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87-548: Located in the northwest of the country, the province has the capital of San Miguel de Tucumán , often shortened to Tucumán. Neighboring provinces are, clockwise from the north: Salta , Santiago del Estero and Catamarca . It is nicknamed El Jardín de la República ( The Garden of the Republic ), as it is a highly productive agricultural area. The word Tucumán probably originated from the Quechua languages . It may represent

174-457: A Peronist , would become indispensable to local politics (a Caudillo ), exerting influence mostly by proxy. Upon his death in 1988, he was succeeded by his son Ramon . In 1990, however, close friends of the Saadis were involved in the brutal murder of a local teenager, Maria Soledad Morales ; this cause cèlebre cost Gov. Saadi much of his popularity and, in 1991, his office, when Catamarca (for

261-412: A certain normality. Its economy has recovered strongly during the expansive period Argentina has had in the decade since 2002. José Alperovich , elected governor in 2003, has presided over record investment in public works while reaping criticism for attempts to eliminate term limits for his office. Despite Tucumán's small size, it has two main different geographical systems. The east is associated with

348-680: A deformation of the term Yucumán , which denotes the "place of origin of several rivers". It can also be a deformation of the word Tucma , which means "the end of things". Before Spanish colonization, the region lay in the outer limits of the Inca empire . Before the Spanish colonization , this land was inhabited by the Diaguitas and Tonocotes . In 1533, Diego de Almagro explored the Argentine Northwest , including Tucumán. In 1549

435-477: A mean annual temperature of 13.1 °C (55.6 °F) (summers average 17.1 °C (62.8 °F) while winters average 9.0 °C (48.2 °F)) in the Tafi valley. Precipitation in the lowlands ranges from 600 mm (24 in) in the east, to close to 1,200 mm in the foothills (48 in), in a very monsoonal pattern with 4-5 completely dry winter months, and a peak of about 200 mm (7.9 in) in

522-433: A national monument. After the national government broke down in 1820, the town was capital of the short-lived Republic of Tucumán . Its telephone code is 0381, and its postal codes are T4000 (Center), T4001 (North), T4002 (South) and T4003 (East). San Miguel de Tucuman lies in a transition zone between temperate climates to the south, and subtropical climates to the north. It has a humid subtropical climate ( Cwa ) under

609-659: A part of a modernizing program with the government in trying to make a successful medical records system. This would collect data from all the different resources and compile it into one database making it a lot easier and quicker for patients to pull up medical history, medical records, or anything of that nature. This is a big step for the Tucuman region . San Miguel de Tucumán is twinned with: 26°49′S 65°13′W  /  26.817°S 65.217°W  / -26.817; -65.217 Catamarca Province Catamarca ( Spanish pronunciation: [kataˈmaɾka] )

696-625: A private airport, located 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) west from the city, for private aviation. It is locally known as Aeroclub. The city has also four railway stations , with only the Mitre Railway terminus operating passenger trains to Retiro in Buenos Aires, with intermediate stops in Santiago del Estero and Santa Fe provinces amongst other stations. The other train station active is Belgrano Railway station , originally built by

783-532: A repressive policy, triggering a rebellion by the native people. Outnumbered, the colonists were forced to move in 1553 to a new location, where they founded the town of Santiago del Estero . By 1565, Diego de Villaroel founded San Miguel de Tucumán and the Provincia de Tucumán, Juríes y Diaguitas was organized. Because of frequent attacks by the indigenous peoples, the Malones , in 1685, San Miguel de Tucumán

870-607: A rule of thumb, the far east is drier and hotter, whereas the Piedmont has many storms in the summer which moderate temperatures. The first foothills are very humid, supporting a dense jungle, and as altitude increases, a thick forest and then cool grasslands. The westernmost areas are once again a bit dryer because of a rain shadow. The eastern parts have an average annual temperature of 18 to 20 °C (64.4 to 68.0 °F). Summers are hot with mean temperatures averaging between 24 and 26 °C (75.2 and 78.8 °F) while in winter,

957-700: A strong element the local economy. Mountains and geological formation are the main attraction, with sights such as Antofagasta de la Sierra , Balcones del Valle, the Snow-Covered Summits of Aconquija, and the San Francisco Pass . The road over the San Francisco Pass, an endeavor developed during the Castillo Administrations (1991–2003) at a high cost in public funds has failed to bring trade and tourism to

