Ibagué
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| Ibagué | |||
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| Region | Andean Region (Colombia) | ||
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| Department | Department of Tolima* | ||
| Foundation | October 14, 1550 | ||
| Government | |||
| - Mayor | Ruben Dario Rodriguez Gongora | ||
| Population (2005 est.) | |||
| - City | 400,000 | ||
| *Ibague metropolitan area is yet to be determined. | |||
| Website: www.alcaldiadeibague.gov.co |
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Ibagué (2000 pop. 423,000) is the capital of the department of Tolima in Colombia. It is situated 1,285 m (4,216 ft) above sea level, on the eastern slopes of the Cordillera Central between the Chipalo and Combeima rivers, tributaries of the Coello River. It is on the road from Armenia to Bogotá, near the pass that connects to the Cauca Valley, and as a result is a commercial center. It also benefits from the beautiful surrounding mountains and the nearby getaway villa of Villa Restrepo. The surrounding countryside produces coffee, cacao, coca, tobacco, sugarcane, and rice.
Ibagué was founded by Spaniard Andrés López de Galarza on October 14, 1550 as "Villa de San Bonifacio de Ibagué". Due to the frequent attacks by indigenous Pijaos commanded by cacique Ibagué, the city was founded again in its current location. Ibagué was in 1854 briefly the capital of the republic. In 1908, when the department of Tolima was created, Ibagué became its capital. Tolima University was founded in 1945, and raised to university status in 1954. It is also known as the "Ciudad Musical de Colombia."
Ibagué is the birthplace of boxer Oscar Escandon and soprano Patricia Caicedo. The city is also famous for its tamales and lechona.
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