Floresta, Boyacá facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Floresta Tobasía
Municipality and town
View of corregimiento Tobasía, part of Floresta
Flag Seal
Location of the municipality and town of Floresta in the Boyacá Department of Colombia
Country	Colombia
Department	Boyacá Department
Province	Tundama Province
Founded	1818
Area
• Municipality and town	85 km2 (33 sq mi)
Elevation	2,506 m (8,222 ft)
Population  (2015)
• Municipality and town	4,523
• Density	53.2/km2 (137.8/sq mi)
• Urban	1,798
Time zone	UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time)
Website	Official website: http://www.floresta-boyaca.gov.co/

Floresta is a charming town and municipality located in the Boyacá Department of Colombia. It's part of the Tundama Province, a beautiful area within Boyacá. Floresta sits high up in the Andes mountains, specifically in the Eastern Ranges.

This town is found on the Altiplano Cundiboyacense, a high plateau. Floresta shares its borders with several other towns. To the north, you'll find Santa Rosa de Viterbo, Cerinza, and Betéitiva. To the east are Busbanzá and Corrales. Finally, to the west and south, it borders Santa Rosa de Viterbo and Nobsa.

Floresta's Past: A Look at Its History

Before the Spanish arrived in Colombia, the area where Floresta is now was home to the Muisca. They were an advanced civilization organized into a large group called the Muisca Confederation.

Ancient Tobasía: Muisca Roots

In those ancient times, Floresta and Santa Rosa de Viterbo were known together as Tobasía. This name is still used today for a part of the village called a corregimiento. Tobasía was led by a cacique, which was a local chief. This chief was loyal to the powerful ruler of Tundama, a nearby city.

Founding of Modern Floresta

The modern town of Floresta was officially founded in 1818. This was just three years before Colombia gained its independence from the Spanish Empire. The name "Floresta" means "between the flowers," which perfectly describes its beautiful surroundings.

What Floresta Produces: Economy and Agriculture

The main way people in Floresta make a living is through agriculture, which means farming. They grow many different crops that are important for the region.

Main Crops and Unique Products

Farmers in Floresta mostly grow potatoes, maize (corn), and barley. They also produce a Colombian fruit called uchuva, which is also known as goldenberry.

One special thing about Floresta is that it grows grapes! This is quite unusual for tropical Colombia. They grow types of grapes like Riesling and Pinot Noir to make wine.

Livestock and Dairy Farming

Besides crops, raising livestock (farm animals) and dairy farming are also big parts of Floresta's economy. This means they raise animals like cows for meat and milk products.

Fascinating Finds: Geology and Fossils

Floresta is famous among scientists for its unique rocks and the ancient life found within them.

The Floresta Formation: A Fossil Treasure Chest

A special rock layer called the Floresta Formation is named after the town. This formation is very old, dating back to the Devonian period. It's known for having many amazing fossils. Scientists have found lots of trilobites and brachiopods here. These are ancient sea creatures that lived hundreds of millions of years ago!

Famous People from Floresta

• Eliécer Silva Celis: He was an important anthropologist and archeologist. He is famous for helping to rebuild the Sun Temple in Sogamoso, which was a sacred place for the Muisca people.

Gallery

Rural part of Floresta

See also

In Spanish: Floresta (Boyacá) para niños