Mongua

Mongua is a town and municipality in Sugamuxi Province in the Colombian Department of Boyacá. Mongua is situated in the Eastern Ranges of the Colombian Andes at altitudes between 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) and 4,000 metres (13,000 ft). The municipality borders Gámeza, Socotá, Pisba, Labranzagrande, Aquitania, Sogamoso, Monguí and Tópaga.[1]

Mongua
Municipality and town
Central square of Mongua
Flag
Location of the municipality and town of Mongua in the Boyacá Department of Colombia.
Country Colombia
DepartmentBoyacá Department
ProvinceSugamuxi Province
Founded4 November 1977
Government
 • MayorMarco Fidel Silva Rojas
(2020-2023)
Area
 • Municipality and town365.5 km2 (141.1 sq mi)
 • Urban
13.79 km2 (5.32 sq mi)
Elevation
2,975 m (9,760 ft)
Population
 (2005)
 • Municipality and town4,717
 • Urban
1,628
Time zoneUTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time)
WebsiteOfficial website

History

In the centuries before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, the central highlands of Colombia (Altiplano Cundiboyacense) were inhabited by the Muisca. Mongua was part of the rule of the iraca of Sugamuxi. According to the Muisca religion, the messenger god Bochica traveled to Gámeza and took shelter in a cave called Toy´ña. The cacique of Mongua brought him gifts in the cave.[1]

Mongua in the Chibcha language of the Muisca means either "bath on the hill",[2] or "land of the rising Sun".[1]

Economy

Main economical activities in Mongua are agriculture (predominantly potatoes) and coal mining.[1]

  • Central square
  • Laguna negra ("black lake")
  • Laguna negra
  • Laguna negra waterfall

References
  1. (in Spanish) Official website Mongua - accessed 06-05-2016
  2. (in Spanish) Etymology Mongua - accessed 06-05-2016

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