Cogua (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈkoɣwa]) is a municipality and town of Colombia in the department of Cundinamarca. It is situated on northern part of the Bogotá savanna with the urban centre at an altitude of 2,600 metres (8,500 ft) at 50 kilometres (31 mi) from the capital Bogotá. Cogua borders Tausa in the north, Nemocón in the east, Pacho in the west and Zipaquirá in the south.[1]

Cogua
Central square of Cogua
Central square of Cogua
Flag of Cogua
Official seal of Cogua
Nickname: 
current city of pure water
Location of the town and municipality of Cogua in the Cundinamarca Department.
Location of the town and municipality of Cogua in the Cundinamarca Department.
Cogua is located in Colombia
Cogua
Cogua
Location in Colombia
Coordinates: 5°3′19″N 74°1′17″W / 5.05528°N 74.02139°W / 5.05528; -74.02139
Country Colombia
DepartamentoCundinamarca
ProvinceCentral Savanna Province
Founded23 August 1604
Founded byLorenzo de Terrones
Government
 • MayorWilliam Dario Forero Forero
(2016-2019)
Area
 • City113 km2 (44 sq mi)
 • Urban
14 km2 (5 sq mi)
Elevation
2,600 m (8,500 ft)
Population
 (2015)
 • City22,361
 • Density200/km2 (510/sq mi)
 • Urban
7,736
DemonymCoguan
Time zoneUTC-5
Area code1
WebsiteOfficial website
Censo DANE 2005

Etymology

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The name Cogua is derived from Chibcha and means "Support of the hill".[1]

History

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Cogua in the times before the Spanish conquest was inhabited by the Muisca who lived on the Altiplano Cundiboyacense and had established an advanced civilization. Cogua is located between two important sources of salt in the Muisca economy; Zipaquirá and Nemocón.

Modern Cogua was founded on August 23, 1604 by Lorenzo de Terrones.[1]

Economy

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Main economical activities of Cogua are agriculture and livestock farming.[1] The Neusa Reservoir is located within the boundaries of Cogua.

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Panorama of the Neusa Reservoir, Cogua

References

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  1. ^ a b c d (in Spanish) Official website Cogua Archived 2015-05-20 at archive.today
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5°04′N 73°59′W / 5.067°N 73.983°W / 5.067; -73.983