Betéitiva facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Betéitiva
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Municipality and town
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Chapel of Betéitiva
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Location of the municipality and town of Beteitiva in the Boyacá department of Colombia
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| Country |  Colombia |
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| Department | Boyacá Department | |
| Province | Valderrama Province | |
| Founded | 14 October 1556 | |
| Founded by | Juan Salamanca | |
| Area | ||
| • Municipality and town | 123 km2 (47 sq mi) | |
| • Urban | 6 km2 (2 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 2,575 m (8,448 ft) | |
| Population
(2015)
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| • Municipality and town | 2,069 | |
| • Density | 16.82/km2 (43.57/sq mi) | |
| • Urban | 389 | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time) | |
| Website | Official website: http://www.beteitiva-boyaca.gov.co/ | |
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Betéitiva is a small town and municipality in Colombia. It is located in the Valderrama Province, which is part of the Boyacá department. The main part of Betéitiva is about 250 kilometers (155 miles) from Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia. It is also 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Tunja, the capital of the Boyacá department.
Betéitiva is found on a high plateau called the Altiplano Cundiboyacense. It shares its borders with several other towns. To the north, it borders Belén. To the northeast, it borders Paz de Río. To the east, it borders Tasco. In the southeast, it borders Corrales. Finally, to the west, it borders Busbanzá and Cerinza.
What's in a Name?
The name Betéitiva comes from the ancient Chibcha language. It means "chief of the anchovy." This name refers to a leader, or cacique, named Betacín.
According to old Muisca stories, Betacín was a powerful leader. He fell in love with the daughter of the iraca (a type of ruler) from a place called Sugamuxi. When she did not return his feelings, Betacín decided to retreat. He went to the area that is now known as Betéitiva.
A Look Back in Time
Before the Spanish arrived in Colombia, the area of Betéitiva was home to the Muisca people. The Muisca were an advanced civilization. They lived in groups that formed a loose confederation. Different leaders governed the central highlands of the Colombian Andes mountains. Betéitiva was ruled by its own cacique, Betacín.
The modern town of Betéitiva was officially founded on October 14, 1556. It was established by a man named Juan Salamanca. This marked the beginning of Betéitiva as a Spanish settlement.
How People Make a Living
The most important ways people earn money in Betéitiva are through farming and raising animals. Growing potatoes is a very big part of the local economy. Many families also make a living from dairy farming. This means they raise cows to produce milk and other dairy products. These activities are vital for the town's economy.
Images for kids
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Chapel of Betéitiva
See also
In Spanish: Betéitiva para niños
