Barrancas, La Guajira facts for kids
Barrancas is a town and municipality located in the Department of La Guajira, Colombia. It sits on the left side of the Ranchería River, nestled in a valley between the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains and the Serranía del Perijá. Barrancas covers an area of 742 square kilometers and is about 40 meters above sea level. The weather is warm all year, with an average temperature of 28°C. The town became a municipality in 1892.
The economy of Barrancas is mostly based on farming and coal mining. The huge Cerrejón coal mine is a major part of its economy.
Quick facts for kids
Barrancas
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Town
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Location of the town and municipality of Barrancas in La Guajira Department.
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| Country | Colombia | ||
| Region | Caribbean | ||
| Department | La Guajira | ||
| Area | |||
| • Town | 1,060 km2 (410 sq mi) | ||
| • Urban | 742 km2 (286 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 40 m (130 ft) | ||
| Population
(2020 est.)
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| • Town | 38,232 | ||
| • Density | 36.07/km2 (93.4/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC-5 | ||
| Climate | Aw | ||
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Contents
Where is Barrancas Located?
Barrancas is found on the Guajira Peninsula in the Caribbean Region of Colombia. It shares a border to the east with Venezuela. To the north, it borders the towns of Hatonuevo and Albania. To the south, it's next to Fonseca, and to the west, it borders Riohacha.
The town is part of the Upar Valley. This valley is nestled between the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains to the west and the Serranía del Perijá mountains to the east. The Ranchería River flows through this area.
Barrancas' Climate and Weather
The climate in Barrancas is mostly hot and dry. There are no big changes in mountain weather. The average temperature stays around 28°C throughout the year. In lower areas, temperatures can reach 35°C. However, in the mountainous parts of the municipality, the weather is milder.
During the rainy season, temperatures in the mountains can drop to between 15°C and 18°C. In the dry season, they are usually between 18°C and 24°C. The hottest times are usually in late March, April, and May. Temperatures cool down a bit in June and July. They rise again in August and September. Then, they drop in October and November. In December and January, temperatures rise again due to strong winds called trade winds.
A Look at Barrancas' History
Barrancas was first settled in 1664 when the Spanish arrived in the area.
During Colombia's fight for independence from Spain, something important happened in Barrancas. On March 26, 1813, the local government, called the Cabildo, rebelled against the Spanish king's rule. They destroyed symbols of King Fernando VII and promised to support Simón Bolívar. This revolt was led by several brave people, including Eugenio Vidal and Javier López Sierra.
Barrancas was once part of the Province of Padilla. It officially became a municipality in 1892. Later, in 1954, it was one of five municipalities that joined together to form the Department of La Guajira. This happened under the orders of the military leader Gustavo Rojas Pinilla.
How Many People Live in Barrancas?
According to estimates from DANE in 2005, about 29,856 people lived in Barrancas.
| Year | Total Population |
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| 2002 | 27,519 |
| 2003 | 28,285 |
| 2004 | 29,064 |
| 2005 | 29,856 |
Barrancas' Economy
Barrancas is connected by a highway to Riohacha, the capital of the department. It's also linked to Maicao, a main trading town. Barrancas also has cultural and trade ties with Valledupar in the Department of Cesar, especially for farming products.
Farmers in Barrancas grow and sell small amounts of crops like coffee, plantain, cotton, maize (corn), and yuca. However, the biggest economic activity in Barrancas is coal mining. The Cerrejón coal mine, located here, is one of the largest open-pit coal mines in the world.
Culture and Celebrations
The municipality of Barrancas celebrates the Festival y Reinado Nacional del Carbón (Coal National Festival and Pageant) every October. This festival celebrates the importance of coal to the region.
Famous People from Barrancas
- Leandro Díaz (1928–2013), a famous music composer.
- Luis Díaz, a talented footballer who plays for Liverpool F.C. and the Colombia national team.
- Joaquín Gómez, a notable figure.
More to Explore
In Spanish: Barrancas (La Guajira) para niños
