Durazno Department facts for kids
The Durazno Department (which means Departamento de Durazno in Spanish) is a special area, like a state or province, located right in the middle of Uruguay. It's known for its beautiful countryside and important history. The main city and capital of this department is also called Durazno.
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What is the Durazno Department?
The Durazno Department is one of Uruguay's 19 departments. Think of it as a big region with its own local government. It's located in the very heart of the country, making it a central point for many things.
Where is Durazno located?
Durazno Department is in the central part of Uruguay. It shares borders with several other departments:
- To the north, it touches Tacuarembó Department.
- To the east, it borders Cerro Largo Department and Florida Department.
- To the south, it's next to Flores Department and Florida Department.
- To the west, it meets Río Negro Department and Flores Department.
This central location means it's often a crossroads for travel and trade within Uruguay.
How big is Durazno?
The Durazno Department covers an area of about 11,643 square kilometers (which is about 4,495 square miles). To give you an idea, that's roughly the size of a small country like Jamaica or the state of Connecticut in the USA. It's not the biggest department in Uruguay, but it's definitely one of the larger ones.
Who lives in Durazno?
According to the latest information, around 58,000 people live in the Durazno Department. Most of these people live in the capital city, Durazno. The rest of the population lives in smaller towns or on farms scattered across the countryside.
The capital city: Durazno
The city of Durazno is the heart of the department. It's where the local government offices are, and it's the biggest center for business and culture. The city is located on the banks of the Yí River, which is an important river in the region.
History of Durazno Department
The Durazno Department has a rich history that goes back many years. It was officially created in 1822.
Early beginnings
The area where Durazno is located today was first settled by people from Europe in the early 1800s. It was an important strategic point because of its central location and access to rivers.
Becoming a department
The department was established during a time when Uruguay was still forming as a country. It was part of a larger process of organizing the land into different administrative regions. The name "Durazno" means "peach" in Spanish, and it's believed the area was named after the many peach trees found there.
Important historical figures
One important historical figure connected to Durazno is Fructuoso Rivera, who was one of Uruguay's first presidents. His house in Durazno is now a museum, showing how important this city was in the early days of the country.
What can you find in Durazno?
Durazno Department is known for its natural beauty and its strong connection to farming.
Nature and rivers
The Yí River is a major feature of the department. It flows through the region and is important for both nature and local life. The landscape is mostly rolling hills and plains, perfect for farming and raising animals.
Farming and economy
The main activities in Durazno are related to agriculture. Farmers here grow crops and raise livestock, especially cattle and sheep. This makes the department an important part of Uruguay's food production.
Culture and events
Durazno is also known for its cultural events. One of the most famous is the Pilsen Rock festival, which used to be a very popular music event. There are also traditional festivals that celebrate the rural lifestyle and history of the region.
Images for kids
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The Yí River in Durazno Department
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Rivera's house in Durazno, now a museum
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Topographic map of Durazno Department showing main populated places and roads
See also
Want to learn more? Check out the article in Spanish: Departamento de Durazno para niños
