Tasco, Boyacá facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tasco
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Municipality and town
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View of Tasco
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Location of the municipality and town of Tasco in the Boyacá Department of Colombia
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| Country |  Colombia |
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| Department | Boyacá Department | |
| Province | Valderrama Province | |
| Founded | 15 October 1577 | |
| Area | ||
| • Municipality and town | 167 km2 (64 sq mi) | |
| • Urban | 0.3 km2 (0.1 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 2,530 m (8,300 ft) | |
| Population
(2015)
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| • Municipality and town | 6,361 | |
| • Density | 38.09/km2 (98.65/sq mi) | |
| • Urban | 1,905 | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time) | |
| Website | Official website: http://www.tasco-boyaca.gov.co/ | |
Tasco is a town and a municipality in the Boyacá department of Colombia. It is part of the Valderrama Province. Tasco is located on a high plateau called the Altiplano Cundiboyacense. The land here is quite high, ranging from about 2,400 meters (7,900 feet) to 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) above sea level.
The Chicamocha River flows through this area. Tasco shares its borders with several other towns. To the north is Socha, to the south are Corrales and Gámeza. To the east is Socotá, and to the west are Betéitiva and Paz de Río. The main town center of Tasco is about 2,530 meters (8,300 feet) high. It is located about 115 kilometers (71 miles) from Tunja, which is the capital city of the Boyacá department.
Contents
What Does Tasco Mean?
The name Tasco comes from the Chibcha language. This was the language spoken by the Muisca people, who lived in this area long ago. In their language, Tasco means "Enclosure or mansion of the sovereign." This suggests it was an important place for their leaders.
A Look at Tasco's History
Before the Spanish arrived, the area where Tasco is now was home to two native tribes: the Boche and the Pirgua. Modern Tasco was officially started on October 15, 1577. Interesting discoveries have been made in Tasco, including ancient mummies.
What People Do in Tasco
The main ways people earn a living in Tasco are through agriculture (farming) and livestock farming (raising animals).
- Farm Products: Farmers in Tasco grow many different crops. These include potatoes, Ullucus tuberosus (a type of root vegetable), turnips, maize (corn), beans, barley, peas, and chick peas.
- Fruits: They also grow various fruits. You can find peaches, pears, prunes, apples, and a special Colombian fruit called curuba (banana passionfruit).
Ancient Plants Found in Tasco
Scientists who study fossils have made exciting discoveries in Tasco. In 2010, they found fossil remains of ancient plants. These plants belonged to groups called Rosidae Berhamniphyllum and Archaeopaliurus boyacensis. These fossils were found in a rock layer known as the Maastrichtian Guaduas Formation. Finding these fossils helps us learn about what plants lived here millions of years ago!
Tasco's Climate
Tasco has a mild climate due to its high elevation. The temperatures are generally cool and stable throughout the year.
| Climate data for Betéitiva/Tasco, elevation 2,575 m (8,448 ft), (1981–2010) | |||||||||||||
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| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 23.2 (73.8) |
23.8 (74.8) |
23.2 (73.8) |
23.3 (73.9) |
22.5 (72.5) |
21.9 (71.4) |
21.7 (71.1) |
22.0 (71.6) |
22.1 (71.8) |
22.6 (72.7) |
22.3 (72.1) |
22.6 (72.7) |
22.6 (72.7) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 15.2 (59.4) |
15.5 (59.9) |
15.4 (59.7) |
15.6 (60.1) |
15.5 (59.9) |
15.2 (59.4) |
14.8 (58.6) |
14.9 (58.8) |
14.8 (58.6) |
15.1 (59.2) |
15.2 (59.4) |
15.3 (59.5) |
15.2 (59.4) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 8.2 (46.8) |
8.3 (46.9) |
8.7 (47.7) |
9.4 (48.9) |
9.4 (48.9) |
9.5 (49.1) |
9.0 (48.2) |
9.3 (48.7) |
8.8 (47.8) |
9.2 (48.6) |
9.4 (48.9) |
8.6 (47.5) |
9.0 (48.2) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 34.5 (1.36) |
43.9 (1.73) |
72.0 (2.83) |
91.0 (3.58) |
82.6 (3.25) |
52.3 (2.06) |
52.4 (2.06) |
52.6 (2.07) |
70.3 (2.77) |
85.9 (3.38) |
93.5 (3.68) |
50.6 (1.99) |
748.9 (29.48) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) | 8 | 7 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 140 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 77 | 76 | 81 | 81 | 81 | 81 | 81 | 81 | 80 | 80 | 82 | 80 | 80 |
| Source: Instituto de Hidrologia Meteorologia y Estudios Ambientales | |||||||||||||
Pictures of Tasco
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A wide view of Tasco
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The Chicamocha River flowing near Tasco
See also
In Spanish: Tasco para niños
