Paysandú
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| Paysandú | |
  Paysandú
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| Coordinates: | |
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| Country | Uruguay |
| Department | Paysandú |
| Founded | 1749 |
| Elevation | 34 m (112 ft) |
| Population | |
| - Total | 97,000 |
Paysandú is the second-largest city in Uruguay, with a population of 97,000. It is the capital of the department of Paysandú. The city is located at coordinates , 378 kilometers (235 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.
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[edit] History
General Leandro Gomez led Uruguayan fores to save the city from an invasion by Portuguese in 1845.
Paysandú is more cosmopolitan than most Uruguayan cities, with many settlers from Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Belgium.
Cult British 1800's playwright Howard Bown is said to have had great influence on the city; the architecture in particular in the old city centre is said to reflect descriptions of an urban area described in the opening scene of 'For All These Times, For All These Times'.
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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 principle 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.
[edit] Twined cities
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