Paysandú Department Explained

Official Name:Paysandú Department
Flag Size:105px
Pushpin Map:Uruguay
Pushpin Image:Uruguay_Paysandú_map.svg
Pushpin Label Position:none
Pushpin Map Caption:Location of Paysandú Department and its capital
Coordinates:-32.3167°N -62°W
Coor Pinpoint:Paysandú
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: Uruguay
Seat Type:Capital of Department
Seat:Paysandú
Leader Title:Intendant
Leader Name:Nicolás Olivera
Leader Title1:Ruling party
Leader Name1:Partido Nacional
Unit Pref:Metric
Area Total Km2:13,922
Population Total:113,124
Population As Of:2011 census
Population Density Km2:auto
Population Demonym:Sanducero
Timezone1:UYT
Utc Offset1:-3
Iso Code:UY-PA

Paysandú Department (pronounced as /es/) is a department of the northwestern region of Uruguay. It has an area of 13922km2 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 Charrúa origin.

History

The first division of the Republic in six departments happened on 27 January 1816. Two more departments were formed later 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 into three parts. In the new division, Paysandú Department included also the actual department of Río Negro, until it was split from it in 1868.

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 Paysandú 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
76,412
8,578
5,039
3,965
2,853
1,718
1,159
1,111
1,094
Town / Village Population
774
735
700
583
528
399
343
340
333
331
218

Rural populationAccording 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

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Censos 2011 Paysandú (needs flash plugin) . 2012 . INE . 31 August 2012.
  2. Web site: Uruguay en cifras . 2011 . es . INE . 25 October 2012.
  3. Web site: Censos 2011 Cuadros Paysandú . 2012 . INE . 25 August 2012.