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1044-651: A tower inspired in the palaces of Florence (specially Palazzo Vecchio ), the old Legislature, the Palace of Justice, the Casino (former Savoy Hotel, built in 1912), the birthplace of Nicolás Avellaneda , the Colegio Nacional Bartolomé Mitre and the Campo de las Carreras, where the battle of Tucumán took place and which is now an historical park. For decades, San Miguel de Tucumán has been one of

1131-527: A wide area of abundant vegetation and justifies Tucumán's title of "Jardín de la República" (Garden of the Republic). Long among the most underdeveloped Argentine provinces, Tucumán Province has been growing strongly, and its economy, the nation's seventh-largest, reached US$ 7.2 billion in 2006. Its per capita output of US$ 5,400 (around US$ 7,900 in 2011) was nearly 40% below the national average, but compares favourably with that of most of its neighbors. In 2012,

1218-436: A wide array of events, including plays, concerts, operas, and ballet, all year round. The Septiembre Musical is by far the most important cultural event during the year. This music festival, generally held at Independence Square, brings together several local and national artists who perform different musical styles ranging from folk music to rock. Universities in the city include the public National University of Tucumán and

1305-558: Is San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca , usually shortened to Catamarca. Other important cities include Andalgalá , Tinogasta , and Belén . Eighty percent of Catamarca's territory of 102,602 square kilometers (2.7% of the country total), is covered by mountains, which can be grouped into four clearly differentiated systems: the Pampean sierras, in the east and center; the Narváez-Cerro Negro-Famatina system, in

1392-831: Is 2.35‰, while density amounts to 2.6 inhabitants per square kilometer. Urban population represents 70%. (1991). Catamarca's economy is Argentina's smallest, though still developed. Its 2006 economy was estimated at US$ 1.728 billion, or, US$ 5,284 per capita, 40% below the national average. Less diversified than most in Argentina, agriculture has never played an important role in the Catamarca economy (contributing less than 5% to its output). The province's livestock includes around 200,000 head of cattle, 100,000 sheep , and 150,000 goats , with an annual production of 7,000 tonnes of beef, 5 tonnes of mutton/lamb, and 10 tonnes of pork, although outbreaks of foot and mouth disease has kept at times

1479-408: Is a province of Argentina , located in the northwest of the country. The province had a population of 429,556 as per the 2022 census [ INDEC ] , and covers an area of 102,602 km . Its literacy rate is 95.5%. Neighbouring provinces are (clockwise, from the north): Salta , Tucumán , Santiago del Estero , Córdoba , and La Rioja . To the west it borders the country of Chile . The capital

1566-488: Is also based in the city of San Miguel de Tucumán but was founded in 1901. This team is the oldest football club in the Tucumán Province and the team has five national titles (1959, 2004, 2005, 2007–08, and 2008–09) and also many regional titles. Basketball is also a popular sport, some clubs are Juan Bautista Alberdi Club, Central Córdoba Club, Belgrano Club, Villa Luján Club, Tucumán BB Club and others. Tucumán

1653-416: Is also big in lemons and blueberries, exporting almost 80% of the harvest to other countries. Cultural and sport tourism is common in the province, and attracts a number of Argentine tourists every year. The Panamerican Highway ( Route 9 ) crosses San Miguel de Tucumán , and connects it with Santiago del Estero and Buenos Aires. The city also serves as a mid-stop for tourists visiting other provinces of

1740-518: Is bordered on the north by Las Talitas ( Tafí Viejo ), on the east by Banda del Río Salí and Alderetes (Cruz Alta), on the west by the city of Yerba Buena , and on the south by Lules. The city is located on the slopes of the Aconquija mountains, the easternmost mountain range before the large Chaco - Pampean flats. It is the commercial center of an irrigated area that produces large quantities of sugarcane , rice , tobacco , and fruit , giving

1827-410: Is concentrated during summer. This is due to the mountains that block moist air from Pacific Ocean . Mean annual precipitation decreases from north to south and from east to west; some areas receive an annual rainfall of 50 mm (2 in). Owing to its high altitude, the climate is characterized by low temperatures. The thermal amplitude is large, reaching up to 40 °C (72 °F) due to

