Ibagué, Colombia

Ibagué (1985 pop. 288,575 2000 pop. 422,5499 is the capital of the department of Tolima in Colombia. It is situated 1,285 m (4,216 ft) above sea level, on the eastern slopes of the Cordillera Central between the Chipalo and Combeima rivers, tributaries of the Cuello River. It is on the road from Armenia to Bogotá, near the pass that connects to the Cauca Valley, and as a result is a commercial center. It also benefits from the beautiful surrounding mountains and the nearby getaway villa of Villa Restrepo.

It was founded by Spanish captain Andres Lopez de Galarza on October 14th 1550 as "Villa de San Bonifacio de Ibagué". Due to the frequent attacks by indigenous Pijaos commanded by cacique Ibagué, the city was founded again in its current location. Ibagué was in 1854 briefly the capital of the republic. In 1908, when the department of Tolima was created, Ibagué became its capital.Tolima University was founded in 1945, and raised to university status in 1954.

The surrounding countryside produces coffee, cacao, tobacco, sugarcane, and rice.

Ibague is also famous for being the home of Colombia's best arepas, tamales and lechona.

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