ICA

departamento (formed 1866) of southern Peru, composed of the western slope of the Andes, the arid Pacific coast, the northern end of the coastal range, and the Chincha Islands. Ica is sparsely inhabited, except in irrigated areas such as the Chincha and Ica valleys. Cotton cultivation is widespread; the white, long-stapled cotton grown in the irrigated lands of the Peruvian coast originated in the Pisco valley. Grapes and other fruits are also important products; at Ica city, the departmental capital, the well-known brandy named for the port of Pisco (through which it is exported) is made. Fishing is important at Pisco and San Andrs. Area 8,235 square miles (21,328 square km). Pop. (1991 est.) 527,400. city, capital of Ica departamento, southern Peru. It is located about 30 miles (48 km) from the Pacific Ocean and 170 miles (275 km) southeast of Lima in the extremely arid and intensively irrigated coastal valley of the Ica River. Ica lies within a wide expanse of high plains that border the Andean foothills to the east. A town (originally called Valverde) established nearby in 1563 was moved to the present site of Ica after being destroyed by an earthquake in 1569. It was officially renamed San Jernimo de Ica in 1640. The region has long been known for the cultivation and processing of cotton and grapes. A university was established in the city in 1961, and the Cabrera Museum has a collection of stones and pottery of the Nazca culture (c. 200 BCAD 600). Ica is connected by rail and road to the port of Pisco 40 miles (64 km) northwest. Pop. (1990 est.) 152,300.