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1914-422: Is distributed by canals and irrigation ditches. The province is located in the semi–arid region of Argentina. Mean annual precipitation of the province is around 400 to 500 mm (16 to 20 in) which decreases significantly to the west. The province is characterized by the presence of different microclimates based on variations in altitude. In general, there are three different climatic zones found within

2001-550: Is divided into the usual three branches: the executive, headed by a popularly elected governor, who appoint the cabinet; the legislative; and the judiciary, headed by the Supreme Court and completed by several inferior tribunals. The Constitution of Catamarca Province forms the formal law of the province. In Argentina, the most important law enforcement organization is the Argentine Federal Police but

2088-440: Is home to one of the largest copper gold mines in the world, Bajo de la Alumbrera , which produces approximately 600,000 ounces of gold and 190,000 tonnes of copper annually. The mine employs over 1,000 people and contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes and royalties to the federal and provincial governments. The agriculture of Catamarca focuses on wood ( walnut ), vineyards, olive, citrus, cotton and tobacco, for which

2175-420: Is often sunny and arid. April marks the beginning of the fall, but temperatures remain near summer levels: 21 to 27 °C (69.8 to 80.6 °F) during the day, and 12 to 18 °C (53.6 to 64.4 °F) during the night. Rainfall decreases as fall progresses. Summers are the hottest and most humid time of year. The average temperature during the summer ranges from 24 to 26 °C (75.2 to 78.8 °F). In

2262-504: Is part of the Provincial Health System (Sistema Provincial de Salud or SIPROSA). This system divided the Tucuman province into four systematic areas with San Miguel being in its own area. Each area has its own public hospitals and Health Primary Attention Centers for the people. This divisions purpose was to help regulate health care assistance across the population and make it more accessible. Since then, SIPROSA has been

2349-432: Is possible after cold fronts from the south caused by Pampero winds which brings in cooler air. These winds can be strong following a hot day in advance of the cold fronts. The highest temperature recorded was 45.0 °C (113.0 °F) on October 31, 2009 while the lowest temperature recorded was −3.0 °C (26.6 °F) on July 16, 1962. The first foundation of "San Miguel de Tucumán y Nueva Tierra de Promisión"

2436-466: Is the capital and largest city of Tucumán Province , located in northern Argentina 1,311 kilometres (815 mi) from Buenos Aires . It is the fifth-largest city of Argentina after Buenos Aires, Córdoba , Rosario and Mendoza and the most important of the northern region. The Spanish conquistador Diego de Villarroel founded the city in 1565 in the course of an expedition from present-day Peru . Tucumán moved to its present site in 1685. The city

2523-478: Is the city's airport (though located 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) east of the city, in the neighboring department of Cruz Alta) serving over 290,000 passengers a year. There are daily flights to Buenos Aires , Jujuy , Santiago del Estero , Campo Arenal, the Minera Alumbrera Gold Mine, as well as international flights to Santa Cruz de la Sierra , Bolivia . The Mauricio Gilli Aerodrome is

2610-451: Is the coldest month with a mean temperature of 12.1 °C (53.8 °F). Frosts are uncommon, with some years recording no frosts at all. Usually, when frosts occur, they are light with temperatures rarely falling below −2 °C (28.4 °F). Winters are sunny, averaging 9–12 clear days and 9–12 overcast days per month. Snow is extremely rare, but in 2007, it reached the city center. There have been other episodes of sleet and snow in

2697-558: The Argentine Championship of Unions ; this is the greatest number won by a hinterland union. Other important rugby clubs of the city are Natación y Gimnasia , Cardenales , Tucumán Lawn Tennis , Los Tarcos , amongst others. The fans of the rugby of Tucumán are the most passionate among the Argentines. The city is served by several bus lines that have routes within the city limits, and some others that connect it to

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2784-604: The Córdoba Central Railway and currently operated by freight company Trenes Argentinos Cargas y Logística . Railway stations in San Martín de Tucumán: Notes: San Miguel de Tucumán is home to two free-to-air television stations ( Channel 8 and Channel 10 ), four newspapers ( La Gaceta , El Siglo , El Periódico , El Tribuno de Tucumán ), three cable television companies (CCC, ATS, and TCC), and several radio stations. San Miguel de Tucuman

