Arauca Department facts for kids

Flag of Arauca Department

Coat of Arms of Arauca Department

The Arauca Department (in Spanish, Departamento de Arauca) is a special region in eastern Colombia. It is like a state or province. This department is right next to Venezuela. The main city and capital of Arauca is Arauca. It is a place with wide open plains and a lot of nature.

What is Arauca Department?

Arauca is one of the 32 departments that make up Colombia. It is known for its beautiful landscapes. You can find vast plains here, perfect for cattle farming. The department also has important rivers that flow through it. These rivers are part of the Orinoco River basin.

Main Cities and Towns

Map of the Municipalities in Arauca Department

Arauca Department has seven main areas called municipalities. Each municipality has its own capital town. These are the seven municipalities:

• Arauca
• Arauquita
• Cravo Norte
• Fortul
• Puerto Rondón
• Saravena
• Tame

The city of Arauca is the biggest and most important. It is the center for government and business in the department.

Nature and Wildlife

Arauca is home to many different animals and plants. The plains, called llanos, are a special ecosystem. You can see many types of birds, including the arauco. This bird is very special to the region. There are also capybaras, deer, and many other creatures. The rivers are full of fish. Protecting this nature is very important for the department.

Economy and Life

The main way people make a living in Arauca is through farming. Cattle ranching is a very big part of the economy. People raise cows for meat and milk. Another important part of the economy is oil. There are oil fields in the department. This helps bring money and jobs to the area. People also grow crops like rice and corn.

Culture and Traditions

The people of Arauca have a rich culture. It is strongly linked to the llanos lifestyle. Music is very important, especially joropo. This is a lively style of music with dancing. Cowboys, called llaneros, are a big part of the culture. They are skilled riders and work with cattle. Festivals and celebrations often feature traditional music, dance, and food.

Images for kids

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  The Sierra Nevada del Cocuy mountains are nearby.

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  Cattle farming is very important in Arauca.

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  The arauco bird is a symbol of the region.

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  A beautiful tree in Fortul.

See also

In Spanish: Arauca (Colombia) para niños