Yaque del Sur River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yaque del Sur |
|
|---|---|
| Country |  Dominican Republic |
| Provinces | San Juan, Valverde, Baoruco, Barahona |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Length | 183 km (114 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 4,972 km2 (1,920 sq mi) |
The Yaque del Sur River is an important river in the southwestern Dominican Republic. In Spanish, its name is Río Yaque del Sur. This river is about 183 kilometers (114 miles) long. It flows through several provinces before reaching the sea.
What's in a Name?
The name Yaque (or Yaqui) comes from the Taíno people. They were the first inhabitants of the island. They used this word for two main rivers in the Dominican Republic.
One river is the Yaque del Norte. This means "Northern Yaque." It flows north and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The other river is the Yaque del Sur. This means "Southern Yaque." It flows south and ends in the Caribbean Sea. So, "del Sur" just tells us it's the southern one!
How the River is Used
The Yaque del Sur River is very important for the people living nearby. It is mostly used for watering crops. Farmers use its water to help grow many different plants.
Some of the main crops watered by the river include rice, plantains, and sugarcane. They also grow beans, bananas, and peanuts. The river helps these farms produce food for many people. You cannot travel far on this river by boat. Only very small boats can use it.
See also
In Spanish: Río Yaque del Sur para niños
