| Táchira State Estado Táchira |
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| — State — | |||
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| Anthem: Táchira State Anthem | |||
| Location within Venezuela | |||
| Country | Venezuela | ||
| Created | 1899 | ||
| Capital | San Cristóbal | ||
| Government | |||
| • Governor | César Pérez Vivas (2008–2012) | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 11,100 km2 (4,285.7 sq mi) | ||
| Area rank | 16th | ||
| 1.2% of Venezuela | |||
| Population (2007 est.) | |||
| • Total | 1,177,300 | ||
| • 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 11,100 km² (4,290 mi²) and, in 2007, had an estimated population of 1,177,300. 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 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.
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Táchira State plays an important role in the initiation of the Venezuelan contemporary history. This state brought the largest number of 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 "Revolucion Restauradora". 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 the transport between Táchira state and others, even inside the state. This condition made a high difference between culture of people on Táchira and the rest of Venezuela which was, the first one, highly influencied by Colombia which had easier access trough Norte de Santander province.
Táchira State possess many natural places that are excellent for excursions and Tourism. The Represa Uribante is the second largest dam of Venezuela. It provides electricity to the whole state and the neighbouring regions. There is a town that was cover by the waters when the dam was built and is an excellent place to visit. There are also various typical towns that offer excellent food, dessert, handcraft, 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 for the locals to go for hiking, picnics, and relaxation.
During January the Capital city of San Cristóbal offers its fair, which is nationally recognize for having a great 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.
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.
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