Department of La Guajira facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
La Guajira Department
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| Anthem: Himno de La Guajira. | |||
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La Guajira shown in red
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Topography of the department
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| Country |  Colombia |
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| Region | Caribbean Region | ||
| Established | July 1, 1965 | ||
| Capital | Riohacha | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 20,848 km2 (8,049 sq mi) | ||
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 880,560 | ||
| • Density | 42.2371/km2 (109.394/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC-05 | ||
| ISO 3166 code | CO-LAG | ||
| Municipalities | 15 | ||
| Website | www.laguajira.gov.co/ | ||
La Guajira is a special area, like a state, in the country of Colombia. Its main city and capital is Riohacha. This region covers most of the Guajira Peninsula, which is a piece of land sticking out into the Caribbean Sea in the northeast part of Colombia. It also shares a border with Venezuela. La Guajira was officially created on July 1, 1965.
Contents
Cities and Towns of La Guajira
La Guajira is divided into 15 smaller areas called municipalities. Each municipality has its own main city or town. These places are important for the people who live there and for the local government.
Here are the municipalities in La Guajira:
Albania
Barrancas
Dibulla
Distracción
El Molino
Fonseca
Hatonuevo
La Jagua del Pilar
Maicao
Manaure
Riohacha
San Juan del Cesar
Uribia
Urumita
Villanueva
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People and Culture
La Guajira is home to many different people, including a large group called the Wayuu (pronounced Wah-yoo). The Wayuu people have a very rich and old culture. They are known for their beautiful handmade items.
Wayuu Traditions
The Wayuu are famous for their colorful woven bags called mochilas and their comfortable hammocks called chinchorros. These items are not just pretty; they are a big part of the Wayuu way of life and their economy. Many Wayuu people are nomads, meaning they move around, often traveling between Colombia and Venezuela, especially during the rainy seasons.
Economy and Resources
La Guajira has important natural resources that help its economy. These include large amounts of coal and salt.
Mining for Coal and Salt
One of the biggest coal mines in the world, called Cerrejón, is located here. Huge trucks carry coal from this mine. The region also has a major salt mine in Manaure. This mine produces about 80% of all the salt used in Colombia!
Wind Power
La Guajira is also a leader in clean energy. It has strong winds, which are perfect for wind power. The Jepírachi wind farm uses large wind turbines to create electricity, showing how the region is looking towards a greener future.
Geography and Nature
The landscape of La Guajira is very diverse. It has dry deserts, beautiful coastlines along the Caribbean Sea, and even some hills.
Unique Landscapes
A famous landmark is La Teta hill, which means "The Teat" because of its shape. The Cabo de la Vela (Cape of the Sail) is another well-known spot. It was one of the first places that Spanish explorers saw when they arrived in the Americas a long time ago.
Images for kids
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The Guajira peninsula
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La Teta hill, located in the municipality of Uribia, northern Guajira
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The Cabo de la Vela was one of the first sites that Spanish explorers first sighted upon their arrival to the continental Americas.
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Map of La Guajira in 1769.
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Pedro Messía de la Cerda, Viceroy of the Viceroyalty of New Granada.
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Wayuu riding on horses. 1928.
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Map of La Guajira by population
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Trucks loaded with coal at the Cerrejón coal mine.
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Manaure salt mine. Manaure provides approximately 80% of the Colombian market with salt.
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Jepírachi wind farm in the Guajira Peninsula.
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Typical Wayuu rectangular "day house" with hammocks by the Caribbean Sea. The Chinchorros hammocks are one of the most traditional items in the culture of La Guajira
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Wayuu handcrafted mochilas woolen bags have also transcended through cultures and fashion in Colombia.
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See also
In Spanish: La Guajira para niños
