Cauca Department facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Department of Cauca
Departamento del Cauca
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| Motto(s):
Por el Derecho a la Diferencia
(Spanish: For the Right to a Difference) |
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.svg)
Cauca shown in red
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Topography of the department
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| Country |  Colombia |
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| Region | Andean Region | ||
| Established | June 15, 1857 | ||
| Capital | Popayán | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 29,308 km2 (11,316 sq mi) | ||
| Area rank | 13th | ||
| Population
(2013)
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| • Total | 1,354,744 | ||
| • Rank | 11th | ||
| • Density | 46.2244/km2 (119.7206/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC-05 | ||
| ISO 3166 code | CO-CAU | ||
| Municipalities | 41 | ||
| Website | [1] | ||
Cauca is a special part of Colombia, located in the country's southwest. It's like a big state or province. The main city and capital of Cauca is Popayán. Cauca is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and diverse cultures.
Contents
Where is Cauca Located?
Cauca is in the southwestern part of Colombia. It is part of the Andean Region. This means it has mountains, valleys, and even some coastal areas. The department shares borders with several other departments. These include Valle del Cauca to the north and Nariño to the south.
What is a Department?
In Colombia, a "department" is similar to a state in the United States or a province in Canada. It is a major administrative division of the country. Each department has its own government and capital city. The government helps manage local services and development.
Popayán: The Capital City
The capital city of Cauca is Popayán. It is often called the "White City" because of its many white colonial buildings. Popayán is famous for its beautiful architecture and religious traditions. It is also a very important university city. Many students come here to study.
History of Popayán
Popayán was founded a long time ago, in 1537. It played a big role in Colombia's history. The city has seen many important events. It was even the capital of a larger region in the past. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it is recognized for its special cultural value.
People and Culture in Cauca
Cauca is home to many different groups of people. This makes its culture very rich and varied. The department's motto is Por el Derecho a la Diferencia. This means "For the Right to a Difference." It shows how much they value everyone's unique background.
How Many People Live Here?
As of 2013, about 1.35 million people lived in Cauca. This makes it one of the more populated departments in Colombia. People live in cities, towns, and rural areas.
What is the Government Like?
Like all departments in Colombia, Cauca has a governor. The governor is the main leader of the department. They work to improve the lives of the people in Cauca. Oscar Rodrigo Campo Hurtado was the governor from 2016 to 2019.
Geography and Nature
Cauca covers a large area of about 29,308 square kilometers. This makes it the 13th largest department in Colombia. Its varied landscape includes:
- Mountains from the Andes range
- Valleys with rivers
- Some parts close to the Pacific Ocean
This mix of environments means Cauca has many different plants and animals. It is a great place for nature lovers.
Images for kids
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Departments bordering Cauca; boundary intersections indicated in red.
See also
In Spanish: Cauca (Colombia) para niños
