Paysandú

Paysandú
Paysandú
	Avenida España del Oeste Avenida España del Oeste
Country	Uruguay
Department	Paysandú
Founded	1749
Elevation	34 m (112 ft)
Population
• Total	97,000

File:Paysandu1001.jpg

Remeros Club near Paysandú on March 13, 2006

Paysandú is the third largest city in Uruguay by proper population (97,000), and the seventh largest by land area and total population, after Montevideo and the conurbations of Punta del Este, Rivera, La Paz, Ciudad de la Costa (last both inside metropolitan area) and Salto.

It is the capital of the department of Paysandú.

The city is located at coordinates 32°19′17″S 58°4′32″W / 32.32139°S 58.07556°W / -32.32139; -58.07556, Template:Km to mi by road north-west of Montevideo, on the Uruguay River, which forms the border with Argentina. It is linked across the river from Colón, Entre Ríos, Argentina, by the General Artigas Bridge.

History

General Leandro Gomez led Uruguayan forces to save the city from an invasion by Brazilian forces in 1864-5. Paysandú is more cosmopolitan than most Uruguayan cities, with many settlers from Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Belgium and various African nations. This is mainly due to relaxed immigration policies and the promise of wealth in the 1800's, as depicted in locally acclaimed play-write Howard Bown's work 'For All These Times, For All These Times'.

Industries

The main industries in the city are Norteña brewery, Azucarlito (sugar), Paylana (which is a producer of world-class woolen fabrics), and Paycuero (leather). Paysandú is also the centre of plantation forest industry in Uruguay, with many companies involved in the planting and harvesting of Eucalyptus plantations.

Recreation

Paysandú has some fine recreational beaches on the Uruguay River which have lifeguards during the summer. It is also home to many sporting clubs, including a Rowing Club, Yacht Club, and numerous others for football, rugby, hockey, tennis and polo.

Department of Paysandú

Paysandú is the capital of the Department that shares the name.

The fertile soils of Paysandú have encouraged much agricultural development. Livestock raising is one of the principal agricultural activities, with cattle being raised for both the dairy and beef industries alongside sheep for wool production. Market-gardening is also prominent with the cultivation of oranges and blueberries, whilst wheat, barley, sunflowers and soya beans are also produced. There is also a small fishing industry on the Uruguay River.

Tourism too, is important for the area. Ecotourism is gaining prominence especially in the Esteros de Farrapos National Park further down the river. In addition many farms provide accommodation and facilities for tourists visiting the area.