Yaracuy | ||
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State of Venezuela | ||
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Anthem: Himno del Estado Yaracuy | ||
Location within Venezuela |
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Coordinates: 10°19′N 68°43′W / 10.31°N 68.71°WCoordinates: 10°19′N 68°43′W / 10.31°N 68.71°W | ||
Country | Venezuela | |
Created | 1909 | |
Capital | San Felipe de Yaracuy | |
Government | ||
• Governor | Julio León (2008–present) | |
Area | ||
• Total | 7,100 km2 (2,700 sq mi) | |
Area rank | 19th | |
0.77% of Venezuela | ||
Population (2011 census) | ||
• Total | 600,852 | |
• Rank | 18th | |
2.16% of Venezuela | ||
Time zone | UTC-04:30 | |
ISO 3166 code | VE-U | |
Emblematic tree | Chaguaramo (Roystonea oleracea) | |
Website | www |
Yaracuy State (Spanish: Estado Yaracuy, IPA: [esˈtaðo ʝaɾaˈkui]) is one of the 23 states of Venezuela. It is bordered by Falcón in the north, in the west by Lara, in the south by Portuguesa and Cojedes and in the east by Cojedes and Carabobo.
Its geography is mountainous: the Andes range ends there, and the Coastal Range begins. It is split by two mountainous systems, the Sierra de Aroa on the North and the Sierra de Nirgua. In between lies the agricultural land drained by the Yaracuy River. Most cities and towns are in this valley, including its capital San Felipe.
The economy of Yaracuy is mostly agricultural (sugar cane, corn, cattle raising). Some manufacturing can be found in Yaritagua area and Chivacoa, usually in agribusiness.
In recent years, Yaracuy had experienced some growth and social development under governor Eduardo Lapi (1995 - 2004). In 2004, thanks to the Chavez landslide, Lapi was narrowly unseated by Carlos E. Giménez, supported by Chavez political allies in the area. Since then, the economy has been in some turmoil as a considerable amount of land invasions by poor farmers in search of lands have created havoc within the agricultural system. In particular, the sugar cane production has plummeted. Carlos Giménez was followed as governor by Julio León in 2008, after he was removed from power due to allegations of corruption.
Yaracuy is divided into fourteen municipalities:
The state capital is San Felipe de Yaracuy. Other important towns are Aroa, Chivacoa, Cocorote, Marín, Nirgua, Sabana de Parra, Yaritagua, and Urachiche.