Risaralda Department facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Risaralda Department
Departamento del Risaralda
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Risaralda shown in red
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Topography of the department
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| Country |  Colombia |
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| Region | Andean Region | ||
| Established | July 1, 1966 | ||
| Capital | Pereira | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 4,140 km2 (1,600 sq mi) | ||
| Population
(2013)
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| • Total | 941,283 | ||
| • Density | 227.36/km2 (588.9/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC-05 | ||
| ISO 3166 code | CO-RIS | ||
| Municipalities | 14 | ||
| Website | www.risaralda.gov.co | ||
Risaralda is one of the 32 departments that make up Colombia. It is located in the central-western part of the country. The capital city of Risaralda is Pereira.
This department was created on July 1, 1966. It was formed from parts of the departments of Caldas and Valle del Cauca. Risaralda is known for its beautiful landscapes and its important role in coffee production.
Contents
What is the Geography of Risaralda Like?
Risaralda covers an area of about 4,140 square kilometers (1,600 square miles). This makes it one of the smaller departments in Colombia. It is part of the Andean Region. This means it has mountains, valleys, and rivers.
The department's varied landscape includes high mountains and fertile valleys. These features make it great for farming. The climate changes depending on the elevation. Higher areas are cooler, while lower areas are warmer.
How Many People Live in Risaralda?
As of 2013, the population of Risaralda was around 941,283 people. Most of the people live in urban areas, especially in the capital city of Pereira. The department is home to a diverse mix of cultures.
The people of Risaralda are known for their friendliness and hard work. Many are involved in agriculture, especially coffee farming. Others work in industries like manufacturing and services.
What are the Main Cities and Towns?
Risaralda is divided into 14 different areas called municipalities. Each municipality has its own local government. The capital city, Pereira, is the largest and most important.
Here are the municipalities in Risaralda:
What is Risaralda's Economy Based On?
The economy of Risaralda is mainly based on agriculture. Coffee is the most important crop grown here. The region is part of Colombia's famous "Coffee Cultural Landscape." This area is recognized by UNESCO for its unique coffee-growing traditions.
Besides coffee, other crops like sugarcane, plantains, and fruits are also grown. The department also has some industries. These include food processing, textiles, and metalworking. Tourism is also growing, with visitors coming to see the beautiful nature and coffee farms.
What is the Government Like in Risaralda?
Like all departments in Colombia, Risaralda is led by a Governor. The Governor is elected by the people. They are in charge of managing the department's public services. This includes things like education, health, and infrastructure.
The department also has an Assembly. This is a group of elected officials. They help make laws and decisions for the department. The government works to improve the lives of the people in Risaralda.
Images for kids
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Topography of the department
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Flag of Risaralda
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Shield of Risaralda
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Risaralda shown in red
