Paysandú Department () is a department of the northwestern region of

Uruguay Uruguay (; ), officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay ( es, República Oriental del Uruguay), is a country in South America. It shares borders with Argentina to its west and southwest and Brazil to its north and northeast; while bordering ...

. It has an area of and a population of 113,124. Its capital is the city of

Paysandú Paysandú () is the capital of Paysandú Department in western Uruguay. Location The city is located on the banks of the Uruguay River, which forms the Argentina–Uruguay border, border with Argentina. It lies northwest of Montevideo via Rout ...

. It borders Salto Department to its north,

Tacuarembó Department Tacuarembó () is the largest department of Uruguay and it is part of its northern region. Its capital is Tacuarembó. It borders Rivera Department to its north and east, the departments of Salto, Paysandú and Río Negro to its west and has the ...

to its east, Río Negro Department to its south and has the

Río Uruguay The Uruguay River ( es, Río Uruguay, ; pt, Rio Uruguai, ) is a major river in South America. It flows from north to south and forms parts of the boundaries of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, separating some of the Argentine provinces of La ...

flowing at its west, separating it from

Argentina Argentina (), officially the Argentine Republic ( es, link=no, República Argentina), is a country in the southern half of South America. Argentina covers an area of , making it the List of South American countries by area, second-largest ...

. The origin of its name is debated but is likely to be of

Charrúa The Charrúa were an indigenous people or Indigenous Nation of the Southern Cone in present-day Uruguay and the adjacent areas in Argentina ( Entre Ríos) and Brazil ( Rio Grande do Sul). They were a semi-nomadic people who sustained themsel ...

origin.

History

The first division of the Republic in six departments happened on 27 January 1816. Two more departments were formed later that year. At that time, Paysandú Department included all the territory north of the Río Negro, which included the actual departments of Artigas, Rivera, Tacuarembó, Salto, Paysandú, and Río Negro. On 17 June 1837, a new division of Uruguay was made and this territory was divided into three parts. In the new division, Paysandú Department included also the actual department of Río Negro, until it was split from it in 1868.

Population and demographics

As of the census of 2011, Paysandú Department had a population of 113,124 (55,361 male and 57,759 female) and 42,849 households. Demographic data for Paysandú Department in 2010: * Population growth rate: 0.250% * Birth Rate: 16.84 births/1,000 people * Death Rate: 8.34 deaths/1,000 people * Average age: 30.8 (29.1 male, 32.7 female) * Life Expectancy at Birth: ** Total population: 77.03 years ** Male: 73.78 years ** Female: 80.67 years * Average per household income: 24,543 pesos/month * Urban per capita income: 9,457 pesos/month ''2010 Data Source:'' :Rural population According to the 2011 census, Paysandú Department has an additional rural population of 4,364.

Economy

The fertile soils of Paysandú have encouraged much agricultural development. Livestock raising is one of the principal agricultural activities, with cattle being raised for both the dairy and beef industries alongside sheep for wool production. Market-gardening is also prominent with the cultivation of oranges and blueberries, whilst wheat, barley, sunflowers and soya beans are also produced. There is also a small fishing industry on the

Uruguay River The Uruguay River ( es, Río Uruguay, ; pt, Rio Uruguai, ) is a major river in South America. It flows from north to south and forms parts of the boundaries of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, separating some of the Argentine provinces of La M ...

. Tourism too, is important for the area. Ecotourism is gaining prominence especially in the Esteros de Farrapos National Park further down the river. In addition many farms provide accommodation and facilities for tourists visiting the area. Paysandú is home to a large brewery and hosts an annua
Semana de la Cerveza
(Week of the Beer), a weeklong festival of music, arts, carnival type rides, and beer.

Map of the department

References

External links

INE map of Paysandú Department

Nuestra Terra, Colección Los Departamentos, Vol.11 "Paysandú"
{{DEFAULTSORT:Paysandu Department Departments of Uruguay States and territories established in 1820