2871-523: The Directorio , Governor Bernabé Aráoz on March 22, 1820, proclaimed the creation of the Federal Republic of Tucumán . The experiment collapsed, however, when the neighboring provinces of Catamarca and Santiago del Estero withdrew the following year. The beginning of the 20th century, with the customs restrictions and the arrival of the railway , brought prosperous economic times for

2958-574: The Gran Chaco flat lands, while the west presents a mixture of the Sierras of the Pampas to the south and the canyons of the Argentine Northwest to the north. The Cerro del Bolsón is the highest peak at an elevation of 5,550 metres (18,209 ft). The Salí is the province's main river. Tucumán also has four dams that are used for hydroelectricity and irrigation: El Cadillal on Salí River,

3045-472: The Köppen climate classification , with vastly more precipitation in the summer than in the winter. The average annual temperature is 19.3 °C (66.7 °F). The precipitation pattern is monsoonal: out of the 966 mm (38.0 in) that fall annually, most of it falls in the summer months, while the winter months tend to be drier. The average temperature in winter is 13.6 °C (56.5 °F). July

3132-602: The National Technological University , and the private (and Catholic) Saint Thomas Aquinas University of the North and the Saint Paul T University . Since August 2008, the city has been the location of trials of high-ranking former military officers charged with war crimes from the 1976–83 dictatorship . Luciano Menéndez , a former colonel, was convicted for crimes against humanity, including

3219-560: The Paso de San Francisco (4722 m), 64 west from Santiago del Estero to join 38 and 157 north from La Guardia 103 km to Frias where it connects with 89 west from Villa San Martin (Santiago del Estero), and north to Tucuman province at San Pedro , connecting with 64 near Las Cañas . There is an airport at Catamarca, the Coronel Felipe Varela International Airport . The provincial government

3306-746: The Río de la Plata and the Upper Peru and Santa Cruz de la Sierra , San Miguel de Tucumán was designated as the venue for the Congress of Independence. On July 9, 1816, the Independence of Argentina was declared, not only from Spain but from any other foreign domination. The act of the Independence was signed at the Casa de Tucumán , also named "Casa Histórica" or "Casa de la Independencia". By 1850

3393-631: The Tucumán Provincial Police . The provincial government is divided into three branches: the executive, headed by a popularly elected governor, who appoints the cabinet; the legislative ; and the judiciary , headed by the Supreme Court. The Constitution of Tucumán Province forms the formal law of the province. The province is divided into 17 departments (Spanish departamentos). San Miguel de Tucum%C3%A1n San Miguel de Tucumán ( Spanish pronunciation: [ˈsam miˈɣel de tukuˈman] ), usually called simply Tucumán ,

3480-508: The Viceroyalty of Peru to Buenos Aires . It produced cattle, textiles, and wood products that provided supplies for the convoys on their way to Buenos Aires. Because of its important geographical position, and as head of the civil and Catholic governments, it acquired special importance during the 18th century. The creation of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata in 1776 meant the end of

3567-668: The Argentine Northwest. The Teniente General Benjamín Matienzo International Airport has regular flights to Buenos Aires , Lima , Santiago , Cordoba and São Paulo , and receives almost 800,000 passengers every year. The most visited destinations of the Province are the Campo de los Alisos National Park , Valles Calchaquíes , Tafí del Valle , Ruins of Quilmes , the Diaguita community of Amaicha del Valle , and

Tucumán Province - Misplaced Pages Continue

3654-562: The Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Lourdes are some of the most important churches of the city. The Casa de Tucumán (or "Casa de la Independencia"), as the site of the declaration of independence of Argentina, is the most significant building in the city. After the Congress of Tucumán various people lived in the house and deterioration became visible over the years, which is clearly evident in the famous photo taken by Angel Paganelli in 1869. The Government of Argentina acquired

3741-452: The Independence of Argentina. After the battle of Tucumán, the same army led by Belgrano would achieve another victory in Salta . After those battles, Belgrano established a circular fortress known as "La Ciudadela", located 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) from the current Plaza de la Independencia (former Plaza Mayor). Because it had patriot barracks and was located on an intermediate point between

