APURE

estado (state) in the Llanos (plains) of southwestern Venezuela. It is bounded on the north by Tchira, Barinas, and Gurico states and the Apure River, on the east by Bolvar state and the Orinoco River, and on the south and west by Colombia. The state is famous for its llaneros (cowboys), who were key fighters in the independence movement of the early 19th century. Mounted llaneros still work the area's large cattle ranches, which have driven the local economy from the time of the first European settlements. Drainage is poor, and annual floods are extensive and prolonged. During the harsh dry season the savanna grasses become virtually inedible, and many cattle are driven to wetter areas as far east as the Orinoco River. San Fernando de Apure (q.v.), the state capital and main population centre, has a large meat-packing industry, from which fresh beef is flown to Caracas and other large cities. Several dry-season highways run deep into the state from the north and west. Area 29,500 square miles (76,500 square km). Pop. (1990) 305,132; (1995 est.) 376,220.