Chíquiza facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chíquiza
Municipality and town
Central square Chíquiza
Location of the municipality and town of Chíquiza in the Boyacá department of Colombia
Country	Colombia
Department	Boyacá Department
Province	Central Boyacá Province
Founded	17 July 1556
Area
• Municipality and town	119.52 km2 (46.15 sq mi)
• Urban	23.71 km2 (9.15 sq mi)
Elevation	2,900 m (9,500 ft)
Population  (2015)
• Municipality and town	5,484
• Density	45.884/km2 (118.838/sq mi)
• Urban	94
Time zone	UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time)
Website	Official website: http://www.chiquiza-boyaca.gov.co/

Chíquiza is a town and municipality in Colombia. It is located in the Boyacá Department, which is a part of the Central Boyacá Province.

Until July 17, 2003, Chíquiza was known as San Pedro de Iguaque. The town is situated on a high plateau called the Altiplano Cundiboyacense. Its center is about 2,900 meters (9,500 feet) above sea level. Chíquiza is also about 24 kilometers (15 miles) away from Tunja, the capital city of the Boyacá Department.

Chíquiza shares its borders with several other towns. To the north, it borders Arcabuco. To the south, it borders Sora and Sáchica. On its west side, you'll find Villa de Leyva, and to the east, it borders Motavita.

What's in a Name? The Meaning of Chíquiza

The name Chíquiza comes from the ancient Chibcha language. One meaning for "Chíquiza" is "only" or "alone." Some also believe that "Chiqui" means "priest."

Another idea for the name's origin comes from the word chequiza, which means "hairy field."

A Look Back: The History of Chíquiza

Long before the Spanish arrived in Colombia, Chíquiza was part of a group of communities known as the Muisca Confederation. These communities were led by local chiefs called caciques. The cacique of Chíquiza was loyal to the main Muisca ruler, the zaque of Hunza.

Chíquiza was a very important place in the religion of the Muisca. This is because it was located near the sacred Lake Iguaque. The Muisca believed that Lake Iguaque was the birthplace of Bachué, their mother goddess.

The modern town of Chíquiza was officially founded on July 17, 1556. For a long time, it was considered part of Tunja. However, in 1982, it became its own separate municipality. Then, in 2003, its name was officially changed from San Pedro de Iguaque back to Chíquiza.

How People Make a Living: Chíquiza's Economy

The main ways people earn money in Chíquiza are through agriculture (farming) and raising livestock (farm animals).

Farmers in Chíquiza grow many different crops. Some of the most important agricultural products include maize (corn), potatoes, peas, wheat, nabo (a type of turnip), ibia (a root vegetable), ruba (another root vegetable), and onions.

Pictures of Chíquiza

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In Spanish: Chíquiza para niños