3828-539: The Peruvian governor Pedro de la Gasca granted Juan Núñez de Prado the territory of Tucumán. Prado established the first Spanish settlement at the town of Barco on the Dulce River . Prado named his province "Tucumán" after Tucumamahao, one of the leaders of the local people who formed an alliance with him. In 1552, Francisco de Aguirre was dispatched to take possession of the territory for Chile. Aguirre followed

3915-664: The additional work is carried out by the Catamarca Provincial Police . Since its foundation in 1991 by the Catamarcan branch of the Radical Civic Union and minor local parties the Civic and Social Front of Catamarca has dominated state politics. It has held the governor's house in Catamarca, first with Arnoldo Castillo (1991–1999), then with his son Oscar Castillo (1999–2003), and now with

4002-458: The army led by Manuel Belgrano . Belgrano had been obliged to fall back to Córdoba by the government of Buenos Aires, but the inhabitants of Tucumán called on him to resist another Spanish invasion. With his troops almost unarmed and tired but reinforced by local gauchos (calling themselves Los decididos de Tucumán ), Belgrano attacked the Spanish army from behind, defeating them and ensuring

4089-500: The behest of the dictatorship that deposed Perón in 1976. Efficient as well as ruthless, Bussi oversaw the completion of several stalled public works, but also presided over some of the worst human rights abuses during that painful 1976-77 period. Retaining a sizable following, Bussi was elected governor in his own right in 1995, but lost much of his earlier popularity during his four-year tenure. Life in Tucumán has since returned to

4176-402: The city of San Miguel de Tucumán . Four important universities are in the province: Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (with 60,000 students), Universidad Tecnológica Nacional , Universidad del Norte Santo Tomás de Aquino , and Universidad de San Pablo-T . In Argentina, the most important law enforcement organization is the Argentine Federal Police but the additional work is carried out by

4263-460: The city's population had increased considerably, surpassing the estimated registers. Because of that, in 1870 it was proposed that the city be expanded, setting new limits. During those years, the first railway line reached the city, built by British -owned Córdoba Central Railway . The immigrants arriving in the region (most of whom were Spanish, Arabic, Jewish, and Italian) influenced the architectural style that adapted to those new cultures, leaving

4350-473: The combination of low humidity and high solar radiation. Before the arrival of the Spanish conquest , most of today's Catamarca was inhabited by the Diaguitas indigenous people, including the fierce Calchaquí tribe. In 1558 Juan Pérez de Zurita founded San Juan de la Ribera de Londres , but since it was constantly under attack by indigenous people its population remained small; it was re-founded several times at new sites with new names. The sixth foundation

4437-535: The congressists. In 1942 the house was completely rebuilt, based on the original plans and the picture taken by Paganelli in 1869. For that purpose, the same kind of bricks, tejas (roof tiles) and baldosas (stone floor tiles) were used. Other notable buildings of San Miguel include the Teatro San Martín (with some elements in neoclassical style), and the Correo Central, made in a mix of styles and

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4524-674: The convoys from Perú to Buenos Aires. Tucumán, with 20,000 inhabitants by that time, suffered also from the British imports from the newly opened customs of Buenos Aires, no longer under the monopoly of the Spanish Crown. In 1783, the Intendancy of Tucumán was divided; Tucumán was set under the control of the Intendancy of Salta del Tucumán , with its centre in Salta . José de San Martín arrived in Tucumán in 1813 and installed

4611-642: The cultural spots in the country, in part due to the influence of the National University of Tucumán . It has been the birthplace and/or home of well-known personalities such as folk singer Mercedes Sosa , author Tomas Eloy Martínez , a professor at Rutgers University in the United States; musician Miguel Ángel Estrella , artist/architect Tomás Saraceno , painter Luis Lobo de la Vega , and many others. Two large theatres (San Martín and Alberdi) and several smaller and independent theaters offer

4698-531: The first time) voted in a Radical Civic Union (UCR) candidate, Arnoldo Castillo . Elected to the Senate by his still considerable following, Saadi is today an ally of President Cristina Kirchner , though the governor's seat remains in the UCR's column. Ethno-racial groups in Catamarca (2022 census) According to the 2022 Argentine national census, the Province of Catamarca has 429,556 inhabitants. Annual growth rate

