Chitaraque facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chitaraque
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Municipality and town
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Entrance of Chitaraque
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Location of the municipality and town of Chitaraque in the Boyacá Department of Colombia
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| Country |  Colombia |
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| Department | Boyacá Department | |
| Province | Ricaurte Province | |
| Founded | 1 January 1621 | |
| Area | ||
| • Municipality and town | 157.65 km2 (60.87 sq mi) | |
| • Urban | 0.185 km2 (0.071 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 1,575 m (5,167 ft) | |
| Population
(2015)
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| • Municipality and town | 5,687 | |
| • Density | 36.074/km2 (93.430/sq mi) | |
| • Urban | 1,131 | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time) | |
| Website | Official website: http://www.chitaraque-boyaca.gov.co/ | |
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Chitaraque is a town and a "municipality" in Colombia. A municipality is like a local government area, including a main town and the land around it. Chitaraque is located in the Boyacá Department, which is a part of Colombia.
This town is found in the Ricaurte Province. It's about 104.6 kilometers (65 miles) away from Tunja, the capital city of the Boyacá Department. Chitaraque sits high up in the mountains, at an altitude of 1,575 meters (5,167 feet) above sea level. It's nestled in the Eastern Ranges of the famous Colombian Andes mountains.
Chitaraque shares its borders with several other towns. To the east and south, it borders Gámbita in the Santander Department. To the west, it borders San José de Pare, Santana, and Togüí. To the north, it borders Suaita, also in Santander.
Contents
What Does "Chitaraque" Mean?
The name Chitaraque comes from the old Chibcha language. In this language, Chitaraque means "Our vigorous farmfields from before." This tells us that the area has always been important for farming!
A Look Back: Chitaraque's History
Who Lived Here Before?
Long, long ago, even before the Spanish arrived in Colombia, the area where Chitaraque is now was home to a group of people called the Poasaque tribe. They were part of the larger Muisca people. The Muisca were an important group of people who lived in the central highlands of Colombia. The Poasaque tribe was ruled by a leader called a zaque, who lived in a place called Hunza (which is now the city of Tunja).
When Was Chitaraque Founded?
The modern town of Chitaraque was officially founded on January 1, 1621. This was during the time when the Spanish were exploring and settling in Colombia.
What Does Chitaraque Do?
The main ways people in Chitaraque make a living are through farming and raising animals.
- Agriculture: Farmers in Chitaraque grow many different crops. They are well-known for making panela, which is a type of unrefined whole cane sugar. They also grow coffee, bananas, and yuca (also known as cassava, a root vegetable).
- Milk Farming: Raising cows for milk is another important activity in the area.
See also
In Spanish: Chitaraque para niños
