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 | |
.svg.png.webp) Flag | |
 Location of the municipality and town of Mongua in the Boyacá Department of Colombia. | |
| Country |  Colombia |
| Department | Boyacá Department |
| Province | Sugamuxi Province |
| Founded | 4 November 1977 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Marco Fidel Silva Rojas (2020-2023) |
| Area | |
| • Municipality and town | 365.5 km2 (141.1 sq mi) |
| • Urban | 13.79 km2 (5.32 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 2,975 m (9,760 ft) |
| Population (2005) | |
| • Municipality and town | 4,717 |
| • Urban | 1,628 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time) |
| Website | Official 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]
Gallery
Central square
Laguna negra ("black lake")
Laguna negra
Laguna negra waterfall
References
- (in Spanish) Official website Mongua - accessed 06-05-2016
- (in Spanish) Etymology Mongua - accessed 06-05-2016
