Florida Department facts for kids
The Florida Department (which in Spanish is called Departamento de Florida) is a region, like a state or province, located in the south-central part of Uruguay. Its main city and capital is Florida. This department is known for its beautiful countryside and important history in Uruguay. It's a place where many people live and work, especially in farming.
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What is the Florida Department?
The Florida Department is one of the 19 departments that make up the country of Uruguay. It's located in the heart of the country, making it a central point for many activities. The department is named after its capital city, Florida.
Where is the Florida Department located?
The Florida Department is situated in the central-south area of Uruguay. It shares borders with several other departments. To the north, it borders Durazno. To the east, it's next to Lavalleja. Canelones is to its south, and San José and Flores are to its west. This central location means it connects many parts of the country.
How big is the Florida Department?
The Florida Department covers an area of about 10,417 square kilometers (around 4,022 square miles). This makes it one of the larger departments in Uruguay. It has a varied landscape, from rolling hills to flat plains, which are great for farming.
People and Cities in Florida Department
The Florida Department is home to many people who live in its cities and rural areas. The capital city, Florida, is the largest and most important urban center in the department.
How many people live there?
According to the 2011 census, about 67,048 people live in the Florida Department. Most of these people live in the capital city, Florida. The population is spread out, with many smaller towns and villages across the countryside.
What are the main cities and towns?
The capital city is Florida. It is the biggest city and the center of government and business for the department. Other important towns include Sarandí Grande, Casupá, and Fray Marcos. These towns serve as local centers for the surrounding rural communities.
History of the Florida Department
The Florida Department has a rich history that dates back many years. It played an important role in the early days of Uruguay's independence.
When was the department created?
The Florida Department was officially created on July 10, 1856. Before this, it was part of the San José Department. Its creation marked an important step in organizing the country's regions.
What is the Piedra Alta?
One of the most famous historical events in the Florida Department happened at a place called Piedra Alta (High Stone). On August 25, 1825, Uruguay declared its independence from Brazil here. This event is very important for Uruguay, and the Piedra Alta is a national monument.
Economy and What People Do
The economy of the Florida Department is mainly based on farming and livestock. The rich soil and good climate make it an ideal place for these activities.
What kind of farming happens there?
Agriculture is a major part of the department's economy. Farmers grow crops like corn, wheat, and soybeans. They also produce milk and dairy products. The department is known for its dairy farms, which supply milk to many parts of Uruguay.
What about livestock?
Raising cattle and sheep is also very important. The vast grasslands provide excellent grazing areas for livestock. Meat and wool production are key industries, contributing significantly to the department's economy.
Nature and Environment
The Florida Department has a diverse natural environment with rivers, streams, and green landscapes.
What are the main rivers?
The Santa Lucía River is one of the most important rivers in the department. It forms part of its southern border. Other rivers and streams crisscross the landscape, providing water for farming and supporting local wildlife.
What kind of landscape can you see?
The landscape of the Florida Department includes rolling hills, flat plains, and fertile valleys. There are also areas with natural forests along the rivers. This varied terrain makes it a beautiful place to explore.
Government and Administration
Like all departments in Uruguay, Florida has its own local government that manages the department's affairs.
How is the department governed?
The department is led by an Intendant, who is like a governor or mayor for the whole department. The Intendant is elected by the people. There is also a Departmental Board, which is like a local parliament, that helps make decisions for the department.
What does the local government do?
The local government is responsible for many things that affect daily life. This includes maintaining roads, managing public services like waste collection, promoting local development, and organizing cultural events.
Images for kids
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Historic Estancia, Southern Departamento Florida
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Topographic map of Florida Department showing main populated places and roads
See also
In Spanish: Departamento de Florida para niños
