Elorza facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elorza
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 Elorza
Location in Venezuela
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Elorza is a lively town located in the Apure State of Venezuela. It sits in a flat, grassy area known as the Venezuelan Llanos. In 2012, about 26,800 people lived there. Elorza is also the main town, or capital, of the Rómulo Gallegos Municipality. The current mayor is Solfreddy Solorzano.
Long ago, Elorza shared its town area with a part of neighboring Colombia. The Venezuelan side was called Elorza, named after a Venezuelan hero, Andrés Elorza. The Colombian part was known as El Viento, which means "The Wind." This changed when the government of Eleazar López Contreras took action.
In August 2001, Venezuela updated its phone system. Elorza, along with Mantecal and Bruzual, now uses the area code 240 for landline phones.
Contents
Where is Elorza Located?
Elorza is found in the Venezuelan Llanos, a large plain in the Apure State. Its exact location is 07°03′35″N 69°29′48″W / 7.05972°N 69.49667°W. It is about 55 kilometers (34 miles) east of the border with Colombia. The town is right next to the Arauca River and is surrounded by flat land used for farming. It sits about 95 meters (312 feet) above sea level. Elorza's area code is 240, and its postal code is 7011.
How to Get to Elorza
You can reach Elorza by two main roads. One road, called the Troncal 19 Road, connects it to Mantecal and Bruzual. The other road, known as the Via El Caribe Road, links Elorza to La Trinidad de Orichuna and Guasdualito. Elorza also has access to the Arauca River, which allows for boat travel. There is also an airport in the town.
Why is it Called Elorza?
The area where Elorza is now was once an old mission called Misión de San José de Arichuna. Over time, it became known as El Viento. This town grew and spread across the border between Venezuela and Colombia.
On March 10, 1866, the Legislative Assembly of the Apure State made an important decision. They decided that the part of the town on the Venezuelan side would be named Elorza. This was done to honor Colonel José Andrés Elorza, a brave Venezuelan hero who fought for independence. This decision was put into action just two days later, on March 12.
José Andrés Elorza was chosen because he joined the army of Paez as a captain. He joined in La Trinidad de Orichuna, a town close to El Viento.
What is Elorza's Economy Like?
In March 2018, Elorza started to create its own local money. This happened because the main Venezuelan currency, the bolívar, was losing its value very quickly due to hyperinflation. Issuing its own currency helped the town's economy.
See also
In Spanish: Elorza para niños
