LAVALLEJA

departamento, southeastern Uruguay. It was named for Juan Antonio Lavalleja, a hero of Uruguay's struggle for independence. The department contains some of the most rugged areas of Uruguay, including the hills of the Grande Range (Cuchilla Grande). Much of northern Lavalleja is used for livestock raising, the department's principal economic activity. Lands in the south are devoted primarily to production of milk, vegetables, and industrial crops for the Montevideo market. Slate and limestone are quarried, and galena marble, iron ore, emery, and dolomite are mined in the Grande Range. The Pan-American Highway traverses Lavalleja from southwest to northeast, passing through Minas, the capital. Lavalleja is also linked to Montevideo by rail. Area 3,867 square miles (10,016 square km). Pop. (1996) 60,618.