4785-434: The government gives tax cuts to facilitate economic growth , but so far with poor results and no oversight. Tourism is a lesser contributor to the economy in Catamarca, with more than 3,465 beds in hotels and other types of accommodation. Although high hopes are focused in this industry, lack of infrastructure, service-oriented and trained businesses and an overall endemic corruption culture, tourism has yet to become

4872-405: The historic house in 1874 with a view to its serving as a post office. Starting in the 1880s celebrations took place in the building to commemorate Independence. Nevertheless, the government did not remodel the house until 1903, when it was demolished almost completely due to its very poor condition. The only room that was preserved from demolition was the room where the Independence was declared by

4959-565: The kidnapping and disappearance of senator (Guillermo Vargas Aignasse) on the night of the golpe (coup) in 1976. Many Abuelas de la Plaza de Mayo (Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo) have been seen in and around the Tucumán trials. The convictions of Menéndez and Ricardo Bussi were the first of this round of prosecution of military leaders of the Jorge Rafael Videla dictatorship. Their sentencings were seen as symbolic victories for

5046-470: The mean temperatures are between 10 and 12 °C (50.0 and 53.6 °F). Easternmost parts of the province, which borders the Chaco region are home to the highest and lowest temperatures in the province where absolute maximum temperatures can exceed 40 °C (104.0 °F) while absolute minimum temperatures can reach close to −7 °C (19.4 °F) owing to the accumulation of cold air that descends from

5133-631: The military school. In 1814, the Intendancy of Salta was divided into the present provinces. On July 9, 1816, at the Congress of Tucumán , the Provincias Unidas del Río de la Plata ("United Provinces of the Río de la Plata") declared their independence from Spain . Internal conflicts delayed the final fusion of the provinces into the República Argentina . Following the failure of Argentina's first independence-era government,

5220-543: The mothers and grandmothers whose children or husbands were " disappeared " by the military during that dark period of Argentine history. Association football is the most popular sport in the city. San Miguel's main football clubs are Club Atlético San Martín de Tucumán and Club Atlético Tucumán . Club Atletico San Martín is based out of San Miguel de Tucumán and was founded in 1909. This team has won four total national titles (1944, 1988, 2005, and 2007–08) and several regional titles. The longtime rival, Club Atletico Tucumán,

5307-419: The mountains around the city, and in 2010, sleet was reported downtown again, a very rare event. Spring and fall are transition seasons. Springs are very short, and by October, summer weather settles in the city, with highs beyond 30 °C (86.0 °F) very common. This is due to the dryness of the season: daytime highs are close to those in the summer, when rainfall and clouds are persistent, whereas spring

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5394-414: The mountains. At higher altitudes, the climate is cooler with summer temperatures averaging 20 °C (68.0 °F) and winter temperatures averaging 10 °C (50.0 °F). The annual temperature in the higher altitudes is 12 to 14 °C (53.6 to 57.2 °F) at an altitude of 2,500 metres (8,202.1 ft) above sea level. Within the valleys located between the mountains, temperatures are cooler with

5481-468: The neighbouring cities of Yerba Buena, El Manantial, Tafí Viejo, Las Talitas, Banda del Río Salí, and Alderetes. San Miguel de Tucumán enjoys one of the largest bus stations in Argentina. The 30,000 m estación central de ómnibus (opened in 1994) is the point from where hundreds of bus services arrive from and depart to almost all of the largest and mid-size cities throughout the country. The Teniente General Benjamín Matienzo International Airport (TUC/SANT)

5568-538: The original colonial style behind. Therefore, new buildings in the city were made in Neoclassical , eclectic and picturesque styles. During the first years of the 20th century, the city added 400 hectares (990 acres) for recreational uses, and the first great park (similar to those existing in Paris and London ) was thus established. By 1930 the city's population had doubled. The House of Government of Tucumán

5655-715: The per capita income of the province is of 8,000 dollars Known internationally for its prodigious sugarcane (with 2,300 km, and the sugar production, 60% of the country's), Tucumán's economy is quite diversified, and agriculture accounts for about 7% of output. After the sugar crisis of the 1960s, Tucumán tried to diversify its crops, and now cultivates, among others, lemons (world first producer), strawberries , kiwifruit , beans , banana , maize , alfalfa , and soybeans . Cattle, sheep, and goats are raised mainly for local consumption. Manufacturing in Tucumán initially centered on sugar production, but has diversified significantly since 1960. Sugar mills comprise about 15% to

