Cesar Department facts for kids
.svg)
The Cesar Department is a cool place in the Caribbean part of Colombia. It's like a big state or province. The main city, or capital, is Valledupar, which is famous for its music! This department is known for its beautiful landscapes, from mountains to wide-open plains, and its rich culture.
Contents
Where is Cesar Department?
The Cesar Department is located in the northern part of Colombia. It's part of the Caribbean Region, which means it's close to the sea, even though Cesar itself doesn't have a coastline. It shares borders with several other departments, like La Guajira, Magdalena, Bolívar, Santander, and Norte de Santander.
Geography and Nature
Cesar has a very interesting mix of landscapes. You can find tall mountains, wide valleys, and even big wetlands here.
Mountains and Rivers
On one side, you have the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, which is the highest coastal mountain range in the world! On the other side, there's the Serranía del Perijá, another mountain range that forms part of the border with Venezuela. The Cesar River flows through the department, giving it its name. This river is super important for the local communities and their farms.
Wetlands and Lakes
One of the most important natural areas is the Ciénaga de la Zapatosa. This is a huge wetland area, like a giant marsh, that is home to many different kinds of animals and plants. It's a vital place for fishing and for keeping the environment healthy.
What's Life Like in Cesar?
Life in Cesar Department is full of vibrant culture, especially music. The people are friendly, and there's a strong sense of community.
Culture and Music
Cesar is the birthplace of Vallenato music, a very popular style of Colombian folk music. Valledupar, the capital, hosts the famous Vallenato Legend Festival every year. Musicians from all over come to compete and celebrate this unique sound. It's a huge party with lots of dancing and singing!
Economy and Jobs
Most people in Cesar work in farming and ranching. They grow crops like palm oil, cotton, rice, and corn. Raising cattle is also a big part of the economy. Mining, especially coal mining, is another important industry in some areas.
History of Cesar Department
The Cesar Department was officially created in 1967. Before that, it was part of the Magdalena Department. The region has a long history, with indigenous groups living there for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans.
Early Inhabitants
Many different indigenous groups, like the Arhuaco, Kogui, Wiwa, and Kankuamo, have lived in the mountains and valleys of Cesar for centuries. They have rich traditions and a deep connection to the land.
Becoming a Department
The idea to create the Cesar Department came from leaders who wanted to help the region grow and develop more quickly. Since 1967, it has been its own department, making its own decisions about its future.
See also
In Spanish: Cesar para niños
Images for kids
-
The Cesar River basin in the department of Cesar.
-
Cerro Pintao and the Serranía del Perijá.
-
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta as seen from Valledupar.
-
Ciénaga de la Zapatosa marsh by La Gloria, southern Cesar Department
