| Santa Cruz Department |
Article Index for Santa Cruz |
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Information AboutSanta Cruz Department |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT SANTA CRUZ DEPARTMENT | |
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Santa Cruz is the largest department in Bolivia , with an area of 370,621 km&2. Population (2001 census) 2,029,471. The Capital is the city of Santa Cruz De La Sierra . The department covers a vast expanse of territory in eastern Bolivia, much of it rainforests, extending from the Andes to the border with Brazil . The department's economy depends largely on Agriculture , with Sugar , Cotton , Soybean s and Rice being grown. In recent years, the discovery of Natural Gas in the department has led to plans for the development of a regional natural gas industry that is likely to boost the local economy. In July 2004, the people of Bolivia voted in a nation-wide Referendum to allow for regulated exportation of the gas. The department also hosts El Mutún , where 70% of the world's Iron and Magnesium are located. Coinciding with the 2005 Bolivia Protests , people of non-indigenous European descent from this wealthier eastern department have been mobilizing against gas nationalization and for greater regional autonomy for Santa Cruz. These demands are supported by several business organizations such as cattle farmers and the agribusiness sector. Because of this, there have been some recent fears about a possible civil war in Bolivia between the predominantly indigenous highlands of the country and the "whiter" eastern part of the country. The department is divided in 15 Province s. PROVINCES OF SANTA CRUZ DEPARTMENT
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