5742-535: The production from reaching full potential. Large numbers of cattle, fattened in the alfalfa fields of Pucara, Tinogasta and Copacabana, were historically driven into northern Chile across the San Francisco pass and mules were bred for the Bolivian market in the 1910s. Mining was important in the past. After becoming less active in the early 1990s, grew to now account for over 20% of the economy. Catamarca

5829-548: The province and its sugarcane production. Numerous landmarks were built, such as Ninth of July Park and the Tucumán Government Palace , and a daily newspaper founded in 1912, La Gaceta , became the most circulated Argentine daily outside Buenos Aires, but the sugar price crisis of the 1960s and President Juan Carlos Onganía 's order to have 11 large state-owned sugar mills closed in 1966, hit Tucumán's economy hard, and ushered in an era of instability for

5916-590: The province its nickname, the Garden of the Republic. The National University of Tucumán (1914) and the Saint Thomas Aquinas University of the North (1965) are in the city. On July 9, 1816, a congress gathered in Tucumán declared independence from Spain , which did not officially recognize it until 1862. The meeting place of the congress, the House of Tucumán , has been reconstructed as

6003-600: The province's most important dam; Embalse Río Hondo on the Hondo River; La Angostura on de los Sosa River; and Escaba on the Marapa River. The Santa María River crosses the Valles Calchaquíes . Tucuman lies at the convergence of temperate climates and tropical climates further north, retaining characteristics of both in the lowlands. Furthermore, it is highly monsoonal, and depends also on elevation. As

6090-413: The province. The northeastern parts of the province have a subtropical highland climate that is characterized by abundant rainfall and high temperatures. Summers are hot while winters are mild with abundant humidity. At the highest peaks of Sierra del Aconquija , snow cover is permanent. Most of the province and its intermontane valleys have an arid climate . Within these valleys which includes

6177-455: The province. In 1975, President Isabel Perón declared a state of emergency in the province. The decree led to Operation Independence , an official military campaign at least as brutal on local magistrates, lawmakers, and faculty as it was on its stated target, the ERP . Violence did not fully abate until the appointment of General Antonio Domingo Bussi , the operation's commander, as governor at

6264-419: The province. The name is believed to come either from Quechua cata 'slope' and marca 'fortress', or from Aymara catán 'small' and marca 'town'. Catamarca remained isolated from the rest of Argentina by its mountains until 1888, when the rapidly expanding railways first appeared in the province. Attracting immigrants with its spacious, fertile valleys and dry, agreeable weather, Catamarca

6351-417: The provincial capital, the climate is characterized by its extreme aridity, large thermal amplitudes (different between day and night temperatures) and strong northeastern winds. The region is characterized by abundant sunshine with winds predominantly coming from the northeast and southeast. Nonetheless, there is large variation between different locations owing to differences in altitude and differences in

6438-643: The rainiest summer month. The eastward-facing slopes concentrate not only the heaviest precipitation, with spots around 1,800 mm (71 in) falling mostly in the 5 months of the summer monsoon, but also have a unique characteristic, which is that during part of the year, they are constantly immersed in a thick fog, providing humidity for the development of a thick jungle. The climate quickly becomes decidedly temperate with altitude, supporting different kinds of forest which even receive some snow every winter, finally reaching high-altitude grasslands with cool, windy weather year-round. The abundant precipitation creates

6525-472: The relief and altitudes of the surrounding mountains that enclose the valleys. Mean annual precipitation ranges from 500 to 700 mm (20 to 28 in) in the eastern parts of the region (some areas receive more than 1,000 mm (39 in)) to less than 150 mm (6 in) in the west. In the arid valleys, mean annual precipitation is around 160 mm (6 in). Most of the precipitation occurs during summer, falling as short but heavy bursts with

6612-435: The rest of the year being dry. Mean annual temperatures range between 16 and 18 °C (61 and 64 °F) with eastern and central parts having mean annual temperatures of 20 °C (68 °F). In summer, the mean temperature is 25 °C (77 °F) although they can reach up to 45 °C (113 °F). Winters, with a mean temperature of 10 °C (50 °F) are characterized by frequent frosts. Locations in

