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Ciénega
Municipality and town
Flag of Ciénega
Flag
Location of the municipality and town of Ciénega in the Boyacá department of Colombia
Location of the municipality and town of Ciénega in the Boyacá department of Colombia
Country  Colombia
Department Boyacá Department
Province Márquez Province
Founded 22 October 1818
Founded by José Cayetano Vasquez
Area
 • Municipality and town 73 km2 (28 sq mi)
 • Urban
15 km2 (6 sq mi)
Elevation
2,460 m (8,070 ft)
Population
 (2015)
 • Municipality and town 4,754
 • Density 65.1/km2 (168.7/sq mi)
 • Urban
1,332
Time zone UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time)
Website Official website: http://www.cienega-boyaca.gov.co/

Ciénega is a small town and municipality in Colombia, located in the Boyacá Department. It's part of the Márquez Province. The town is found on a high plateau called the Altiplano Cundiboyacense. It's about 27 kilometers (17 miles) from Tunja, which is the capital city of the Boyacá Department. Ciénega sits at an elevation of about 2,460 meters (8,070 feet) above sea level. The land in the municipality ranges from 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) to 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) high. Ciénega shares its borders with several other towns: Viracachá and Soracá to the north, Rondón to the east and south, and Ramiriquí to the south and west.

What Does the Name Ciénega Mean?

The name Ciénega comes from the ancient Chibcha language. In this language, "Ciénega" means "Place of water." This name likely describes the area's natural features.

A Look at Ciénega's History

Early Times and the Muisca People

Long ago, before the Spanish arrived, the area where Ciénega is now was home to the Muisca. They were a group of different rulers who formed a loose alliance called the Muisca Confederation. Ciénega was part of the lands ruled by the zaque, whose main city was Hunza.

The Arrival of the Spanish

A Spanish explorer named Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada traveled through Ciénega. He was on his way to find the legendary golden city of El Dorado. His journey marked a big change for the region.

Founding of Modern Ciénega

The modern town of Ciénega was officially founded on October 22, 1818. It was founded by José Cayetano Vasquez. He was the son of the person who owned the main farm, or hacienda, in the village at that time.

What Ciénega's Economy Is Like

The main ways people make a living in Ciénega are through livestock farming and agriculture. About 66% of the economy comes from raising animals like cattle. Another 31% comes from farming.

Main Agricultural Products

Farmers in Ciénega grow many different crops. These include important foods like potatoes, maize (corn), and peas. They also grow special fruits and vegetables such as arracacha, tree tomato, and uchuva (also known as goldenberry).

Famous People From Ciénega

  • Jesús María Coronado Caro, a well-known bishop.
  • Hector Páez, a professional mountain biker.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Ciénega (Boyacá) para niños

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