La Rioja Province, Argentina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids La Rioja |
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Province | |||
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Divisions | 18 departments | ||
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Capital | La Rioja | ||
Area | 89,680 km² (34,626 sq mi) | ||
Population | 333,642 (2010) | ||
Density | 3.7 /km² (10 /sq mi) | ||
Governor | Luis Beder Herrera | ||
- Senators | Ada Maza, Carlos Menem, Teresita Quintela | ||
Timezone | ART (UTC−3) | ||
ISO 3166-2 code | AR-F | ||
Demonym | Riojano | ||
La Rioja is one of the provinces of Argentina. It is located on the western side of the country. The two largest cities in the province are La Rioja (which is also the capital) and Chilecito. People from La Rioja are called Riojanos.
Provinces of Argentina | ![]() |
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Buenos Aires | Buenos Aires Province | Catamarca | Chaco | Chubut | Córdoba | Corrientes | Entre Ríos | Formosa | Jujuy | La Pampa | La Rioja | Mendoza | Misiones | Neuquen | Río Negro | Salta | San Juan | San Luis | Santa Cruz | Santa Fe | Santiago del Estero | Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, and South Atlantic Islands | Tucumán |
Contents
Discover La Rioja!
La Rioja is a fascinating province in Argentina. It's known for its dry, mountainous landscapes and rich history. Many people visit to explore its unique natural parks and learn about its past.
Where is La Rioja Located?
La Rioja is in the west of Argentina. It shares borders with several other provinces. To the north, it meets Catamarca. To the east, it borders Córdoba. To the south, you'll find San Luis and San Juan. To the west, it touches the country of Chile.
A Look Back in Time
The history of La Rioja goes back thousands of years. Early people lived here long before Europeans arrived.
Ancient Art: Talampaya's Petroglyphs
Evidence of ancient life can be found in Talampaya National Park. Here, you can see amazing petroglyphs. These are ancient rock carvings made by people around 10,000 years BCE (Before Common Era). They tell stories of the early inhabitants and their way of life.
Important People from History
La Rioja has been home to many important figures. One famous person was Facundo Quiroga. He was a powerful leader and military general in the 1800s. He fought for the rights and freedom of his province.
Another important figure was Bishop Enrique Angelelli. He was a religious leader in La Rioja. Bishop Angelelli worked hard to help poor people and promote peace in the region during the 1970s.
What Does La Rioja Produce?
The economy of La Rioja depends on several activities. Farming is very important, especially in areas where there is enough water.
Farming and Vineyards
Farmers in La Rioja grow grapes, olives, and cotton. The province is famous for its vineyards, especially near the city of Chilecito. These vineyards produce grapes that are used to make delicious wines.
Mining and Industry
Mining is also a key part of the economy. Minerals like gold, copper, and uranium are found in the mountains. There are also some industries that process food and other local products.
How La Rioja is Governed
Like other provinces in Argentina, La Rioja has its own government.
Provincial Leaders
The main leader of the province is the Governor. The governor is in charge of running the province and making decisions for its people. La Rioja also sends representatives, called Senators, to the national government in Argentina's capital.
Famous Places to Visit
La Rioja offers many exciting places to explore.
Talampaya National Park
Talampaya National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's famous for its incredible red rock formations, deep canyons, and ancient petroglyphs. It's a great place to learn about geology and history.
Chilecito and Its Surroundings
Chilecito is the second-largest city in the province. It's surrounded by beautiful mountains and green valleys. Near Chilecito, you can visit vineyards and learn about wine production.
Images for kids
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Facundo Quiroga, a popular fighter for La Rioja's freedom.
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La Rioja Bishop Enrique Angelelli, who advocated for the poor and for peace.
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A vineyard in Chilecito.
See also
In Spanish: Provincia de La Rioja (Argentina) para niños