Gachalá facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gachalá
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Municipality and town
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Central square and church of Gachalá
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Location of the municipality and town of Gachalá inside Cundinamarca Department of Colombia
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 Gachalá
Location in Colombia
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| Country |  Colombia |
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| Department |  Cundinamarca |
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| Province | Guavio Province | ||
| Founded | 22 February 1810 | ||
| Founded by | Mariano de Mendoza y Bueno | ||
| Area | |||
| • Municipality and town | 448.29 km2 (173.09 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 1,712 m (5,617 ft) | ||
| Population
(2015)
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| • Municipality and town | 5,715 | ||
| • Density | 12.7484/km2 (33.018/sq mi) | ||
| • Urban | 2,025 | ||
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time) | ||
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Gachalá is a small town and municipality in Colombia. It is located in the Guavio Province, which is part of the Cundinamarca region. The town center of Gachalá is about 148 kilometers (92 miles) away from Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia.
Gachalá sits high up in the Eastern Ranges of the Colombian Andes mountains. Its elevation is about 1,712 meters (5,617 feet) above sea level. The municipality shares its borders with several other areas. To the north, it borders parts of Ubalá and the Boyacá region. To the east, it borders more of Ubalá and Medina. To the west, you'll find Fómeque, Junín, and Gama. Finally, to the south, it borders Fómeque, Medina, and the Meta region.
Contents
What Does the Name Gachalá Mean?
The name Gachalá comes from the ancient Chibcha language. It has a cool meaning: "clay vessel of the night" or "defeat of the night."
A Look Back: Gachalá's History
Early Inhabitants
Long before the Spanish arrived in Colombia, the area where Gachalá is now was home to the Chío tribe. These people were part of the larger Muisca group. By the year 1548, the land of Gachalá was controlled by the cacique (a local chief) from Guatavita.
Founding of Modern Gachalá
The modern town of Gachalá was officially founded on February 22, 1810. It was established by a person named Mariano de Mendoza y Bueno.
Gachalá's Economy: How People Make a Living
Power from Water
One of the main ways people in Gachalá earn money is through the huge hydroelectric plant. This plant uses the power of water from the Guavio Reservoir to create electricity. It's a very important source of energy for the region.
Emerald Mining
Another big part of Gachalá's economy is emerald mining. Emeralds are beautiful green gemstones, and finding them provides many jobs and income for the town. In fact, a very famous and huge emerald, weighing 858 carats, was found here. It was named the Gachalá Emerald after the town where it was discovered.
Famous People from Gachalá
- Gonzalo Correal Urrego: He is a well-known anthropologist and archaeologist. This means he studies human societies and cultures, both past and present, and digs up ancient sites to learn about history.
Images for kids
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Church of Gachalá
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The famous Gachalá Emerald
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A wide view of the Guavio Reservoir
See also
In Spanish: Gachalá para niños