6699-449: The summer, one can expect daytime highs ranging from 30 to 31 °C (86.0 to 87.8 °F); at night, 19 to 20 °C (66.2 to 68.0 °F) are the norm. Much of the rainfall that the city receives occurs during the summer months and cloudy weather tends to be more common, averaging 11–13 overcast days and only 2–4 clear days per month. Heat waves can push temperatures up to 40 to 45 °C (104.0 to 113.0 °F). However, some relief

6786-493: The total economy. Besides the industrialisation of the sugarcane into sugar, paper, and alcohol, food, textile, automotive , and metallurgical industries are present. Among the latter, the freight- truck assembly operated by the Volkswagen Group -controlled Swedish Scania company is probably the best known. Mining is a minor activity, centered on salt, clay, lime, and other non-metallic extractions. The province

6873-464: The underdeveloped Tinogasta county. Cultural attractions include the city of Catamarca, the archaeological park Las Huellas del Inca , prehistoric petroglyphs , local music, handcrafts and wines. Major highways include Ruta 33 from Catamarca 98 km south to San Martin , 38 from Catamarca north via San Pedro 228 km to Tucuman, 60 north-west from Córdoba Province 577 km from La Guardia north-west (partly through La Rioja) to Chile by

6960-602: The west experience colder winters due to their higher altitudes with temperatures that can decrease to −30 °C (−22 °F). During winter, the Zonda wind occasionally occurs, leading to very dry conditions that can lead to dust storms. In the extreme west of the province is the Puna region, mostly located in the Antofagasta de la Sierra Department . The region has a desert climate with very low precipitation; most of it

7047-425: The west; the cordilleran-Catamarca area of transition, in the western extreme; the Puna, an elevated portion, in the northwest. The scarce water resources in Catamarca's arid and semi-arid climate zone determine the human settlement pattern. Agricultural activities are concentrated in pockets and valleys between the mountains. In the east the population is concentrated around a number of water courses, from which water

7134-673: Was built in Art Nouveau style at the end of 19th century. The White Room is commonly used to receive notable people who visit the city. In the city downtown, the San Miguel de Tucumán Cathedral still preserves some colonial elements and other elements from Italian architecture. The Basílica de San Francisco (also declared a historical heritage), the Parroquia de San Roque, Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento (known as "Iglesia de Santo Domingo"), Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Merced and

7221-408: Was by Fernando de Mendoza Mate de Luna on July 5, 1683, with the name San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca . When the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata was created in 1776, Catamarca obtained the title of Subintendencia under the Salta intendency. In 1821, the province claimed its autonomy, and Nicolás Avellaneda y Tula (grandfather of Nicolás Avellaneda ) was elected as the first governor of

7308-458: Was moved by Miguel de Salas some 65 km from its first location, where it was redeveloped. The aborigines of the region presented a strong resistance to the Spanish, who decided to move the defeated tribes toward Buenos Aires . The most noted of these relocations was the case of the Quilmes , who were moved to the city of Quilmes . Tucumán was a midpoint for shipments of gold and silver from

7395-543: Was on May 31, 1565 by Diego de Villarroel in the Campos de Ibatín, 60 kilometres (37 mi) to the southwest from where the current city is located nowadays. The city was moved to "La Toma" (where the old town or casco histórico is placed today) in 1685, due to the low quality of Ibatín water. On September 24, 1812, the Battle of Tucumán took place near the city, when the Spanish army coming from Upper Peru were defeated by

7482-686: Was one of two co-hosts of the 1995 FIBA Americas Championship . The city is also a rugby union hotbed and hosts the Unión de Rugby de Tucumán , as well as the province's two most successful clubs: Tucumán Rugby Club and Universitario . The rugby of Tucumán is the second most powerful in the Argentine, behind the Rugby of the Buenos Aires Union. For eight times, the Naranjas (Oranges) won

7569-463: Was soon favored by immigrants from Lebanon and Iran , who found Catamarca reminiscent of the fertile, orchard-lined mountain valleys of the homes they left behind. One such family, the Saadis, became prominent in local commerce and politics (much as the Syrian Menems in neighbouring La Rioja ). In 1949, the newly designated province elected Vicente Saadi as governor. Eventually, Saadi,

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