Paysandú Department () is a department of the northwestern region of Uruguay. It has an area of and a population of 121,843. Its capital is the city of Paysandú. It borders Salto Department to its north, Tacuarembó Department to its east, Río Negro Department to its south and has the Río Uruguay flowing at its west, separating it from Argentina.
The origin of its name is debated but is likely to be of Charrúa 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.
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:
Main Urban Centres Other towns and villages Population stated according to the 2011 census. City / Town Population Paysandú 76,412 Nuevo Paysandú 8,578 Guichón 5,039 Chacras de Paysandú 3,965 Quebracho 2,853 San Félix 1,718 Porvenir 1,159 Tambores 1,111 Piedras Coloradas 1,094 Town / Village Population Lorenzo Geyres 774 Chapicuy 735 Gallinal 700 Orgoroso 583 Merinos 528 Beisso 399 Casablanca 343 Esperanza 340 Cerro Chato 333 Constancia 331 Morató 218 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.
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 annual Semana de la Cerveza (Beer week), a weeklong festival of music, arts, carnival type rides, and beer.
Map of the department
See also List of populated places in Uruguay#Paysandú Department
References
External links
INE map of Paysandú Department Nuestra Terra, Colección Los Departamentos, Vol.11 "Paysandú"