Táchira

For other uses, see Táchira (disambiguation).

Táchira
State of Venezuela
Flag Coat of arms
Anthem: Himno del Estado Táchira
Location within Venezuela
Coordinates:
Country	Venezuela
Created	1899
Capital	San Cristóbal
Government
• Governor	José Gregorio Vielma Mora (2012–2016)
Area
• Total	10,812 km2 (4,175 sq mi)
Area rank	16th
	1.2% of Venezuela
Population (2011 census est.)
• Total	1,168,908
• Rank	9th
	4.5% of Venezuela
Time zone	UTC-04:30
ISO 3166 code	VE-S
Emblematic tree	Pino Criollo, or Laso (Prumnopitys montana)
Website	www.tachira.gob.ve

Táchira State (Spanish: Estado Táchira, IPA: [esˈtaðo ˈtatʃiɾa]) is one of the 23 states of Venezuela. The state capital is San Cristóbal.

Táchira State covers a total surface area of 10,812 square kilometres (4,175 sq mi) and, as of the 2011 census, had a population of 1,168,908. At the end of the 19th century, Táchira state was the place where oil was discovered in Venezuela. It was exploited for many years. Currently, its main economic revenues come from the production of coffee and pineapple. The cattle and agricultural activities play an important role in Táchira's economy. There is also a strong industrial sector which focuses on the processing of potato, sugar, milk, and cheese and the production of textiles.

Táchira State is one of the three Venezuelan Andean states (the other two are Mérida and Trujillo). This state borders with Zulia State in the north, Barinas and Mérida states in the East, Apure and Barinas states in the south and Colombia (Norte de Santander Department) in the west.

History

Táchira State plays an important role in the early parts of Venezuelan history. This state produced more presidents than any other state during the 20th century: Cipriano Castro, Juan Vicente Gómez, Marcos Pérez Jiménez, Isaías Medina Angarita, Eleazar López Contreras, Carlos Andrés Pérez, and Ramón José Velásquez.

At the end of the 19th century, the people of Táchira State were tired of being left out of the main country's decisions. Consequently, a group of men decided to start a revolution called the "Revolución Restauradora" (The Restorative Revolution). The idea was to take power and enhance the importance of the Andean Region in the country. It was led by Cipriano Castro and was successful.

Until the start of 20th century it was highly difficult travelling between Táchira state and others, even within the state. This condition led to cultural differences between the people of Táchira and those from the rest of Venezuela. The former were more influenced by Colombian culture, a more accessible region through Norte de Santander province.

Tourism

Táchira State possesses many natural beauty spots that are excellent for travel and tourism. The Uribante Dam is the second largest dam in Venezuela. It provides electricity to the whole state and the neighbouring regions. There is a town that was flooded by the waters when the dam was built and is an popular tourist destination. There are also various typical towns that offer excellent local food, handicrafts, music and other activities. They are: Peribeca, San Pedro del Rio and La Grita. In Capacho there is a large Christian monument of Jesus: "El Cerro del Cristo" is a place where locals to go for hiking, picnics, and relaxation.

During January the Capital city of San Cristóbal celebrates its fiesta, which is recognized nationally for its industrial, commercial and agricultural exhibitions. During this time there are bull-fights, events, parties, and many international and national artists come to have their shows.

More info.

Geography

Táchira State is located in the Andes. Its highest point is La Montanha el Pulpito, which about 3995 meters above the sea level. Táchira's population is mainly located in San Cristóbal is the most important and prosperous city of this state. Tariba, Rubio, Colon, La Grita are also other important urban centres for this state.

It has international borders with Colombia at West and South with Norte de Santander Department. At North it has Zulia and Mérida states and in the East it has Barinas and Apure states.

The main peaks are:

• The Pulpit: 3,912 m
• Moor Battalion: 3,507 m
• The Tama: 3,450 m
• Moor La Negra: 3,450 m
• Moor The Zumbador: 2,850 m

Municipalities and municipal seats

1. Andrés Bello (Cordero)
2. Antonio Romulo Costa (Las Mesas)
3. Ayacucho (Colón)
4. Bolívar (San Antonio del Táchira)
5. Cárdenas (Táriba)
6. Córdoba (Santa Ana del Táchira)
7. Fernández Feo (San Rafael del Piñal)
8. Francisco de Miranda (San Jose de Bolivar)
9. García de Hevia (La Fría)
10. Guasimos (Palmira)
11. Independencia (Capacho Nuevo)
12. Jauregui (La Grita)
13. Jose Maria Vargas (El Cobre (Táchira))
14. Junín (Rubio)
15. Libertad (Capacho Viejo)
16. Libertador (Abejales)
17. Lobatera (Lobatera)
18. Michelena (Michelena)
19. Panamericano (Coloncito)
20. Pedro María Ureña (Ureña)
21. Rafael Urdaneta (Delicias)
22. Samuel Dario Maldonado (La Tendida)
23. San Cristóbal (San Cristóbal)
24. San Judas Tadeo (Umuquena)
25. Seboruco (Seboruco)
26. Simón Rodríguez (San Simon)
27. Sucre (Queniquea)
28. Torbes (San Josecito)
29. Uribante (Pregonero)

Population

Race and ethnicity

According to the 2011 Census, the racial composition of the population was:

Racial composition	Population	%
White	743,013	58.8
Mestizo	N/A	38.6
Black	22,745	1.8
Other race	N/A	0.8

See also

• States of Venezuela
• Potosi, Venezuela