Sotaquirá facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sotaquirá
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Municipality and town
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Location of the municipality and town of Sotaquirá in the Boyacá Department of Colombia
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| Country |  Colombia |
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| Department | Boyacá Department | |
| Province | Central Boyacá Province | |
| Founded | 20 December 1582 | |
| Founded by | Friar Arturo Cabeza de Vaca | |
| Area | ||
| • Municipality and town | 288.65 km2 (111.45 sq mi) | |
| • Urban | 0.10 km2 (0.04 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 2,860 m (9,380 ft) | |
| Population
(2015)
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| • Municipality and town | 7,709 | |
| • Density | 26.7071/km2 (69.171/sq mi) | |
| • Urban | 716 | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time) | |
| Website | Official website: http://www.sotaquira-boyaca.gov.co/ | |
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Sotaquirá is a town and a special area called a municipality in the Boyacá region of Colombia. It's located in the Central Boyacá Province. This town sits high up in the Andes mountains, specifically in the Eastern Ranges of Colombia. The main part of Sotaquirá is about 2,860 meters (9,383 feet) above sea level. It's also about 39 kilometers (24 miles) from Tunja, the capital city of Boyacá.
Most of Sotaquirá is countryside, with 90% of its people living in rural areas. In fact, there are about 50% more cows than people living here! Sotaquirá shares borders with Tuta to the east, Paipa to the north, Gámbita, Santander to the west, and Cómbita to the south.
Contents
History of Sotaquirá
Before the Spanish arrived, the area where Sotaquirá is now was home to the Muisca. They were an advanced group of people who lived in a loose confederation of communities. Sotaquirá was part of the lands ruled by the zaque of Hunza, which is now the city of Tunja.
Modern Sotaquirá was officially started on December 20, 1582. It was founded by a friar named Arturo Cabeza de Vaca.
What Sotaquirá Means
The name "Sotaquirá" comes from the Chibcha language of the Muisca people. In their language, Sotaquirá means "Town of the sovereign." A sovereign is like a ruler or a king.
Economy and Farming
The main ways people make a living in Sotaquirá are through agriculture (farming) and raising animals.
Crops Grown in Sotaquirá
Farmers in Sotaquirá grow many different crops. These include:
They also grow various fruits like:
- Peaches
- Pears
- Prunes
- Apples
- Blackberries
- Strawberries
- Curuba (banana passionfruit)
- Tree tomatoes
- Feijoa (pineapple guava)
Livestock and Dairy
Besides growing crops, many people in Sotaquirá raise animals. This includes livestock farming, especially for dairy products like milk and cheese.
See Also
- In Spanish: Sotaquirá para niños (Sotaquirá for kids)
