San José de Mayo

San José de Mayo (Spanish pronunciation: [saŋ xoˈse ðe ˈmaʝo]) is the capital city of the San José Department in southern Uruguay.

San José de Mayo
Capital city
The Intendencia of San José
San José de Mayo
Location in Uruguay
Coordinates: 34°20′0″S 56°43′0″W
Country Uruguay
DepartmentSan José Department
Founded1783
Population
 (2011 Census)
 • Total36,743
 • Demonym
maragato,-a
Time zoneUTC -3
Postal code
80000
Dial plan+598 434 (+5 digits)
ClimateCfa

Location and geography

The city is located at the centre of the state, on the intersection of Route 3 with Route 11, 90 kilometres (56 mi) from the centre of Montevideo. The railroad track connecting Montevideo with Colonia and with the northwest of the country passes through the city. The river Río San José flows along the northeastern and eastern limits of the city.

History

San José de Mayo was founded on 1 July 1783. It had acquired "Villa" (town) status before the Independence of Uruguay, which was elevated to "Ciudad" (city) on 12 July 1856 by the Act of Ley Nº 495.[1] During the 19th century it became a commercial and cultural centre, known as "Montevideo chico" ("little Montevideo"). The theatre "Teatro Macció" was constructed at the turn of the 20th century.

Population

In 2011 San José de Mayo had a population of 36,743.[2]

YearPopulation
18673,224
190812,297
196327,482
197528,554
198531,825
199634,552
200436,129
201136,743

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística de Uruguay[1]

Places of worship

Economy

Besides being the administrative capital of the department, the city is an active regional commercial and financial centre. Its economy is linked mainly to cattle ranching, and it is an agro-industrial centre for dairy products, packing houses, mills, and chemicals.

References
  1. "Statistics of urban localities (1867–2004)" (PDF). INE. 2012. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
  2. "Censos 2011 Cuadros San José". INE. 2012. Archived from the original on 9 March 2013. Retrieved 25 August 2012.


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