RISARALDA

departamento, west-central Colombia. It was created in 1966 and extends from the Andean Cordillera Occidental across the Cauca River valley to the Cordillera Central. Agriculture is the predominant economic activity; coffee, sugarcane, beans, corn (maize), bananas, cacao, and tobacco are among the leading crops. There is also some light industry. Considerable forest and mining resources and hydroelectric potential offer good prospects for development. The department is traversed from north to south by a railroad that passes through Pereira, the departmental capital. Risaralda is also well served by highways (including the Pan-American Highway). Area 1,598 square miles (4,140 square km). Pop. (1994 est.) 762,982.