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Wanda, Argentina facts for kids

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Wanda
Municipality and town
Cartel Wanda (Provincia de Misiones, Argentina) 2.JPG
Flag of Wanda
Flag
Country  Argentina
Province  Misiones
Department Iguazú
Population
 • Total 15,529
  2010
Time zone UTC−3 (ART)
CPA
N3376
Geoda de amatista incrustada en roca
Amethyst geode in Wanda mines.

Wanda is a town and a municipality (which is like a local government area) in the Misiones Province of Argentina. It's located in the northeast part of the country. The official name for the wider area is Colonia Wanda, but most people just call the town Wanda. It is part of the Iguazú Department.

In 2010, about 15,529 people lived in the entire municipality. Most of these people, around 13,901, lived in the main urban area of Wanda. This number grew quite a bit from 2001, showing that more people are choosing to live here.

Discovering Wanda's Gems and Nature

Wanda is a popular stop for tourists visiting the Misiones Province. It's only about 55 kilometers (about 34 miles) from the amazing Iguazu Falls. Many visitors come to Wanda specifically to explore its famous precious stone mines.

Exploring the Precious Stone Mines

The mines in Wanda are well-known for their beautiful gemstones. You can find different types of quartz here, like amethyst, agate, and topaz. These stones formed inside volcanic rocks over millions of years. Visitors can take tours to see how these gems are found and even buy some unique pieces.

Wanda's Growing Popularity

Because of its natural beauty and unique mines, Wanda has become the second most popular tourist spot in the Misiones Province. It offers a different kind of adventure compared to the waterfalls, making it a special place to visit.

Connecting Wanda to Other Places

Wanda is well-connected to other parts of Argentina and even Brazil. This makes it easy for people and goods to travel to and from the town.

Major Roads and Connections

The town is located on National Route 12. This important road links Wanda to other big cities like Puerto Iguazú (near the waterfalls), Posadas (the capital of Misiones), and even Buenos Aires.

Wanda is also where Provincial Route 19 begins. This route is the only way to reach the city of Andresito. From Andresito, you can cross an international bridge into Capanema in Brazil.

Wanda's Economy: What People Do

The main ways people make a living in Wanda involve using the natural resources around them.

Forestry: Growing Trees for Wood

About half of the land in the municipality of Wanda is covered by planted forests. This means that forestry is a very important activity. People grow trees specifically to harvest wood, which is used for many different products.

Tourism and Yerba Mate

Besides forestry, tourism plays a big role in Wanda's economy, thanks to the precious stone mines and its location near the Iguazu Falls. Another important activity is the cultivation of yerba mate. This plant is used to make a popular traditional drink in Argentina and other South American countries.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Wanda (Misiones) para niños

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