La Pampa Province

Geobox|Province
name = La Pampa


symbol_type = Coat of arms
symbol = Escudo COA La Pampa province argentina.gif
coordinates_type = adm1st
lat_d = |lat_m = |lat_NS = S
long_d = |long_m = |long_EW = W
part_type = Divisions
part = 22 departments
capital = Santa Rosa
area = 143440
population = 299294
population_as_of = 2001
population_density = 2.0
leader_type = Governor
leader = Oscar Mario Jorge
leader1_type = Senators
leader1 = Silvia Gallego, Rubén Marín, Juan Carlos Marino
free_type = Demonym
free = "Pampeano"


iso_code = AR
iso_subcode = L
website = http://www.lapampa.gov.ar

La Pampa is a province of Argentina, located in the Pampas in the centre of the country. Neighboring provinces are from the north clockwise San Luis, Córdoba, Buenos Aires, Río Negro, Neuquén and Mendoza.

History

In 1604 Hernandarias was the first explorer to reach the area later explored by Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera in 1662. But it was not until the 18th century that permanent settlements were installed. Resistance of the local aborigines prevented expansion until the government of Rosas, and did not cease until Julio Roca's Conquest of the desert in the 19th century. The territory was divided between the officers, and the first settlements were erected.

The "Territorio Nacional de La Pampa Central" was created in 1884, containing the Río Negro Province and parts of other surrounding provinces, and around 25.000 inhabitants. In 1915 there were already 110.000. In 1945 the territory was divided and La Pampa became a province.

In 1952 its constitution was indited, and the province renamed after Eva Perón. In 1955 both La Pampa and Chaco, the other province renamed at the same time, after Juan Perón, were renamed back to their original names.

La Pampa's population, despite its rural profile, is one of Argentina's best-educated. One prominent local journalist, "El Arena" newsdaily editor Raul D'Atri, earned a national reputation for his investigative work, done sometimes at great peril to himself and "El Arena". ["Clarín". 19 March 1989.]

Geography and climate

Situated in the middle of the "pampas", the low, flat steppe receives 500 mm of rain a year, diminishing towards the West. The low humidity and temperate weather result in high contrast in temperature between day and night, which is reflected in the vegetation of the region.

Northwestern La Pampa is part of the "pampa humida", adjacent to the Province of Buenos Aires. The influence of the "Cuyo" region can be seen in the west, with a low mountain range of 600 meters.

There are only two major rivers in the province: the Colorado ("Red River") on the border with the Province of Río Negro, and the Salado ("Salty River") crossing it. The Salado's level has been dropping, as its tributaries in the Province of Mendoza are diverted for irrigation.

Economy

La Pampa, long Argentina's most economically agricultural province, produced an estimated US$3.2 billion in output in 2006, or, US$10,500 per capita (almost 20% above the national average). [ [http://www.iader.org.ar/}]

Agriculture contibutes a fourth to La Pampa's economy, the most important activity being cattle ranching, with 3,632,684 (2002) head, which takes place all over the province. Other livestock include 202,428 sheep, 140,498 goat and 64,118 pig.The Northeast, on the more fertile lands, has also an important activity with wheat (10% of the national production), sunflower (13% of NP), maize, alfalfa, barley, and other cereals.

There's also a dairy industry of 300 centres of extraction and 25 cheese factories, honey production, and salt extraction from salt basins.

La Pampa is home to very little industry, construction or mining and, so, its services sector accounts for over two-thirds of the economy, a fairly high proportion. Tourism is an underdeveloped activity, however. Visitors start at Santa Rosa and reach Lihué Calel National Park, "Parque Luro Provincial Reserve" or visit one of the many "estancias", some of which are dedicated to agritourism.

Political division

The province is divided in 22 departments (Spanish: departamentos).

Department (Capital)

# Atreuco (Macachín)
# Caleu Caleu (La Adela)
# Capital (Santa Rosa)
# Catriló (Catriló)
# Chalileo (Santa Isabel)
# Chapaleufú (Intendente Alvear)
# Chical Có (Algarrobo del Aguila)
# Conhelo (Eduardo Castex)
# Curacó (Puelches)
# Guatraché (Guatraché)
# Huncal ( [Bernasconi] )
# Lihué Calel (Cuchillo-Co)
# Limay Mahuida (Limay Mahuida)
# Loventué (Victorica)
# Maracó (General Pico)
# Puelén (Veinticinco de Mayo)
# Quemú Quemú (Quemú Quemú)
# Rancul (Parera)
# Realicó (Realicó)
# Toay (Toay)
# Trenel (Trenel)
# Utracán (General Acha)

References

External links

* [http://www.lapampa.gov.ar/ Official (government) Website] (Spanish)
* [http://www.turismolapampa.gov.ar/ Provincial Tourist Office] (Spanish)
* [http://www.unlpam.edu.ar/ Universidad Nacional de La Pampa] ] (Spanish)
* [http://www.region.com.ar/ REGION Guide to La Pampa ] ] (Spanish/English)
* [http://www.argentour.com/mapas/lapampamap.html Map of La Pampa and its Departamentos (out of date)]