MOQUEGUA

departamento (formed 1857) of southern Peru, stretching inland from the Pacific Ocean. Agriculture is the principal economic activity. Extensive vineyards and olive orchards are found in irrigated areas on the arid coast and lower mountain slopes. Alfalfa is grown for the llamas, alpacas, and other livestock pastured in the Andes Mountains of the north, where Indians practice subsistence agriculture. The capital city of Moquegua (q.v.) is the major urban centre. With the growth of the fish-meal and copper industries, the seaport of Ilo has undergone rapid development. The Pan-American Highway crosses the coastal area, but few roads penetrate the mountainous areas. Area 6,105 square miles (15,813 square km). Pop. (1991 est.) 132,400. capital of Mariscal Nieto provincia and Moquegua departamento, southern Peru. It lies along the Moquegua River at 4,626 feet (1,410 m) above sea level. Founded in 1626 as Villa de Santa Catalina del Guadalczar del Valle de Moquegua (Town of Saint Catherine of Guadalczar of Moquegua Valley), it was granted city status in 1823. It serves as a processing and agricultural centre for the surrounding area. Olives, grapes, and cotton are principal crops, and cotton ginning, wine making, liquor distilling, and olive-oil processing are among the city's industries. Located on the Pan-American Highway, Moquegua is connected by rail to its seaport at Ilo, 37 miles (60 km) south, and can be reached by air. Pop. (1990 est.) city, 31,500.