Salto Department to its north, Tacuarembó Department to its east, Río Negro Department to its south and has the Río Uruguay flowing at its west, separating it from Argentina.

The origin of its name is debated but is likely to be of charrua origin.

History

The first division of the Republic in six departments happened on 27 January 1816. Two more departments were formed later in that year. At that time, Paysandú Department included all the territory north of the Río Negro, which included the actual departments of Artigas, Rivera, Tacuarembó, Salto, Paysandú and Río Negro. On 17 June 1837 a new division of Uruguay was made and this territory was divided in three parts. In the new division, Paysandú Department included also the actual department of Río Negro, until it was split from it in 1868.

Population and demographics

As of the census of 2011, Paysandú Department had a population of 113,124 (55,361 male and 57,759 female) and 42,849 households.[1]

Demographic data for Florida Department in 2010:

2010 Data Source:[2]

Main Urban Centres Other towns and villages
Population stated according to the 2011 census.[3]
City / Town Population
Paysandú 76,412
Nuevo Paysandú 8,578
Guichón 5,039
Chacras de Paysandú 3,965
Quebracho 2,853
San Félix 1,718
Porvenir 1,159
Tambores 1,111
Piedras Coloradas 1,094
Town / Village Population
Lorenzo Geyres 774
Chapicuy 735
Gallinal 700
Orgoroso 583
Merinos 528
Beisso 399
Casablanca 343
Esperanza 340
Cerro Chato 333
Constancia 331
Rural population

According to the 2011 census, Paysandú Department has an additional rural population of 4,364.[1]

Economy

The fertile soils of Paysandú have encouraged much agricultural development. Livestock raising is one of the principal agricultural activities, with cattle being raised for both the dairy and beef industries alongside sheep for wool production. Market-gardening is also prominent with the cultivation of oranges and blueberries, whilst wheat, barley, sunflowers and soya beans are also produced. There is also a small fishing industry on the Uruguay River.

Tourism too, is important for the area. Ecotourism is gaining prominence especially in the Esteros de Farrapos National Park further down the river. In addition many farms provide accommodation and facilities for tourists visiting the area.

Paysandú is home to a large brewery and hosts an annual Semana de la Cerveza (Week of the Beer), a weeklong festival of music, arts, carnival type rides, and beer.

Map of the department

Topographic map of Paysandú Department showing main populated places and roads

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Censos 2011 Paysandú (needs flash plugin)". INE. 2012. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  2. ↑ "Uruguay en cifras" (PDF) (in Spanish). INE. 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
  3. ↑ "Censos 2011 Cuadros Paysandú". INE. 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
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Coordinates: 32°3′0″S 57°18′0″W / 32.05000°S 57.30000°W / -32.05000; -57.30000

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