Colonia () is a department of southwestern Uruguay. Its capital is Colonia del Sacramento, the country's second-oldest city.
Geography Climate Colonia has an annual average temperature of 20.4 °C (68.7 °F). In winter it has an average temperature of 9 °C (48.2 °F) and in summer it has an average temperature of 27 °C (80.6 °F)
Economy The southwestern region of Uruguay, where Colonia Department is located, is traditionally associated with dairy production. The area contains production plants of several dairy companies, including the well-known Los Nietitos, Colonial, and La Positiva, as well as smaller producers.
The PepsiCo plant located in Colonia del Sacramento, is one of the three largest worldwide, employing more than 2,000 people and serving the entire Latin American import market. The plant operates under special economic zone legislation, and as of November 2019, has successfully approved an enlargement investment for $65 million.
Its proximity to Buenos Aires makes it the main entry point for tourists traveling from Argentina to Uruguay. Tourism is also favored by part of the capital being a World Heritage Site.
Demographics
As of the census of 2023, Colonia Department has a population of 135,797.
Main Urban Centres Other towns and villages Population stated as per 2011 census. City / Town Population Colonia del Sacramento 29,231 Carmelo 18,041 Juan Lacaze 12,816 Nueva Helvecia 10,630 Rosario 10,085 Nueva Palmira 9,857 Tarariras 6,632 Florencio Sánchez 3,716 Ombúes de Lavalle 3,390 Colonia Valdense 3,235 Town / Village Population Miguelete 999 La Paz 603 El Semillero 600 Conchillas 401 Rural population According to the 2011 census, Colonia department has an additional rural population of 11,471.
See also List of populated places in Uruguay#Colonia Department Fomento, Uruguay
References
External links
INE map of Colonia Department Nuestra Terra, Colección Los Departamentos, Vol.14 "Colonia"