Duitama

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Duitama
Duitama Center
Duitama Center
Flag of Duitama
Flag
Coat of arms of Duitama
Coat of arms
Nickname: Perla de Boyaca (The Pearl of Boyaca)
Location of the town and municipality of Duitama in Boyacá Department.
Location of the town and municipality of Duitama in Boyacá Department.
Country ColombiaFlag of Colombia
Department Boyacá
Province Tundama Province
Founded 1556 - 1775 (Doctrinal Center)
Established July 27, 1819
Government
 - Type Municipality
 - Mayor Francklyn Alfredo Rincon Galvis [1]
Area
 - Total 186 km² (71.8 sq mi)
Elevation 2,530 m (8,301 ft)
Population (2007)
 - Total 120,000
 - Density 645.1/km² (1,670.8/sq mi)
  *Census of the population in Duitama[2]
Website: http://www.duitama.gov.co

Duitama (IPA[dwiˈtama]) is a city and municipality in the Boyacá department, part of the Tundama Province a subregion of Boyaca. It is located some 170 kilometres northeast of Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia and 55 kilometres northest of Tunja, the capital city of Boyaca. Duitama has existed since pre-Columbian times. According to the local oral tradition the city was founded by the Muisca Chief Tundama. The city has a population of about 120,000 people. The elevation of the city is around 2,500 m above sea level and the average temperature is 18°C (65°F). Duitama is known as "the pearl of Boyacá".

[edit] History

Pre-Columbian

See also: Muisca

The same as the European countries, the muiscas had an established political society[3]; they also had religious beliefs, and an established economic system.

Before the discovery of America, Tundama (Duitama) was governed by the cacique Tundama. Nemequene (the Zaque) was the leader of the "north" and his establishment was Hunza (Tunja). Though the Zaque was considered the king of the north (in which also was located Duitama) he hasn't an absolute control on the population; though he was considered a person of great power and a holy person.

[edit] International events

Duitama was the second city in latinamerica from host the UCI Road World Championships. The first city to host such event was San Cristobal in Venezuela (1977).

[edit] Gallery

See also: List of municipalities in Boyacá

Coordinates: 5°50′N, 73°01′W