Yaracuy

VenezuelanState New
name = Yaracuy

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image_coa = Escudo yaracuy.jpg
state_motto = none

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date_creation = 1909
capital = San Felipe de Yaracuy
area = 7,100
area_percentage = 0,77
area_percentage_rank = 19th
population = 597,700
year_estimate = 2007
population_percentage = 2,16
population_percentage_rank = 18th
emblematic_tree = Chaguaramo
binomial_name = Roystonea venezuelana
ISO_code = VE-U
governor = Carlos Gimenez
mandate_start = 2004
mandate_end = 2008
website = http://www.yaracuy.gob.ve
website_name = Gobernacion del Estado Yaracuy
footnotes =

Estado Yaracuy is one of the 23 states "(estados)" 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 lays 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 agribusiness.

In recent years Yaracuy had experienced some growth and social development under governor Lapi. But in 2004 thanks to the Chavez landslide he was barely unseated by Gimenez, 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 lands have created havoc with the agricultural system. In particular the sugar cane production has plummeted. Currently the political situation is tense as Gimenez questioned rule has brought him under a Recall Election threat for late 2007.

Municipalities and municipal seats

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.

Yaracuy State covers a total surface area of 7,100 km². Population: 597,700 inhabitants (2007 est).

See also

* States of Venezuela